Well Woman Exams
Better Health Starts With Regular Screenings
At Murrieta Health & Aesthetics in Murrieta, CA, we believe better health starts with regular screenings to detect and treat potential problems early. Annual exams, also called well woman exams, are a key part of preventive care for every woman.
Important Health Screening Milestones
The screenings and services you need at your annual exam depend on your age and stage of life. These may include:
- Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap tests)
- STD Testing
- Birth Control Prescriptions
- Preconception Counseling
- Screening for Infertility Issues
- Screening for Irregular Periods
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Ovarian Cancer Screening
- Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancers
- Screening for Bothersome Menopausal Symptoms
- Osteoporosis Screening
- Blood Pressure Screening
Pap Tests – What You Need to Know
Pap Test Overview: A Pap test screens for cervical cancer by detecting early precancerous changes. During the test, your provider performs a speculum exam and removes a small sample of cells from your cervix painlessly. These cells are then sent to a lab for microscopic evaluation.
Screening guidelines can vary based on your age, medical history, and overall health. Below is a general overview of when Pap tests are recommended:
- Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years.
- Ages 30–64: Pap test every 5 years with HPV co-testing.
- Age 65+: Pap tests may be discontinued if previous results were normal and there are no additional risk factors for cervical cancer, such as a recent change in sexual partner, a recent STI, use of oral corticosteroids, or autoimmune conditions that affect immune response and healing.
Genetic Testing for
Inherited Cancers
We partner with Myriad Genetics to offer advanced testing for multiple inherited cancers. During your well woman exam, talk to one of our providers about your personal and family history to learn whether you qualify.
You may qualify if you have a personal or close family history (first or second degree relative) of the following:
• Triple-negative breast cancer
• Breast or colorectal cancer before age 50
• Male breast cancer
• Two or more types of cancer in the same person
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Metastatic prostate cancer
• Ashkenazi Jewish descent
Understanding your genetic risk can empower you and your healthcare team to take preventive action, guide early detection, and protect your long-term health.
Breast Cancer Screening – Early Detection Matters
At Murrieta Health & Aesthetics, we believe knowing your breasts is your best defense against breast cancer. Early detection saves lives. We recommend monthly self-breast exams at home and annual clinical breast exams during your well-woman visit. Several imaging options are available to support early detection and personalized care.
3D Mammogram (Tomosynthesis)
- Most common screening tool for breast cancer
- Recommended starting between ages 45 and 50
- Typically performed every 1–3 years depending on individual risk
- Detects small calcifications and subtle abnormalities that may not be felt
- Uses low-dose X-rays with minimal radiation exposure
Ultrasound (HerScan)
- Offered as an alternative to mammogram, though not FDA-approved as a stand-alone screening tool
- Used alongside mammograms for women with dense breast tissue or palpable breast masses
- Uses sound waves to create images with no radiation exposure
QT Scan (Quantitative Transmission)
- FDA-approved breast cancer screening method considered superior in certain situations
- Currently available only in select areas of California
- Uses ultrasound technology while the patient lies in a warm water bath
- No radiation exposure
Breast Thermography (Heat Scan)
- Used as an alternative to mammogram, though not FDA-approved as a stand-alone screening tool
- Uses infrared imaging to detect heat patterns that may indicate increased metabolic activity
- No radiation exposure
Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- More sensitive than mammograms for detecting breast cancer
- Recommended annually for women with a lifetime risk greater than 20 percent or a personal history of breast cancer
- Uses magnets and radio waves with no radiation exposure
- Requires contrast injected through an IV
Understanding Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become thin, weak, and brittle, making them more likely to fracture. Osteopenia is an early stage of bone loss where bone density is lower than normal but not as severe as osteoporosis. During menopause, women experience a significant increase in bone loss, which raises the risk for both conditions.
Other risk factors for osteoporosis include both uncontrollable and controllable factors:
Uncontrollable Factors
- Being female
- Small body frame
- Asian descent
- Family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Thyroid disease
- History of gastric bypass surgery
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
Controllable Factors
- Increase calcium and vitamin D intake
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
- Incorporate weightlifting or walking with a weighted vest 2–3 times per week
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid long-term use of certain medications, including Protonix (omeprazole), Prednisone and other oral steroids, and Tamoxifen
How Do I Get Screened for Bone Loss?
A DEXA scan is a screening tool for osteoporosis that uses x-rays to measure your bone density. It compares your bone health to other women your age and determines your level of bone loss. Traditionally, DEXA scans are FDA-approved for osteoporosis screening in women aged 65 and older.
At MHA, our providers recommend all postmenopausal women have a baseline DEXA scan to assess their bone health because early detection allows for timely prevention and treatment to keep your bones strong.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
During your exam, your provider will perform a pelvic exam to evaluate your vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. A breast exam will be performed to check for breast abnormalities. For 48 hours before your well woman exam:
- Avoid intercourse and the use of vaginal lubricant
- Do not use vaginal sprays, powders, tampons, creams, or suppositories
- Do not douche
- Call to reschedule your appointment if you are on your period
An abnormal Pap test means that either atypical cells were detected on your cervix or your body carries a strain of the HPV virus associated with cervical cancer. This does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but it does require further evaluation. The types of abnormal results can vary, and our providers at Murrieta Health & Aesthetics are here to counsel you and guide you through your next steps - usually the next step is colposcopy.
A colposcopy is a procedure in which our doctor performs a pelvic exam and examines your cervix using a magnifying device called a colposcope. During the procedure, biopsies may be taken from any areas that appear abnormal. These tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for evaluation and a final diagnosis, which allows our providers to determine the most appropriate treatment for your abnormal cells.
While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, there are several steps you can take to protect your bones:
- Get enough calcium: Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant-based milk in your diet. You may also consider a calcium supplement of 1200 mg daily.
- Ensure adequate vitamin D: Get regular sunlight exposure and eat vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and whole milk. You can also take a daily supplement of 2000–5000 IU of vitamin D with vitamin K.
- Perform weight-bearing exercise: Activities such as walking, hiking, or weight-lifting 2–3 times per week help strengthen bone density.
- Consider bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT): This may help slow bone loss in appropriate candidates.
Yes! Monthly self-breast exams help you become familiar with your breasts and detect any changes in them early. These exams should be done in addition to your annual breast exams with one of our providers. If you’re unsure how to perform a breast exam, schedule an appointment today — we will be happy to teach you the proper technique.
If you find a lump, thickening, new onset pain, or other unusual changes in your breast, contact our office and schedule a breast exam today. Early evaluation is key to effective treatment.