The quest for a healthy vagina is an endless one for a lot of women, whether we’re a pre-teen, pre-menopausal, or anything in between. From avoiding products that will dry out your vulva to getting the HPV vaccine and practicing safe sex, there’s a lot to keep up with.
One of the most important things is getting annual gynecological exams, which include pap smears. You should visit the gynecologist regularly, but how often? That’s what we’re going to talk about in this post.
Read on, and we’ll walk you through the answer.
Age Over 21
When you reach age 21, visits to the gynecologist should be scheduled at least once a year to stay healthy and up to date on preventive care. At these check-ups, your gynecologist will review your history, address any concerns or changes you are going through and help you manage to care for any potential health issues.
Regular visits to your doctor can reduce your risk of long-term complications from chronic conditions such as:
- endometriosis
- ovarian cysts
- infections
Depending on your risk factors and family history, you may want to consider more frequent screenings for sexual health.
Become Sexually Active
If you become sexually active, you should regularly visit to ensure good health and prevent any potential problems from occurring. Your gynecologist should determine the frequency of your visits after consulting with you about your situation.
During these visits, it is important to get checked for STIs, and HPV, and to make sure that your reproductive organs are functioning properly. It’s also a good idea to get Pap Smears done every three years.
During Pregnancy
You should visit the gynecologist regularly throughout the pregnancy. At a minimum, pregnant women should visit at least once every trimester.
Women should also make an appointment when they experience any potential issues. Such as excessive bleeding, cramping, nausea, or other health concerns.
During each visit, your gynecologist will conduct tests to evaluate your health and the baby’s health. Through ultrasounds and other scans, they will identify any abnormalities and address any complications that arise throughout the pregnancy.
Menopause
Women begin menopause around 45-55, although some begin earlier. It is important to keep regular visits to your gynecologist throughout this time. During the early stages of peri-menopause, women should visit their gynecologist every 3-4 months.
Women should talk with their doctor about any body changes that could indicate early menopause, including:
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- painful intercourse
If a woman does develop any of these symptoms, she should speak with her doctor as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. Check out this top gynecologist for a healthcare medical professional.
Visit the Gynecologist
It is essential to visit the gynecologist regularly for women to stay healthy. It is recommended to have a well-woman exam annually, or more often if needed. Don’t be afraid to speak with your physician about any questions or concerns.
Make your health a priority and schedule your well-woman appointment today!
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