THE TEA | September 2025
The Power of a Well Woman Exam
By Jovan Baker, MD
Hello, I’m Dr. Jovan Baker, a family medicine physician at Baptist Health Family Clinic-Salem Road in Conway. I’m passionate about connecting my patients with the care they need to stay healthy and experience everything that wellness makes possible. For women, one of the most important ways I do this is through an annual Well Woman Exam.
What is a Well Woman Exam?
A Well Woman Exam is a comprehensive physical exam with a focus on women’s reproductive health. It includes the typical features of a yearly check-up where we discuss preventative measures such as screenings or vaccinations, based on age and risk factors, with the addition of a pelvic exam, a pap smear that screens for cervical cancer, and an optional breast exam. I also conduct mental health assessments, discuss various social habits, and help the patient set achievable health goals. These goals primarily focus on preventative measures that can help the patient live a longer, healthier life. For example, we talk about achieving a healthy body weight to decrease the risk of other medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer. I also screen patients for tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and offer services and support if needed.
Overall, these exams serve as an opportunity to counsel my patients on how they can feel their best. These exams ensure that the patient’s overall health and wellness is in check, and emphasize preventative measures they can follow to increase longevity and optimize their quality of life.
How does the Well Woman Exam change through different stages of life?
Teenagers
For teenagers, the Well Woman Exam is a good opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns that they may have about their menstrual cycle, such as irregularity and pain level. I also like to emphasize safe sexual practices, such as sexually transmitted infection prevention, or contraception options to prevent pregnancy if they’re not ready to be a mom. I also recommend the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer if they have not received it already.
Childbearing Years
Once a woman reaches childbearing years, the USPSTF (United States Preventive Service Task Force) recommends PAP smears every 3-5 years, depending on age and risk factors. Clinical breast exams can also be performed if the patient chooses. These start at age 21 and extend to age 65 in most women who have average risk. We also begin talking about pregnancy planning if that is something the patient is considering. I always discuss wise practices that optimize your chances of a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, such as being in an ideal weight range, ceasing tobacco or alcohol use, and taking folate supplements. This is also a good opportunity to identify anyone who’s having difficulty conceiving and should be promptly referred to a fertility specialist.
Menopause and Postmenopause
Throughout menopause and postmenopause, we discuss common menopause symptoms to expect, such as mood swings, hot flashes, decreased energy, and vaginal dryness, to name a few. This is also a good time to identify any type of vaginal bleeding, which is not normal after menopause. If a patient reports post menopausal bleeding, we explore further to rule out other medical conditions, such as cancer.
Why do I need a Well Woman Exam?
Well Woman Exams are essential to the prevention and early detection of disease and other health issues. For example, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure may be more easily managed with better outcomes if caught early. Stage 1 breast cancer may be treated with a more conservative lumpectomy, as opposed to the mastectomy and chemotherapy often needed to treat more advanced stages. The sooner you catch a problem, the more options you have for treatment, which may be less costly and less invasive. Health problems aside, a Well Woman Exam is the key to feeling your best and enjoying your life to the fullest. These exams aren’t just for individuals who are sick. They’re for healthy individuals who want to stay that way. You can’t afford not to get your yearly exam. In fact, your Well Woman Exam is considered preventive care and is covered at 100% on many insurance plans. Simply verify coverage with your provider before your appointment to confirm.
What if I’m nervous about getting a Well Woman Exam?
Discussing your health and your lifestyle can lead to sensitive issues. As a provider, it’s my job to create a judgment-free environment where you feel comfortable sharing all the information I need to know to help you pursue wellness. Throughout my years as a physician, I have studied and seen many conditions. I promise you can’t shock me. The only thing I care about is helping you lead a healthier life. Everything you share with me is simply facts I can use to make the best recommendations for you.
That being said, if there is any part of the exam you don’t want to partake in or you don’t want to discuss, I can work with that too. You have agency over your body, and I want to make sure this experience is both comfortable and empowering. Effective doctor-patient relationships are partnerships, and your voice will always be heard during our appointments.
Making Wellness Work for You
When it comes to longevity and your quality of life, health is everything. My job as a primary care provider is to partner with you to find an approachable path to wellness, whatever that looks like for you. Whether you’re a gym rat or a couch potato, a healthier life you enjoy is within reach. Let’s build it together.
That being said, if there is any part of the exam you don’t want to partake in or you don’t want to discuss, I can work with that too. You have agency over your body, and I want to make sure this experience is both comfortable and empowering. Effective doctor-patient relationships are partnerships, and your voice will always be heard during our appointments.
About the Author
Jovan Baker, MD is happily married to her high school sweetheart. She enjoys interacting with people from all walks of life, exploring other countries/cultures, practicing her Christian Faith, and making precious memories with her husband and loved ones. When she isn’t out discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, she’s at the gym.My philosophy tends to be old-fashioned, which is to emphasize prevention. The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” still holds true today! However, if illness or disease is present, my goal is to work together with my patients to agree on an evidence-based treatment plan that works best for them. I believe health care should be a team effort between a doctor and a patient.