Annual Exams

Annual exams cover all aspects of women’s healthcare, providing health screenings, preventive care, and services ranging from birth control and STI testing to menopause management. Judy Honegger, DO, FACOG, at Rise Carmel, takes an integrative approach to caring for your reproductive health, intimate wellness, and overall well-being. If it’s time for your yearly well-woman exam, call the office in Carmel, California, or book online today.

How does an annual exam protect women’s health?

Annual exams (well-woman exams) protect your health by focusing on preventive care. Keeping up with yearly exams is the best way to identify potential problems at an early stage, allowing them to be prevented or treated and avoiding long-term health challenges.

An annual exam is also your time to talk with Dr. Honegger about any physical, emotional, or relationship concerns you may have.

Integrative well-woman consultations and examinations at Rise Carmel take a comprehensive approach to your health and wellness. These personalized visits go beyond a traditional gynecological exam, blending modern medical practices with integrative therapies to support your mind and body, optimizing your health and well-being.

What should I expect during an annual exam?

Dr. Honegger completes the following during annual exams:

Personalized health assessments

She begins with a thorough review of your medical history, lifestyle, and wellness goals. This includes a deep dive into hormonal health, diet, exercise, stress management, and emotional well-being to create a truly personalized treatment plan.

Comprehensive physical exams 

Dr. Honegger completes gynecological exams, including breast and pelvic exams, to assess your overall reproductive and hormonal health. This exam is tailored to your individual needs and comfort.

Hormonal health evaluations

Hormonal imbalances can impact many aspects of your health. Dr. Honegger provides in-depth hormone testing (when necessary) to identify imbalances and develop a targeted approach to restoring optimal health.

Integrative wellness recommendations

Based on your symptoms and exam findings, Dr. Honegger provides comprehensive treatment recommendations. She may suggest dietary adjustments, stress reduction strategies, other lifestyle changes, and natural therapies that boost your vitality and energy.

Custom wellness plans

Rise Carmel develops personalized plans tailored to long-term health and wellness. This might include hormone optimization strategies, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), weight management support, advanced treatments like NAD+ therapy, urinary incontinence treatments, sexual health solutions, or vaginal rejuvenation.

Ongoing support and follow-up

Rise Carmel empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Dr. Honegger provides continuous support and guidance during follow-up consultations to monitor progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan when necessary.

When should I schedule a women’s exam?

Beyond scheduling yearly exams, women often have questions about when to get their first pap test. Additionally, there are times when you shouldn’t wait for your annual exam to schedule an appointment:

Pap tests

Women should have their first Pap test at age 21 and repeat it every three years. After 30, you can choose to get a Pap test every three years or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. 

You may need cervical cancer screenings more frequently, depending on your risk for cervical cancer. After the age of 65, you can stop being screened, provided you have no history of abnormal Pap tests.

When to seek help

Dr. Honegger recommends getting a checkup if you have concerns about your health or symptoms such as:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Skipped menstrual periods
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Lumps in their breasts
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Frequent urination
• Burning when urinating

Schedule an annual exam online or call Rise Carmel today for exceptional women’s health care.