Most women are introduced to gynecologists as teenagers. It’s typically around the time when they reach puberty and experience a plethora of physical and hormonal changes. The gynecologists perform an initial vaginal exam, tests for vaginal health issues, and discuss any questions the teen may have about their feminine health and hygiene. Yet, as they get older, many women seem to forget the significance of regular gynecologist visits, only making appointments when something is wrong.
What Is A Gynecologist?
Understanding the role of a gynecologist can shed light on why women should make and keep all necessary appointments. A gynecologist is a medical expert that specializes in women’s reproductive health. They assist female patients from the start of their first period until they reach menopause. Gynecologists offer preventative care and treatment related to reproductive organs and systems like the uterus, cervix, vagina, and fallopian tubes.
Reasons To Visit
Maintaining good reproductive health is essential to a woman’s overall quality of life. If you thought that visiting the gynecologist was something you do when something’s wrong, perhaps these reasons will convince you otherwise.
Preventative Care
Unfortunately, millions of women are diagnosed with feminine health problems every year. Although there are several underlying factors that could contribute to these diagnoses, many of these life-altering conditions are preventable; especially if they keep up with regular gynecologist appointments.
Gynecologists provide services including physical and pelvic exams that give them insight into your reproductive health, medical history, and point out any potential red flags. If the gynecologists determine that your familial history, lifestyle habits, existing medical conditions, or medications could result in feminine health issues down the line, they can provide suggestions to reduce or prevent patient risks.
Early Detection
The longer a medical problem goes untreated, the more damage it can cause. It also reduces the patient’s options for treatments and potential cures. Many women diagnosed with cervical cancer, fibroids, STIs, and other reproductive health issues find out when things are far along and impacting other areas of their health.
Annual visits to the gynecologist would include cervical health screenings, lab work, and exams to detect life-altering conditions in their early stages. Once detected, the gynecologist can provide you with options to resolve or manage your condition before things get worse. These options are often less invasive and have fewer side effects than treatments and surgeries required for advanced staged health problems.
Sexual Health
Who doesn’t want to have a good sex life? Visiting the gynecologist can help with that. As the female reproductive system is highly sensitive, it’s not uncommon for women to experience issues ranging from odors and irritation to pain or bleeding during intercourse. Symptoms like these make it challenging for them to have enjoyable experiences with their partners.
A gynecologist can provide treatment or relief through suggestions for lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and minor procedures that will improve your health and your sex life. They can also give patients advice on birth control, STI protection, and other sex-related topics like enhancing your libido.
Family Planning
If you’re planning on having a baby soon, a visit to your gynecologist should be your first stop. Their series of exams, screenings, and knowledge of your medical and familial history can work to your advantage. A gynecologist assists patients interested in stopping birth control, regulating their menstrual cycle, charting their ovulation period, and treating minor fertility issues. An obstetrician-gynecologist is an expert in childbirth and labor and can support you throughout your pregnancy.
When is the last time you’ve been to the gynecologist? If your answer is more than two years, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. As you can see from the reasons listed above, a gynecologist is your reproductive health expert trained to help you throughout every stage of your life. Do yourself a favor and begin looking for reputable gynecologists in your area. Schedule a virtual or in-person consultation to ask questions and determine which healthcare professional is best for you.
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