Most of us have heard that it’s important to be mindful of our health as we age, and as women, there are several reasons why having an OB-GYN is so crucial.
Creating and establishing a good relationship with an OB-GYN can help you to better understand the various health issues and body changes you will encounter in your adult life. An OB-GYN can help guide patients through different expectations, goals and issues you might face, from early adolescence into adulthood and, finally, transitioning into menopause and beyond.
An OB-GYN doesn’t exist just to screen for cervical cancer. They also can provide an STD screening, birth control assistance and obstetrics care for those who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
An OB-GYN can also help to identify any problems patients may not be aware of. For example, if your daughter is young and doesn’t understand what is happening with her body as she becomes a woman, that’s enough to warrant an initial visit, especially if she’s experiencing any kind of disruption in her menstrual cycle, such as irregularity or a heavy or painful flow.
A simple conversation
A misconception is that any visit to your OB-GYN will be painful or embarrassing. By having a sincere and comfortable conversation with your OB-GYN, you can identify any problems and be guided through which issues need to be addressed.
An initial visit doesn’t necessary include getting undressed or a pelvic exam; it will be little more than a simple conversation. If you’re visiting with your daughter who is not sexually active, for example, the doctor will discuss common problems, expectations, and differences and changes in her body.
It’s important to address issues related to puberty, including what is normal versus what is not. Your OB-GYN will help set the foundation of what will come in future years. As women grow older and begin to encounter problems, an OB-GYN will begin addressing the need for a pelvic exam, cervical cancer screening, immunizations and setting up how to proceed.
Some problems you might face can deal with your menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalance, the need for birth control, or even simply understanding how your body should be reacting to these changes. An OB-GYN will identify what problems you might be having and offer suggestions on how to help alleviate them.
For older patients who believe a decreasing sexual drive or problems with sexual activity are an inevitable part of the aging process, your OB-GYN will explain to you all the reasons why that’s not actually the case.
Your emotions matter
It’s important for your OB-GYN to know your emotional status in order to determine any other problems that need to be addressed, whether they are personal, sexual or hormonal. No woman should ever visit her doctor and fear her questions might be considered taboo or off limits in some way.
It’s important to understand that women are very complicated beings, as our hormones vary greatly. Overall, your OB-GYN will make you feel comfortable and heard. Every need you face -- now and throughout the many years of your life -- can be addressed with your doctor in a positive and helpful way.
Once a year
How often should you see your OB-GYN? Once a year is recommended. While you might not necessarily need a Pap smear annually, you can face a wide range of issues within a 12-month span, where your gynecological health is concerned.
If you have had a hysterectomy, you might feel you don’t have to see your gynecologist anymore, but that’s not the case either. An OB-GYN will be able to do a complete wellness exam for you. They will evaluate any need for potential treatment, especially if you’re starting to experience pain with sexual intercourse. Your OB-GYN also will address any potential concerns with your ovaries, pelvic area or breasts.