Women’s wellness and breast health in Dallas

Your annual wellness (or well-woman) exam, along with other scheduled testing such as mammograms, can enhance your peace of mind or bring to light health concerns before they progress. The board-certified physicians at Health Central provide comprehensive women’s services with compassionate care, which is why women in Dallas and North Texas trust us to be their partners in wellness. No matter your age or stage of life, we can help you live your healthiest life.

To make an appointment or to learn more about our OB-GYNs, visit Our Physicians or call (214) 365-1150.

What to expect at your wellness appointment

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning patient, we will listen to your concerns, answer all your questions and perform a thorough exam, which may include:

  • A review of your health history and discussion about any concerns
  • Counsel about how exercise and diet contribute to wellness
  • Confirmation that your vaccinations are current
  • Vital sign assessment, including weight and blood pressure
  • Orders to prescribe or refill medications
  • An age-appropriate physical exam, including STD screening if necessary
  • Review of any contraception or birth control needs

At your wellness exam, your physician will ensure you have had all the recommended screening tests for your age, such as mammograms and colorectal screening, as well as other tests suggested by your symptoms.

  • For teens, knowledge and information is key to entering the next phase of life with good health.
  • For women of childbearing age, choices in contraception are important, as are decisions regarding if and when to try for pregnancy.
  • For women past their childbearing years, we can help ease the transition to menopause and help treat gynecologic issues along the way.
  • After menopause, screening with mammography and bone density becomes more important.

Physical activity and dietary advice can help direct your personal wellness goals at any age.

Breast cancer screening

Early detection of breast cancer can be lifesaving, which is why we offer mammograms in the office and clinical breast exams. These two tests are commonly used by healthcare providers to screen for breast cancer before any symptoms are present.

  • Mammography: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect breast tumors that are too small to feel.
  • Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is an exam of the breast by a health professional, usually performed at a woman’s annual wellness examination.

If a lump or anything unusual is found with either of these screening tests, we may recommend ultrasound imaging to provide more information. In women with a high inherited risk for breast cancer, we may recommend an MRI to screen for breast cancer.

You can calculate your specific breast cancer risk with the National Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Talk with your physician about ways to reduce your risk.

Call us if you discover any new breast changes in between your wellness or screening appointments.

Contraception

There are many different methods to help you avoid pregnancy, including medications, procedures, devices and behaviors. Our physicians will be happy to discuss all of the currently available options, including non-permanent methods, and the risks and benefits of each one. We are here to help you make informed decisions about the type of contraception you choose.

Vaccinations

Keeping current on your recommended vaccines may not only save your life — it may also protect your loved ones from illness. During your annual exam, ask your physician whether there are any vaccines you need to keep you up to date.

Use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out if you may be a candidate to receive any vaccines at your next wellness exam.