Preventive Care · Newport Beach · 2026

The Well-Woman Exam
Screening Guidelines by Age

Prevention is the most effective medicine.

Your annual well-woman exam is more than a checkup — it is a structured opportunity for age-appropriate screening, early detection, and proactive health management. This guide explains what’s included, what ACOG and USPSTF recommend at each stage of life, and when additional evaluation is warranted.

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◆ Short Answer

The Canonical Answer

The well-woman exam is a comprehensive annual health assessment focused on preventive care, screening, and early detection. ACOG recommends annual well-woman visits throughout a woman’s lifetime ACOG CO #755. The exam includes a general health assessment, blood pressure, breast exam, pelvic exam (when indicated), and age-appropriate screening. Cervical cancer screening begins at age 21 with Pap smears every 3 years; from age 30, HPV co-testing every 5 years is an option USPSTF 2018. Mammography begins at age 40 biennially USPSTF 2024. Bone density screening begins at age 65, or earlier with risk factors USPSTF 2018. At Broad Medical Group, Dr. Jennifer Broad provides evidence-based, age-appropriate preventive care for women in Newport Beach and Orange County.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Broad, MD, FACOG Board-Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist · Newport Beach, CA

Last reviewed: April 2026 Next review: October 2026

Welcoming exam room at Broad Medical Group â€

What’s Included

More Than a Pap Smear

Many patients equate the well-woman exam with a Pap smear, but the annual visit is far more comprehensive. Even in years when cervical cancer screening is not due, the well-woman exam provides essential evaluation of cardiovascular risk, breast health, mental health, contraception needs, and age-appropriate screening.

Health History Review

Comprehensive review of medical history, family history, medications, menstrual history, sexual health, and lifestyle factors. Updated annually.

Physical Assessment

Blood pressure, BMI, clinical breast exam, thyroid palpation, abdominal exam, and pelvic exam when clinically indicated.

Screening & Counseling

Age-appropriate cancer screening, STI testing, contraception counseling, preconception counseling, mental health screening, and immunization review.

Screening by Age Group

ACOG 2024 USPSTF

Screening	Ages 21–29	Ages 30–39	Ages 40–49	Ages 50–65+
Pap Smear	Every 3 years	Every 3 years (or co-test q5yr)	Every 3 years (or co-test q5yr)	Continue to 65; then stop if prior normal
HPV Testing	Not recommended alone	Co-test q5yr or HPV alone q5yr	Co-test q5yr or HPV alone q5yr	Continue to 65
Mammogram	Only if high-risk	Only if high-risk	Every 2 years (USPSTF 2024)	Every 2 years to age 74
STI Screening	Annual chlamydia/gonorrhea if sexually active	Risk-based	Risk-based	Risk-based
HIV Screening	At least once; repeat if at risk	At least once; repeat if at risk	At least once; repeat if at risk	Risk-based
Lipid Panel	Risk-based	Risk-based	Recommended	Recommended
Diabetes Screening	If BMI ≥25 + risk factor	If BMI ≥25 + risk factor	Every 3 years if BMI ≥25; all at 45+	Every 3 years
Bone Density (DEXA)	—	—	If early menopause or risk factors	Age 65+ (or earlier with risk)
Colon Cancer	—	—	Begin at 45 (USPSTF 2021)	Continue to 75

Clinical Illustration â€" Age-based screening timeline (when each screening begins and frequency)

Screening recommendations by age group. Based on ACOG and USPSTF guidelines, 2024.

Patient Tip

Bring a list of your current medications, any family history updates, and questions you want to discuss. The well-woman exam is your dedicated time with Dr. Broad to address anything on your mind — symptoms you’ve been tracking, contraception changes, perimenopause concerns, or screening questions. Preparation makes the visit more productive.

If you are noticing changes in your menstrual cycle, experiencing hot flashes, or wondering if you are entering perimenopause, your well-woman exam is the ideal time to discuss these concerns. See our Perimenopause Guide for detailed information on the menopausal transition and Menopause & HRT Guide for treatment options.

Key Takeaways

Annual well-woman visits are recommended for all women — even in years when a Pap smear is not due (ACOG).
Pap smears begin at age 21 and are recommended every 3 years. From 30+, HPV co-testing every 5 years is an option.
Mammography begins at 40 with biennial screening through age 74 (USPSTF 2024). Earlier if high-risk.
Bone density screening begins at 65 or earlier with risk factors like early menopause.
The exam covers far more than screening — blood pressure, breast health, contraception, mental health, and personalized counseling.
Come prepared — bring your medication list, family history updates, and questions for Dr. Broad.

References & Clinical Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 755: Well-Woman Visit. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(4), e181–e186. 2018. Reaffirmed 2023.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Cervical Cancer. JAMA, 320(7), 674–686. 2018.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Breast Cancer. Recommendation Statement. 2024.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Osteoporosis. JAMA, 319(24), 2521–2531. 2018.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer. JAMA, 325(19), 1965–1977. 2021.

Related Resources

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Broad Medical Group — Newport Beach, California

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult Dr. Jennifer Broad or your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Current as of April 2026. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.