Your 2026 Health Checklist: Why to Start With a Well-Woman Exam

A new year is a great time for new beginnings, and for many people, that means taking a good look at their health and their habits so they can play a more proactive role moving forward. As a woman, one of the best “first steps” in achieving that goal is to schedule an annual well-woman exam to lay the groundwork for better health this year and for years to come.

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, and his team recommend annual well woman exams for every patient — including you. Here’s what to expect during a well woman exam and why it plays such an important role in helping you stay healthy, especially as you age.

The basics of well-woman exams 

Many women confuse well-woman exams with gynecological checkups. But while your well-woman exam may include a breast exam or pelvic exam, it’s important to remember that it focuses on your whole health, not just your sexual and reproductive health.

Women’s health needs are a lot different from men’s health needs, and over time, those needs evolve as you get older. Your well-woman exam is designed to take your unique health needs into consideration, offering individualized guidance based on your concerns, medical history, risk profile, and other unique factors.

Exams typically begin with a review of your medical history and a discussion of any symptoms or concerns you want to address. Next, Dr. Roberts performs a physical exam tailored to your needs. 

Depending on your needs, he may recommend a urinalysis, blood tests, or other lab evaluations, along with recommendations for other health screenings based on your age and other factors. Your exam is focused on treating your health needs now and preventing problems in the future, too.

Why your well-woman exam should be your first step

Having an annual well-woman exam allows us to collect baseline information about your health, measurements of key indicators that can help us spot subtle changes in the future — changes that could indicate a developing disease or other health problem. 

Many conditions that affect women — like cervical or breast cancer, heart disease, and hormone-related issues — develop quietly, with few or no symptoms until they reach a more serious stage. Your yearly well-woman exam helps catch potential problems early, when treatment is most effective and least disruptive to your life.

Your exam also provides a regular time to ask questions and discuss concerns about your health, so you stay supported throughout life’s journey. During your visit, we can talk about vaccinations to help prevent diseases and medical screenings, like colon cancer screening, bone density testing, and mammograms, with recommendations made based on your age and risk factors.

And of course, your visit is an ideal time to map out steps you can take not only in your medical care, but in your lifestyle, too. From diet to sleep habits to stress management to emotional health support, Dr. Roberts’ holistic approach ensures the focus stays on your whole health, so you can enjoy a better quality of life at every age.

Finally, scheduling a yearly well-woman visit establishes a habit that helps set the stage for better health all year long. When you understand your current health, it becomes easier to build goals that actually support your body and improve your overall wellness.

Reap the benefits of better health

Bottom line: Your annual exam provides a strong foundation for all your other health-related goals. Scheduling a well-woman visit now helps you plan important changes for the rest of the year — changes that help you play a more effective and proactive role ins staying healthy now and for years to come.

To schedule your exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.