Guidelines for the Annual Well-Woman Visit in Patients Younger than 21 Years

Now that Pap smears are no longer recommended for women younger than 21 years, clinicians might be uncertain about what constitutes an annual well-woman examination in an asymptomatic patient (e.g., normal menses, no concerns about vaginal discharge or complaints of lower abdominal/pelvic pain). A recently published American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Gynecologic Practice opinion clarifies the following key components of the exam in women younger than 21:

• The general exam includes obtaining standard vital signs, calculation of body-mass index, and palpation of the abdomen and inguinal lymph nodes. The visit also provides opportunities for clinicians to counsel patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle…