Beyond the Pap Smear: What to Expect at Your Annual Well-Woman Exam

Pap smears are an essential part of preventive healthcare — but your annual well-woman exam goes far beyond that single test. Here’s what else to expect during your visit and why you should get your appointment on the calendar in the new year.

When you think about going to the gynecologist, your first thought might be the Pap smear. Pap smears are the best way to test for precancerous cervical changes, and while there’s no doubt this screening is important, your annual well-woman exam is much more comprehensive.

It’s a complete health check designed to assess your entire physical well-being, identify potential risks, and keep you healthy all year long. At South Valley Women's Health Care in Bluffdale, Utah, we partner with you to support your reproductive health and overall wellness at every age and life stage.

So if you don’t have your next well-woman exam on the calendar for 2026, here’s why it’s so important — and what you can expect at your appointment.

Why Pap smears are important

There’s a reason why so many women equate their annual exam with Pap smears. It’s a routine screening for cervical cancer, and it’s helped dramatically reduce cervical cancer rates over recent decades.

During your Pap smear, we collect a small sample of cells from your cervix. We send the sample to a lab, where it’s examined to detect abnormal changes before they turn into cervical cancer.

However, cervical cancer is just one of many health concerns women face. As you age and move through different life phases, your health needs evolve. That’s why our well-woman exams involve more than just a Pap test.

What else to expect at your well-woman exam

During your visit, expect a broad review of your overall well-being, including your physical health, reproductive health, and lifestyle. Here’s what typically happens beyond the Pap smear:

Medical history review

We discuss your general health, menstrual history, childbirth history, past surgeries, medications, family medical history, lifestyle habits (like smoking, alcohol, exercise, and nutrition), mental health, and any concerns you may have. This helps identify risks and tailor your appointment — and your care — specifically to you.

Physical examination

Beyond a pelvic exam, we may perform a full physical check of your heart, lungs, blood pressure, weight, and skin. We can also perform a breast exam and review other organ systems to give you a complete health snapshot.

Reproductive health assessment

We discuss your reproductive health and related needs, depending on your age and lifestyle. For example, we can suggest contraception options, discuss preconception planning, evaluate menstrual irregularities, or address concerns like painful periods, pelvic pain, or hormonal changes in menopause.

Preventive screenings and labs

Depending on your age and medical history, your well-woman visit may include blood tests, cholesterol and diabetes screening, STD tests, bone density screening (if appropriate), or immunizations. Early detection of issues like high blood pressure, prediabetes, or hormonal imbalances allows for timely intervention.

Lifestyle guidance

We can also offer personalized advice on nutrition, exercise, weight management, stress, mental health, and reproductive wellness. Preventive care is often as simple as updating lifestyle habits, and small changes now can make a significant difference later.

Planning for the future

Whether you're considering pregnancy, managing chronic conditions, entering menopause, or preparing for later life, your well-woman exam offers a chance to talk about long-term health goals, screenings you’ll need down the road, and what you can do now to stay healthy.

Why it matters to make your annual appointment

Cancer isn’t the only threat to women’s health, and your well-woman exam gives you and your care team the opportunity to catch issues early. Identifying potential problems as early as possible means we can address them before they worsen and support healthy aging.

South Valley Women's Health Care offers well-woman exams with experienced OB/GYNs and certified nurse-midwives who respect your wishes, answer your questions, and tailor every recommendation to your individual needs.

Whether you’re due for a Pap smear or you want a full health check to start the new year strong, our team treats every appointment as an opportunity to invest in your long-term wellness. Contact us to take the first step today.