FAQs About Women's Health

As a nurse in the Cleveland Clinic Center for Specialized Women's Health, I hear many of the same women's health questions and concerns from our patients on a daily basis. To help other women who are experiencing similar health concerns, I put together a list of the most frequently asked women's health questions and answers below.

Women's Health FAQs

Q: What is the difference between an annual exam and a Pap smear?

A: An annual gynecological exam is a yearly checkup to assess and evaluate a patient's breasts, vagina, and pelvis as well as discuss any medications that you are taking or may need to take related to gynecological care. 

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a test that screens for cervical cancer that is done every 3 years, unless recommended to do so sooner by your physician.

Q: My doctor stated that my pap smear was normal, but on my chart it says, “Yes, HPV Reflex.” What does this mean?

A: This “Yes, HPV Reflex” that you will see under the Pap test refers to the type of test that was ordered. This just indicates that the HPV will be automatically tested in the event of atypical cells.

Q: I am having breast pain, do I need a mammogram?

A: Not necessarily. Breast pain can occur due to numerous reasons. The most appropriate route would be to schedule an appointment with a breast center clinician or your primary care clinician if the symptoms persist. Wearing a good support bra, reducing caffeine and stopping fish oil supplements may help. If you have recently started taking menopausal hormone therapy, you may transiently have breast fullness or pain that will resolve. 

Q:  I had a hysterectomy, do I still need to come in for an annual exam?

A: Yes. An annual exam assesses and evaluates your breasts, vagina and pelvis. It is recommended that all females have a yearly gynecological exam up to age 65 and then every 2 years or sooner if they are experiencing any abnormal symptoms.

Past 65 years old, if you are on any form of hormone therapy or have a history of gynecological problems, then it is recommended that you continue annual exams with your women's health clinician and pelvic exam every 2 years.

Q: I am currently on estradiol and progesterone and do not like how the progesterone makes me feel. Is it okay to stop taking it on my own?

A: NO! If you would like to discontinue any medications, it is always recommended to consult your physician. Using estradiol without progesterone in a woman with a uterus can be dangerous. If you have had a hysterectomy and do NOT have endometriosis, your doctor may prescribe estradiol without progesterone. 

Q: How often do I need to see the physician or nurse practitioner for future medication refills?

A: In women’s health, it is recommended to see your physician or healthcare clinician once a year. As a basic standard of care, refills require that you have had an appointment within the last year with your physician or healthcare clinician. If you are stable and you see a primary care clinician then you may ask them to take over yearly prescribing.

Q: My Pap smear showed ASC-US. Can I repeat my Pap now versus waiting 1 year?

A: While getting a positive result on your pap smear can be scary, there are ACOG and ASCCP guidelines in place on how to monitor, manage and test patients appropriately. The body sometimes needs an allotted time to heal. Usually, the body's immune system gets rid of the HPV infection naturally within 2 years.

Q: Can the nurse practitioner or physician adjust my dosage for my hormone therapy or oral contraceptives without an appointment?

A: No. Medication adjustments, no matter how small, require an appointment. You will need to call and make an appointment prior to making any changes to your medications.

Q: I'm having abnormal bleeding (bleeding after menopause, extra period, break through bleeding, etc.), what should I do?

A: Schedule an appointment with your OB/Gyn for an exam.

Q: I was positive for a vaginal infection and received treatment, but I think it is back again. Can my healthcare clinician prescribe me antibiotics again without an appointment?

A: For patient safety, it is recommended to be re-swabbed for an infection. This is to ensure you are being treated for the proper infection.

Q: I'm having concerning symptoms, but I cannot get an appointment for three months from now, what should I do?

A: If you are having concerning or urgent symptoms go to an express care or urgent care right away and be sure to keep your follow up appointment with your healthcare clinician. You also have the option to schedule an appointment with an alternative provider in the appropriate specialty.

Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be in Charge!
Marissa E. Walker, BSN, RN

Related Articles

• Osteoporosis FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
• Menopause FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
• Top 10 Women’s Health Advances and News Stories
• Women's Health Update From Dr. Thacker
• Top 9 Health Concerns for Women