When to See a Gynecologist

According to the Cancer Australia Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology, every woman over 20 years should go to the gynecologist once a year so that to screen possible women’s health problems. You can get an appointment with your gynecologist or a local family planning center. A health care provider performs cervical cancer screening, examines the breasts and the thyroid gland and screens other health issues.

Puberty

Adolescent girls should first visit the gynecologist at the age of 13 to 15, even if they have not had sexual intercourse yet.

Pap Test: Get Screened for Human Papilloma Virus

Women over 20 need a Pap test every year. Women between 20 and 30 are particularly prone to HPV infection or cervical cancer. Human papilloma virus is a risk factor itself, it may lead to cervical cancer. HPV and cervical cancer have no symptoms, however, a gynecologist can detect the abnormal changes from a smear. If your doctor recognizes the problem early on, you have good chances to recover.

Women at the age of 30 to 65 should get a pap test every three years and a HPV test every five years. They still should see a gynecologist every year to screen other possible health problems. If you have human immunodeficiency virus or any other disease that affects your immune system, get a pap test every year, even if you are over 30. If you have more than one sexual partner, you should get an annual pap test.

Whenever you have a new sexual partner, your chances to get HPV grow by 15 percent. Most women with cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in five or more years.

Unusual Symptoms

You should visit your gynecologist if you notice anything from the following symptoms:

·         unusual vaginal discharge

·         any lumps or growths

·         abdominal pain

·         breast pain

·         bleeding between periods

·         bleeding after having sex

·         pain during a sexual intercourse

These can be signs that you have a vaginal infection, inflammatory pelvic disease, some type of cancers or a sexually transmitted disease. These issues require immediate medical help. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment, even if you had your annual exam just a few weeks ago.

You should see a gynecologist if you have any problems with your period: painful menstruation, irregular periods or bleeding between periods.

Menopause

Once you hit your menopausal years, your ovaries stop producing estrogen. Even if you have not had your period for a year, you should see a gynecologist to find out whether you are postmenopausal. Your doctor will perform a blood test to check out your follicle stimulating hormone levels, this is how they can tell whether you are postmenopausal.

You should not stop with your medical check-ups. You still have chances to develop breast cancer. You should get pelvic exams, pap tests, and mammograms. Hormonal changes may cause other health issues, like osteoporosis. If you smoke, consume alcohol, coffee, sugar and salt, you are prone to this issue. Working out and getting a healthy diet reduce the risks.

If you experience postmenopausal bleeding, see your gynecologist at once.