7 Life Saving Benefits of Routine Breast and Pelvic Exams

Your health is your greatest asset!

But when was the last time you scheduled a routine breast and pelvic exam? 

Indeed, women are increasingly becoming aware of preventive healthcare, with three in four (76%) women ages 50-64 getting a mammogram in the last two years, according to a 2023 KFF health survey. 

Still, thousands delay these essential screenings often because life gets busy or they feel fine. Truth be told, routine exams can catch problems before they become serious. 

At Family Medical Center, we’re dedicated to women's health and make sure they receive the right preventive care at every stage of life. Like any other tests, timely breast and pelvic exams can be lifesavers.

Let’s explore why they’re so critical and how they can protect your health.

1. Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent, but the good news is early diagnosis can save your life. When breast cancer is caught early (localized stage), the survival rate is nearly 99%.

• Self-Exams
  Knowing how your breasts usually feel and look helps you identify any abnormal changes quickly. While not a replacement for medical screenings, self-exams allow you to take an active role in your health and seek medical attention if something feels off.
  
  
• Clinical Breast Exams
  Performed by a healthcare professional, these can detect abnormalities that might not be noticeable in a self-exam. Your physician can feel for lumps, thickening, or unusual changes you might’ve missed. These exams also help check skin changes, nipple discharge, or dimpling, which could be early signs of cancer.
  
  
• Mammograms
  These are the gold standard for breast cancer detection. Mammograms can detect cancer years before a lump becomes noticeable, increasing your chances of survival. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women over 40 or earlier for those at higher risk due to family history.

2. Detection of Pelvic Disorders

Pelvic disorders affect one in every four (25%) American women, yet many go undiagnosed because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for regular menstrual discomfort. 

Conditions like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pain, irregular bleeding, and fertility issues. Routine pelvic exams help identify these problems early, leading to more effective treatment and relief.

• In-Clinic Exams
  During a regular checkup, your healthcare provider will gently examine the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding area for any unusual lumps, swelling, or tenderness. These can help detect growths or changes that may indicate cysts, fibroids, or infections.
  
  
• Ultrasounds
  If your healthcare provider notices something unusual during a pelvic exam, they may recommend an ultrasound. This painless imaging test helps determine whether growths are harmless or require further medical attention. Ultrasounds can be used to detect cysts, fibroids, or other growths early.

3. Screening for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most life-threatening cancers for women. But today, Pap smears and HPV testing help detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix long before they develop into cancer.

• Pap Smears
  This is a reliable cervical cancer screening method. A Pap test collects a small sample of cervical cells to check for precancerous or cancerous changes. If abnormal cells are found, early treatments can remove them before they lead to more serious conditions.
  
  
• HPV Test
  HPV testing screens for high-risk strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in 11,100 American women every year. When detected early, your healthcare provider can closely monitor changes and start preventive care when necessary. 

4. Monitoring Reproductive Health

Contrary to popular belief, reproductive health is about more than just pregnancy. It’s connected to your hormones, energy levels, and even mood. If your periods are irregular, you’re dealing with unexplained pelvic pain, or you’re struggling to conceive, routine exams can help you identify the underlying issues. 

• Detect Hormonal Changes
  If your periods are too heavy, too light, or coming randomly, a hormonal imbalance could be the culprit here. Hormonal shifts can affect everything from fertility to bone health, so you should keep track of these changes and make an appointment at your women’s health center, where regular exams and monitoring can alert any changes needing further attention.
  
  
• Identify Infections
  Sometimes, mild discomfort, like itching, unusual discharge, or pain during sex, can be a sign of an infection. If left untreated, infections like STIs or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause long-term damage, including fertility issues.
  
  
• Discuss Your Concerns
  Routine exams allow you to discuss your concerns about birth control, menstrual irregularities, family planning, or menopause. Your reproductive health changes at every stage of life, and proactive discussion helps you take charge of it. 

5. Identifying Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalance often leads to exhaustion, irritability, and sudden weight gain or loss. Menopause, thyroid issues, and conditions like PCOS can all throw your hormones off track, but routine exams can help.

• Hormone Level Testing
  If you're feeling off, like fatigued, moody, or dealing with sudden weight changes, hormone testing can help uncover the cause. Your healthcare provider may check estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol levels. Depending on the diagnosis, they may recommend medication or hormone therapy.
  
  
• Menopause Management
  Menopause is a natural phase of life, but you don't have to suffer through it. Routine exams help you discuss your concerns, including mood swings and bone health. Your healthcare provider might recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or other measures. 

6. Getting Personalized Health Advice

Your body is unique, and your healthcare should be too. Routine exams present the perfect opportunity to ask questions, get reliable advice, and take control of your health.

• Get Personalized Advice
  Get personalized advice on diet, exercise, and mental well-being. Your healthcare provider can help you fine-tune your nutrition, share lifestyle recommendations, and address stress levels that could be affecting your health.
  
  
• Discuss Risk Factors
  If certain diseases run in your family, you may need earlier screenings or extra precautions. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your risks and create a prevention plan to keep you healthy long-term.
  
  
• Plan for the Future
  Thinking about having a baby? Preparing for menopause? Want to stay active as you age? Your healthcare provider can guide you through each stage of life, ensuring you stay healthy and strong.

7. Building a Trusting Patient-Doctor Relationship

Regular checkups lay the foundation of the patient-doctor relationship. They can help you open up and build a rapport with your healthcare provider. And the more your healthcare provider knows about your health history, the better they can personalize your care.

• Establish Trust
  Seeing the same healthcare professional regularly allows them to understand your unique health concerns, history, and lifestyle. This familiarity means they can offer more personalized advice, making your care more effective.
  
  
• Improve Communication
  It’s not easy to talk about sensitive health topics like period problems, menopause, or sexual health. But you can quickly open up and get real answers with a trusted healthcare professional.
  
  
• Consistent Care
  As you age, your health needs will change from birth control and pregnancy planning to menopause and senior care. Having a healthcare provider who knows your history means they can offer proactive care instead of just reacting to issues as they come up.