Visiting your gynecologist is important for maintaining good reproductive health. Schedule yearly checkups as well as visits for these gynecological symptoms…
Why Visit the Gynecologist?
Visiting the gynecologist is imperative for good health. Some women aren’t fazed by it, some women find it a bit stressful, and some women are afraid and avoid the gynecologist all together. Whatever your situation may be, it is something that needs to be done on a yearly basis (preventative care), and on occasions when certain gynecological symptoms manifest.
Browse this list for the most important reasons to go:
When Teen Girls Are Sexually Active or Have Reached the Age of 18
This is the time to start seeing a gynecologist. It establishes an early relationship that will make a woman less apprehensive about the doctor and about her body. The gynecologist will find out if the menstrual cycle is regular, will do a pap smear (which checks for human papillomavirus, a contagious sexually transmitted disease), will inform about birth control, do a baseline breast exam, and answer any gynecological questions.
When a Woman Thinks She is Pregnant
Suspected pregnancy (a missed period or irregular bleeding) can be confirmed by the gynecologist. This sets the stage for early ultrasounds to determine fetal viability.
For Pelvic Pain/ Pressure/ Itching
Pelvic symptoms should be checked out by a gynecologist in order to rule out different abnormalities. Pain can be caused by fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis. Pressure can also result from these abnormalities. Itching and pain can be caused by an infection. The majority of these symptoms do not indicate life-threatening problems, but proper treatment is nevertheless essential. A pelvic ultrasound might be ordered by the gynecologist for further investigation.
For Irregular/ Heavy Bleeding
Many women contend with irregular menstrual cycles that include bleeding between periods or heavy menstruation. A gynecologist can check for endometriosis, fibroid tumors, or problems with the endometrial lining. Again, a pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive test that can be ordered for testing for such abnormalities.
When a Woman Has Pain During/ After Intercourse
Painful intercourse can indicate cervical/ vaginal problems such as human papillomavirus or the herpes virus, or it can also merely indicate a bacterial or yeast infection. The gynecologist can do a thorough inspection of the area and view anything abnormal. A pap smear from the cervix can also be taken.
For a Palpable Breast Lump or Pain
Upon self-examination, a breast lump or pain should be reported to the gynecologist. She or he will do a thorough breast exam and determine whether a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or both should be scheduled to view any breast abnormalities.
For Yearly Preventative Care
It is important to visit the gynecologist yearly for a preventative checkup which includes a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and a pap smear.