Everybody wants to have a long and healthy life. In addition to self-care, the assistance of medical professionals is necessary. A primary care physician and a dentist are the minima you should see regularly. An optometrist is also a good idea and depending on your personal health issues, perhaps a dermatologist or chiropractor would be helpful. For women, reproductive health should never be neglected and for that reason, regular appointments with a gynecologist are essential to good health.
The Job of a Gynecologist
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. They can offer helpful advice on issues such as terminating a pregnancy, abortion pill reversal, and birth control. Women of childbearing years, generally between about 15 and 45, should be making regular gynecological visits, although they can begin as young as 13 in the early years of puberty.
The gynecologist cares for the parts of the female body connected to reproduction and childbearing. These include the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts. They perform examinations, diagnose, and treat problems in these areas.
Regular Checkups
A woman should see her gynecologist for a checkup once a year until the age of 29. From 30 and up, the visits can occur every other year. The gynecologist will check for lumps in the breasts. Along with mammograms, these checkups can find breast cancer early on when it is more treatable.
The doctor will also perform a vaginal examination, looking for signs of cervical or uterine cancer. A pap smear will also be performed. This is a collection of cells from inside the cervix that can be examined for cancer or other problems. The vulva is also carefully examined. Your regular checkups allow your gynecologist to give you a clean bill of reproductive health. Early detection of health problems will allow treatment to begin in the early stages when the chance of full recovery is highest.
Other Reason to See a Gynecologist
In addition to regular checkups, there are other reasons it is recommended that you make an appointment with your gynecologist. These include:
- You want an STD screening after unprotected casual sex.
- Your menstrual cycle is unusually heavy or otherwise different than normal.
- You are experiencing pain in the pelvis, stomach, vagina during menstruation.
- You have been experiencing unusual discharge from the vagina or detecting unusual odors.
- You find sexual intercourse painful or uncomfortable or find that it causes bleeding.
- You suspect that you may be pregnant and would like to confirm it.
- You are trying to become pregnant and would like expert reproductive advice.
- You don’t have a regular primary care provider and are concerned you may have a gynecological issue.
In general, any time you feel pain or suspect you may have a health problem related to your reproductive system, it’s a good idea to see your gynecologist.
Receiving care from medical professionals is essential for optimum health. Specialists are often needed. For women in their childbearing years, this includes regular checkups with a gynecologist. Look after your entire body.