Many people think that you only need to see a healthcare provider if you’re sick or need a prescription refill. Some people think that annual checkups are not necessary and skip them if they don’t have any health concerns. However, regular check-ups are important at every stage of life. Annual visits help you stay on top of your health and give you a chance to discuss any health changes, health goals, and/or concerns with your health provider. If you are seeing your health care provider regularly, you are more likely to catch problems early on and be taking charge of your health.
A lot can happen to our bodies in one year. Checking your stats and connecting with a health care provider annually is a good way to stay at the top of your game. Learn more about why annual preventative visits are important, what to expect/ask for before, during, and after a visit, and how you can access a health provider in your area.
- This well-woman care chart will help you know what well-woman care you need at every stage of life
- Find LGBTQIA-friendly providers and resources
- Find family planning clinics near you
- Learn more how you can get the health care you need and what services are covered at CareWomenDeserve. This resource and campaign provides information about accessing the quality health care all people deserve.
Interested in becoming pregnant? Now or in the future, it is a good idea to tell your provider whether you’d like to ever becoming pregnant, and if so, when. Want some tips for starting that discussion with your health care team? Click for pregnancy intention discussion tips.
Follow the Period Doc on Instagram or TikTok for more. Check out “how to advocate for yourself at health visits” Instagram video.
During your visit, you’ll be given pre-screening questions. Due to COVID-19 concerns, you’ll likely be asked additional screener confirmations about traveling, testing for COVID, vaccination status, feeling sick or under the weather, and more.
Common Well Visit Screening Questions:
- Your given name and how you’d like to be addressed, including your pronouns
- Age, birthdate
- Relationship status
- If you’d like to become pregnant in the next year
- If you’ve been pregnant or had a baby in the last year
- Immunizations / vaccines
- Family history (cancer, hypertension, diabetes, mental health, etc.)
- Tobacco use – how many/often
- Alcohol use – how much/often
- Drug use – how much/often
- Physical activity – how much/often
- Current medications, including vitamins
- Allergy / diet intolerances
- Sexual transmitted infection / testing
- Menstration / Cycle / Fertility
- You may be asked if you feel safe at home
- You should be asked what is important for YOU to discuss during your visit
What is the importance of answering visit forms and screener questions as accurately as possible? Short answer: so your provider is aware of any risks for health issues, can refer you to local resources for support if needed, and support your wellness goals.
Care Women Deserve has in-depth information about what is covered during the well visit, broken down by health topics as well.
During your visit, you’ll hear some numbers shared as your provider checks your vitals, including your blood pressure, heart rate, weight/height/BMI, and more.
What do your numbers mean? We break down common tests and body measurements that will be taken at your visit. Find out healthy ranges and questions to ask about monitoring your health (such as blood pressure).
What to do after your doctor visit: learn more (videos and booklet at the bottom of the page).