Well woman clinic

Not every appointment needs a problem behind it. A well woman consultation is for women who feel well and would simply like a thorough review — to check that everything is as it should be, to understand their own risks, and to plan sensibly for the years ahead.

Who it is for

This is preventive care rather than treatment. It suits women who have no particular symptoms but want reassurance, those approaching a new stage of life such as the perimenopause, and anyone with a family history that makes them want to keep a closer eye on things.

It is also a good way to establish a relationship with a gynaecologist before you need one, so that if something does arise later, you are not starting from scratch with a stranger.

What the appointment includes

The visit is built around a proper consultation rather than a checklist. In broad terms it covers:

• A full discussion of your medical, gynaecological and family history
• Your current health, lifestyle and any concerns you may not have felt were worth mentioning
• A physical examination, including a pelvic examination where appropriate
• Cervical screening, or swabs, where these are indicated
• Arrangement of any further tests, such as blood tests or an ultrasound scan, if useful
• Clear, personalised advice about your health now and in the years ahead

Examinations and tests are your choice

Whether to have a pelvic examination as part of a routine review is a decision we make together, based on your history and what you are comfortable with. It is not compulsory, and the reasons for and against will be explained.

The same applies to any test I suggest. I will tell you what it is for, what it can and cannot tell us, and what would happen next depending on the result.

Topics often worth covering

Women frequently use the appointment to raise things there was never quite time for elsewhere:

• Contraception, and whether the current method is still the right one
• What to expect from the perimenopause and menopause
• Bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Cervical, ovarian and womb cancer risk, including family history
• Bladder and pelvic floor health
• Sexual health and any difficulties with intercourse
• Planning a pregnancy, or fertility as you get older

What you take away

At the end of the appointment you should have a clear picture of your current health, an understanding of anything worth monitoring, and a practical plan — including when it would be sensible to be reviewed again.

Where everything is normal, that is worth hearing properly rather than in passing. Reassurance, given after a genuine assessment, is a legitimate outcome of a consultation.