Women's Wellness

At WHA, wellness care basically means everything we do to help you maintain or achieve the health you want—to lead your life, on your terms. We’ll share ideas or follow your lead.

At Women’s Healthcare Associates (WHA), wellness care is preventive care—focused on helping you stay healthy, catch small changes early, and feel supported through every stage of life. Our providers serve patients across the Portland metro area, including Hillsboro, Tualatin, Newberg, Oregon City, and surrounding communities.

Your wellness visit is a time to pause and focus on you—to talk with a provider who listens, reviews your health, and helps you make informed decisions about your care.

Your care team

Your wellness care team at WHA includes OB/GYN physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse-midwives who understand that good health looks different for everyone.

Some people come in with questions about sleep, stress, or hormones. Others want to review preventive screenings or talk about family planning. Whatever’s on your mind, your provider will meet you where you are—helping you understand what’s normal for you and plan for what’s next.

Learn more about gynecologic exams and preventive screening at WHA.

A clinician reviews information with a patient and their support person in an exam room.

What to expect from wellness care

Wellness care focuses on prevention and early detection. You can always bring up new symptoms or concerns during your visit—your provider will let you know if there’s time to explore them fully or if a follow-up visit would be better.

Most wellness visits include:

  • A physical exam consistent with guidelines for preventive reproductive healthcare
  • Screening and preventive tests appropriate for your age and history (STI, Pap, HPV, mammogram, cholesterol, etc.)
  • Review of medications and supplements
  • Discussion of your menstrual cycle, contraception, or menopause symptoms
  • A brief check-in about mood, stress, and mental health
  • Guidance on nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management

Your provider will also help you stay current on recommended immunizations and cancer screenings and refer you to specialists when needed. Learn more about mammography and breast cancer screening.

Wellness through every stage

Your body and health needs change over time. WHA is here through all of it.

  • Adolescence and young adulthood.These early visits focus on education and comfort with your body. Exams are limited and guided by your needs. They’re also a chance to ask questions and build trust—because good care starts with feeling comfortable.
  • Reproductive years. From planning a pregnancy to preventing one, this stage is full of choices. Your provider helps you sort through them, keeping the focus on what fits your life right now. Learn more about birth control and fertility care.
  • Midlife and menopause. As hormones shift, so can energy, sleep, and mood. Your provider can help you make sense of what’s happening and find options that make this transition easier. See our perimenopause and menopause care page for more information.
  • Beyond menopause. Health continues to evolve—so your care should too. We’ll coordinate with your primary care provider, while continuing to care for your reproductive health and address any changes that come up.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have a wellness visit?

Most people benefit from an annual visit. Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your age, health history, and risk factors.

Is a wellness visit the same as a Pap test?

No. A Pap test may be part of your wellness visit, but wellness care also includes broader preventive and reproductive health discussions. Learn more about cervical cancer screening.

Can I see a midwife or nurse practitioner for my wellness care?

Yes. WHA’s midwives and nurse practitioners provide full-scope preventive care and can serve as your primary clinician for routine needs.

Can I discuss new symptoms during my wellness visit?

Yes. If your provider needs more time to evaluate a concern, they may schedule a separate visit to make sure you get the care you need.

What about preventive care after menopause?

By age 65, your primary care provider is best suited to manage general preventive care. WHA is here for gynecologic concerns, breast and pelvic exams and breast cancer screening.

What should I bring to my visit?

Bring a list of medications, supplements, and questions. Recent test results from other providers can also help your clinician see the full picture.

Still have questions? Bring them with you. Your provider will always make time to talk things through

Smiling nurse wearing a stethoscope talks with a patient during an appointment.

Our approach to care

We believe good care begins with good communication. Your provider will listen first, explain clearly, and respect your choices.

We share information about your options and recommendations based on evidence and national guidelines. We always make space for your questions and concerns.

At WHA, we aim to provide care that’s clear, respectful, and free of judgment.

Why preventive care matters

Preventive care helps detect changes before they become problems. It also provides space to talk about things that might not come up in day-to-day life—like sleep, stress, libido, or mood changes. Regular wellness visits help you stay informed, proactive, and connected to the care you need.

WHA follows screening recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Care for your whole self

Your wellness visit is a key part of preventive health and staying connected to care that supports your needs over time.

Schedule your annual wellness visit at one of our women’s health clinics in Portland, Hillsboro, Newberg, Tualatin or Oregon City. We’re here to help you stay healthy, informed, and confident about your care—today and in the years ahead.