A gynecologist is a physician with a focus on women’s reproductive health. While your family doctor, specialist, or pediatrician may examine female parts, they may not be able to answer all of your questions that gynecologists can. Gynecologists treat women and girls at any age. The ACOG recommends first visiting a gynecologist between the ages of 13 to 15 years.
Is It Really Important to See a Gynecologist?
When it comes to your reproductive health, yes. By seeking gynecological care, you are taking responsibility for your health in a new way. It is exciting to know that you are making good choices and making sure that everything is going well during puberty and with your reproductive system. Learning more about gynecological care services can help deal with the stress involved with seeing a new type of doctor.
Reasons Why You Should See Gynecologists Include:
- To understand your body
- Learn how to care for your body
- Spot signs of vaginal infection
- Find problems early for treatment
- Explain normal vaginal discharges
- Learn how to protect yourself during sex
It is important that you are able to build a comfortable relationship with gynecologists. They can answer questions about changes happening to your body. The more you visit with them, the more they will learn about your health and what truly matters to you.
It Is Important That You Select the Right Care
It is a very important decision to select the right gynecologist. Gynecologists are expected to understand women’s needs, desires, and concerns all with respect to your individuality. The goal is to offer every woman exemplary gynecological services that empower them with knowledge concerning how to take care of their bodies.
Visits with Gynecologists Are Rewarding
Visiting a gynecologist is very rewarding for many reasons. They are the type of physician that can help you with menstrual problems. Feel free to discuss any problems you have noticed with your menstrual cycle. Have you suddenly become irregular? Are you dealing with more bleeding? If you are having problems and they have lasted for a few months, it’s time to speak with a gynecologist.
Gynecologists also conduct breast exams. This type of exam is important when you are over the age of 40. If your family or you have a history of breast cancer, you may need to schedule exams more often. It is a good idea to schedule breast exams annually or every six months.
The same goes for pelvic exams and pap smears. If you are over the age of 21, pelvic exams are necessary if you have delayed childbearing, pelvic pain, a strange discharge, or other menstrual disorders. Pap smears also help to reduce cancer risks as well as other types of health problems.
Stay Protected Against STDs
Your gynecologist can help ensure you stay protected from sexually transmitted diseases. An STD is a disease caused by various types of bacteria and viruses transmitted sexually by an infected person. You can get an STD from sexual intercourse, or by putting your genitals, hand, or mouth on a person that’s infected. You can trust your gynecologist to determine if you are suffering from an STD. Symptoms can include pain, itching, sores, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Your Gynecologist Can Determine If You Are Pregnant
Have you stopped having your period after you’ve had sex? If so, you need to schedule a visit with your gynecologist. Whether you are in a steady relationship, or you had casual relations, visiting with an obgyn for a pregnancy test will confirm if you are pregnant or not.
Learn About Birth Control from Your Gynecologist
There are many types of birth control available today. When you want to take the steps to prevent pregnancy, you need to learn everything you can about the birth control your gynecologist recommends. You will receive the best education concerning birth control techniques and how to effectively use birth control.