Many women dread a visit to the gynecologist as much as they do a visit to the dentist. After all, Pap smears tend to be uncomfortable, and it can be distressing discussing personal topics such as sex, vaginal health and reproductive issues with someone you barely know. However, regular visits to the gynecologist contribute to overall good health.
Schedule Annual Visits
According to Edwin Huang, a gynecologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, most women should schedule an annual appointment with their gynecologist. Dr. Huang recommends that women have their first visit by the age of 21 or when they initially become sexually active. If there are no problems at the initial screening, then annual visits will begin. The initial screening for women 21 and younger will entail a full health profile, a Pap smear, breast check and time set aside for questions and answers about level of sexual activity, future fertility plans and family history.
Age plays a factor, however, in the frequency of appointments with a gynecologist. Women over the age of 40 may need to be seen more frequently, particularly if they have high risk factors for certain kinds of cancers or genetic pelvic conditions. Women who are more sexually active might also need to be seen more often to test for certain sexually transmitted diseases, depending on the gynecologist and overall health profile. After age 70, if there have been no problems and no new sexual partners, most women can stop regular visits.
Be Vigilant About Screening
Annual visits to your gynecologist are necessary for screening purposes. Because there are so many potential conditions that affect women, such as uterine, breast and cervical cancer, it is important to screen for these illnesses. These types of screenings are most important for women over the age of 40 or with a family history of any of the aforementioned cancers. Sexually active women under the age of 25 should be screened annually for STDs, which is done during the Pap smear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends women between ages 13 and 64 be screened annually for HIV.
Reproductive Health
Women of childbearing age should see a gynecologist even before they decide to become pregnant. Getting the body in optimal health before having a baby is always best, and a gynecologist can recommend any necessary lifestyle changes and vitamins. Moreover, during pregnancy, a gynecologist will oversee the entire pregnancy, so office visits will be more frequent. Even beyond childbearing years and into menopause, a gynecologist will continue to monitor reproductive organs and help with hormonal changes.
Tags: family history, gynecologist will, health profile, initial screening, most women, need seen
