A gynecologist is a doctor with an interest in women’s health centering in female reproductive health such as fertility issues, sexually transmitted infections, hormone disorders, obstetrics, menstruation, and others.
A debate has been going on about how often one should see a gynecologist, and people have their own opinions. A gynecologist recommends that you go for an annual visit whether you exhibit symptoms or not. An annual gynecologist exam gives a chance to check your reproductive health, as well as to protect you and your family.During your annual visit, a gynecologist will provide two common tests—pelvic exam and a pap smear. A pelvic exam is done to check the presence of any medical problems in your reproductive area and whether you have any sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, a gynecologist will recommend you take a pelvic exam. On the other hand, a pap smear is done to spot any cancerous cells in the cervix as an early intervention as the best way to beat cancer.
Your health and age affect the number of times you should see a gynecologist. Women between 21 to 29 years should make an appointment to get a review of their reproductive health including a breast examination. A sexually active woman should also go for a regular checkup and any issues that arise.
Pregnancy affects how many times you should visit a gynecologist whether you are trying to get pregnant or pregnant. A regular doctor will send you to a gynecologist to confirm your pregnancy. The gynecologist will then recommend the best prenatal care for you and your baby. The visits will be more common as the due date approaches.
A high-risk pregnancy is a common factor in how many times you should see a gynecologist. A high-risk pregnancy can be a result of preexisting health conditions or advanced maternal age, so a constant regular checkup will be needed to monitor the baby and you.
The annual visit to your gynecologist should not stop there. It is advisable to see a gynecologist if you discover any of the following changes such as-
- vaginal discomfort
- heavy periods
- skipped periods
- spotting between periods
- unusual vaginal discharge,
- the unusual odor from your vagina
- pain during sex
- bad pain during menstruation
- growths around your vagina
Even though the visits is uncomfortable, they are very vital to you and your body. Visits to a gynecologist are the best way to inhibit any medical problems that may arise from your reproductive system. Before any visit, always have a checklist of what you want to tell your doctor. Remember, you can always contact them if any problem occurs.
