How Often Should You See a Gynecologist?

Women need a gynecologist to maintain their reproductive health. The female body is complex. Having this specific healthcare provider to check on your health can give you peace of mind. Regular checkups with this type of doctor can help you schedule them ahead. Here are the details on how often you must visit with your gynecologist.

How often a teen must visit a gynecologist

A woman’s state of health and age determine how often the visits with a gynecologist should be. Most young female patients,13-15 years old, visit this healthcare provider. It is important to start seeing this doctor once the teen becomes sexually active. At this stage of development, girls remember that they can turn to this type of doctor for reproductive health needs or issues. A pelvic exam is necessary during the first checkup.

The teen will not need to return for another checkup for some years. The parent will need to discuss the next preventive visit with the gynecologist. The girl will need an evaluation if the menstrual cycles are irregular or if there are intense menstrual pains. Birth control options are part of the checkup the moment the teen’s periods start.

How often women must visit a gynecologist

In most cases, women do not visit gynecologists for regular checkups. Visiting this healthcare provider seems to happen when a woman wants to be pregnant. Checkups can also happen if there are issues with the reproductive system. Seeing a gynecologist is as important as seeing a dentist every six months.

Women at least 21 years of age must see this healthcare provider once a year. This includes breast and pelvic exams. Pap smears should happen every three to five years, depending on the woman’s reproductive health history. Women with HPV must have regular pap tests.

At 29 or 30 years old, women must see a gynecologist every other year. Older women are more likely to be aware of significant symptoms. They also need fewer visits. Seeing a reproductive health doctor once a year is ideal, even after menopause. A gynecologist can diagnose many reproductive health issues that may occur due to aging.

Other reasons to see a gynecologist

It is important for every woman to see a gynecologist, especially if there are worrisome symptoms. Women should also see a reproductive health doctor if there are STD symptoms or alarming menopause symptoms. A checkup is also necessary if the patient is developing menstrual problems, such as painful and heavy periods. An individual who has not seen a gynecologist for more than a year must set an appointment right away. The frequency of the checkups will depend on the general health and age of the patient. Here are other reasons for seeing a reproductive health doctor:

• The patient wants to be sure that there are no reproductive health issues
• An individual wants to confirm home pregnancy test results
• The patient had unprotected sex
• The intercourse is painful
• There is bleeding after intercourse

Benefits of regular visits with a gynecologist

Seeing a reproductive health provider is a commitment. For many women, the checkup is a yearly wellness exam. More frequent visits are necessary if the patient has a condition or is pregnant. The doctor will help the patient schedule the checkups. Below are the benefits of having regular visits with a gynecologist:

• It allows women to take control of their fertility. The doctor can help the patient get pregnant or even prevent pregnancy. The individual will have birth control options based on health needs and lifestyle.
• It sets a baseline for one’s general health. Seeing a gynecologist can help the patient develop a relationship with the care team. The individual will get counseling about different lifestyle and health management needs. If there are any issues detected, the visits can start the treatments before these problems worsen.
• It updates one’s vaccinations. There are specific diseases that women can develop or contract. The gynecologist can help prevent them by providing the necessary vaccines.
• It can screen a woman’s health. The health team will conduct health screenings for the patient each year. These assessments can detect ailments that do not have symptoms. There are different screenings that can help patients depending on the last screening, age, and health needs. Ultrasounds and breast exams are included in these screenings.
• It manages one’s monthly period and menopausal symptoms. The checkups make sure that the patient has normal periods. The doctor will check for bleeding disorders. Osteoporosis management is necessary if the patient has gone through menopause.

Seeing a gynecologist can help maintain a good reproductive health

Women have complex bodies. Regular visits to your gynecologist can help you keep your reproductive system healthy. Your doctor can spot issues and recommend treatments right away. It is always good to know that you have this type of doctor to help you when you need help with your reproductive system.

Get more information about Camilla L. Marquez, MD in Fresno at https://fresnoobgyn.com.

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