The Well-Woman Exam — Preventive Gynecologic Care at Every Stage of Life
The annual well-woman exam is the foundation of gynecologic health. It is not simply a Pap smear — it is a comprehensive preventive visit that screens for conditions before they become problems, establishes your baseline, reviews your contraception and menstrual cycle, and gives you direct access to a board-certified gynecologist to address any concern that has been on your mind.
At Lapeer Women’s Health, well-woman exams are led by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG — a GYN-only specialist whose entire practice is focused on women’s gynecologic health. There is no OB schedule to compete with, no rotation of rotating residents. Every appointment is with Dr. Andrei, at the Lapeer or Rochester Hills office, with time to talk.
What your well-woman exam includes depends on your age, health history, and current concerns. Dr. Andrei tailors each visit accordingly — the screening schedule for a 22-year-old is different from one for a 45-year-old approaching perimenopause or a 60-year-old managing postmenopausal health. You receive the care appropriate to your stage of life, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
What Happens at a Well-Woman Exam
Each well-woman visit is tailored to your age, health history, and any current concerns. These are the components Dr. Andrei addresses at a comprehensive annual gynecologic exam.
Health history review
Menstrual cycle patterns, contraception, sexual health, family history of gynecologic and breast cancer, current medications, and any new symptoms or concerns since your last visit are reviewed at the start of every exam.
Pelvic examination
External inspection of the vulva and vagina, speculum examination of the cervix and vaginal walls, and a bimanual exam to assess uterine size, shape, and adnexal structures. Abnormal findings prompt further evaluation at the same visit when appropriate.
Pap smear and HPV co-test
Cervical cancer screening follows current ACOG guidelines — Pap smear alone for patients under 30, Pap plus HPV co-test for patients 30 and older. Frequency depends on your age and prior results. Dr. Andrei reviews your personal screening interval at each visit.
STI screening
Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening is recommended annually for sexually active women under 25 and for older women with risk factors. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C screening are offered based on your individual risk profile and current guidelines.
Breast examination
Clinical breast exam is performed based on age and risk. Dr. Andrei reviews your mammography schedule, discusses breast self-awareness, and coordinates referrals for diagnostic imaging when a clinical finding warrants further evaluation.
Contraception and family planning
Current contraceptive method is reviewed for effectiveness, side effect burden, and continued appropriateness. Patients considering a change — to an IUD, implant, pill, or other method — can discuss options and schedule placement at the same visit or a follow-up.
Menopause and hormone review
For perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients, Dr. Andrei reviews vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, sleep disruption, mood changes, and bone health — and discusses hormone therapy options, non-hormonal alternatives, and current symptom management.
Age-appropriate cancer screenings
In addition to cervical screening, Dr. Andrei coordinates colorectal cancer screening referrals, reviews bone density (DEXA) indications for postmenopausal patients, and discusses genetic testing for BRCA and Lynch syndrome when family history warrants it.
A Well-Woman Exam That Actually Takes Time
The well-woman exam at Lapeer Women’s Health is not a 10-minute checkout. Dr. Andrei reserves adequate time at every annual visit to address your full gynecologic health picture — not just the screening checklist.
- GYN-only practice — no obstetrics, no divided attention, every visit focused on your gynecologic health
- Same physician at every visit — continuity of care with Dr. Andrei, not a rotating pool of providers
- Time to discuss concerns — if something has been on your mind, the well-woman exam is the right time to bring it up
- Screening intervals explained — Dr. Andrei walks through why your Pap schedule is what it is and what your results mean
- Diagnostic procedures same-visit when possible — if a finding warrants a biopsy or ultrasound, it can often be addressed at the same appointment
- Referrals coordinated directly — mammography, colonoscopy, DEXA, and specialist referrals managed without leaving you to navigate independently
“The annual well-woman visit is one of the most important appointments a woman can keep. It is when we catch things early — before symptoms start — and when we have the time to talk about what is actually going on with your health. I want every patient to leave knowing her results and understanding her next steps.”
- Board-certified gynecologist with MD and PhD — clinical depth behind every recommendation
- Lapeer office: Mon–Thu in-person
- Rochester Hills office: Fri in-person, Mon telehealth
- Most major insurance plans accepted — well-woman visits typically covered as a preventive benefit
- Hospital affiliations: McLaren Lapeer · McLaren Flint · Henry Ford Rochester
Questions About the Well-Woman Exam
Your Well-Woman Exam.
On Your Schedule.
Annual well-woman exams with Dr. Andrei at both our Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices. Comprehensive preventive gynecologic care — Pap smear, pelvic exam, STI screening, contraception review, and time to discuss what matters to you.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.
