Regular gynecological exams are an important part of maintaining overall health and wellness for women of all ages. Here are 5 key reasons why you should schedule an annual gynecological exam, even if you feel healthy and have no specific concerns.
- Maintenance of your health
A GYN exam is different from a Pap test, but it does include the latter if you wish to get it as well. A GYN exam is useful in that it can proceed with screening for any abnormalities you may have in your body.
The parts that are typically examined under a GYN exam are the cervix, vagina, uterus and ovaries. Your doctor will also check the breasts and pelvis for any problems.
Getting a GYN exam is useful for the prevention of more serious problems and it doesn’t even need to be taken very often.
Women above the age of 21 and under 65 are only required to get a GYN exam once every three years, provided their test results came out negative.
However, if one test has ever shown some abnormalities, then a GYN exam once a year would be recommended to ensure recovery and health maintenance.
- Screening and prevention of STI
As mentioned above, a GYN exam screens for any abnormalities and then seek to prevent them.
During your GYN exam, you can also get useful advice from your doctor on how best to manage a lifestyle that would ensure your health.
Meanwhile, if you so happen to have an STI or STD, early detection through the screening could prevent further damage to your body.
With early detection, treatment can be more effective and recovery more successful. You need to know that some STDs when left untreated, could lead to infertility and in some severe cases can even be life-threatening.
When your screen for STIs during a GYN exam, your gynaecologist will take your blood sample to check for certain antibodies. A GYN exam screening includes common STIs like genital herpes, HIV, and syphilis.
Sometimes, a pelvic exam (using gloved, lubricated fingers) can also be done.
According to Mayo Clinic, the primary aim of STI screenings is to detect and treat infections before complications develop and to identify, test, and treat sexual partners to prevent the spread and recurrence of infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least an annual HIV test for those at high risk of contracting the infection.
- Preconception counselling
Getting pregnant is not always an easy thing for a lot of women. Likewise, being pregnant also comes with a great deal of responsibility and your health needs to be a top priority.
To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it is important that you plan ahead carefully with preconception counselling. During preconception counselling, your OB/GYN will guide you through healthy lifestyle steps to prepare you for pregnancy.
Darin Swainston, MD, FACOG emphasizes the significance of preconception counseling as a crucial aspect of reproductive health. This counseling empowers women to make well-informed choices about their reproductive health and family planning. Through health-promoting education and guidance before conception, preconception counseling aims to maximize the chances of a healthy, complication-free pregnancy, and a joyful experience of welcoming a baby into the world.
But the most important things are the screening and tests to see if you will have problems with getting pregnant and during pregnancy.
And if you do have specific challenges, your OB/GYN will be able to provide treatment and/or prevention before you get pregnant. Common ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even mental disorders will be checked during a GYN exam.
This will all provide healthy measurements to ensure a healthy pregnancy so that your foetus/baby has a chance for survival and can grow well.
- Diagnosis of pelvic pains
A lot of women can deal with pelvic pains; however, the source of pelvic pains is not always clear. For one, almost 80% of women regularly experience pelvic pains during menstruation and this is usually not a great source of concern.
Be that as it may, some women do experience extreme pains during menstruation that they are prevented from doing daily activities. Such pains are not normal and need to be checked.
Meanwhile, there can also be times women experience pelvic pains even when they are not menstruating. In any case, chronic pelvic pains need serious attention because you could be suffering from very serious health issues.
Getting a GYN exam can help you determine the source of your pelvic pains. When you get a proper diagnosis, the right treatment can be administered immediately so you cease to struggle on a daily basis.
As per Contemporary OB/GYN, accurately diagnosing pelvic pain is crucial for its appropriate treatment. To determine the cause of pelvic pain, the gynecologist gathers the patient’s history related to the pain and conducts a thorough examination. During the initial visit, a vaginal probe ultrasound scan is often performed, which can reveal underlying causes of pain that might otherwise remain undetected. This comprehensive approach aids in identifying and addressing the specific factors contributing to pelvic pain effectively.
You may need to see more than one specialist if you have multiple health issues that cause pelvic pains.
- Addressing menstrual problems
You may be concerned about not being able to get a GYN exam during your period. Meanwhile, you may think you need help right now because your period is very painful. Well, did you know?
You can indeed get a GYN exam on your period. It’s no problem at all. Your OB/GYN will simply ask you to go to the bathroom to remove any menstrual product you’re using before the GYN exam begins.
If you are experiencing chronic pains or any other abnormalities during your period, it is a good idea to make a quick visit to your trusted OB/GYN.
This is because the source of your pain and discomfort may be more serious than you think. And so, getting early detection will get you a more effective treatment to resolve the issue.
At any rate, you should tell your examiner that you’re currently menstruating. This is necessary information and will not disrupt the exam at all.
To summarize, annual gynecological exams are relevant and necessary to ensure a healthy uterus and proper vaginal health and hygiene. We hope these reasons help you understand the significance of annual gynecological exams and why you should have them.
Why Would You Need A Gynecologist?
A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the health of the female reproductive system. This includes the organs such as the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina, as well as the breasts. While some may think that visiting a gynecologist is only necessary during pregnancy or when experiencing specific symptoms, the truth is that women should see a gynecologist regularly throughout their lives. In this paper, we will discuss the reasons why you would need a gynecologist and the importance of regular gynecological care.
First and foremost, a gynecologist can help with the early detection and prevention of various health issues. Regular gynecological exams can detect conditions such as cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, and breast abnormalities, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. These exams also include screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are common and can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly. A gynecologist can also provide necessary vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, which protects against the most common causes of cervical cancer.
Another reason why you would need a gynecologist is for reproductive health care. Gynecologists can provide essential services such as birth control, fertility treatments, and prenatal care. They can also help with managing menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These conditions can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, and a gynecologist can offer treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Furthermore, gynecologists can provide guidance and support for women’s sexual health. They can educate patients about safe sex practices, answer questions about sexual function and pleasure, and address any concerns related to sexual health. A gynecologist can also offer counseling for issues such as sexual dysfunction, body image, and relationship problems. These discussions can be uncomfortable for some women, but a gynecologist is a trained professional who can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for patients to discuss their concerns.
Besides the physical health aspect, gynecologists also play a crucial role in a woman’s mental health. Many gynecological issues, such as infertility or menopause, can cause emotional distress and affect a woman’s mental well-being. A gynecologist can provide support and resources for mental health care, including referrals to therapists or psychiatrists if needed. They can also identify and treat conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and postpartum depression.
Moreover, gynecologists can help women navigate different stages of their lives and provide age-specific care. For instance, adolescent girls may need education and guidance on puberty, menstruation, and contraception. Pregnant women require specialized care during pregnancy and childbirth, which a gynecologist can provide. As women age, they may experience changes in their reproductive health, such as menopause, which may require medical attention. A gynecologist can offer appropriate care and treatment during each of these stages.
In addition to medical services, gynecologists also offer a safe and supportive environment for women to discuss their reproductive health and any concerns they may have. Many women feel more comfortable discussing intimate and sensitive topics with a female doctor, making a gynecologist the ideal healthcare provider for such discussions. They can provide personalized care and build a trusting relationship with their patients, making it easier for women to seek help when needed.
In conclusion, a gynecologist is an essential healthcare provider for women at every stage of their lives. From routine check-ups to specialized care, a gynecologist can help maintain optimal reproductive health, detect and prevent potential health issues, and provide support for mental and emotional well-being. Regular gynecological care is crucial for overall health and should not be neglected. If you are a woman, it is essential to make an appointment with a gynecologist and prioritize your reproductive health.
