An OBGYN is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. Regardless of if you are looking to get pregnant or wanting to prevent pregnancy at this stage in life, regular OBGYN visits are imperative to your overall health and wellness. Here are five reasons why an annual visit to the OBGYN is so important.
Breast Exams
Breast cancer is one of the leading killers of women all over the world. Regular doctor visits can help to mitigate the risk that you are caught off guard with this dreaded disease. Your OBGYN will conduct a manual breast exam at every visit, helping you catch issues before they develop into potentially bigger problems.
Your doctor will also be able to show you how you can perform your own self-breast exam on a monthly basis. If your OBGYN suspects any problems, they will be able to refer you to a breast specialist. Breast exams are especially important over the age of 40, but most OBGYNS will perform them on all women, regardless of age and risk factors.
Birth Control
A professional OBGYN is also a great resource for the best birth control for your needs and personal preferences. This type of doctor is well-equipped to answer any of your questions about this issue. The OBGYN can also provide recommendations and ensure that the method that you choose works best for your health needs.
Your doctor will also train you on how to use the method that you choose so that you will feel confident that you are using it correctly. When it is time to discontinue the use of birth control, the OBGYN will be able to guide you through this process. If you are aiming to get pregnant, your OBGYN will be a wealth of information for you on how to boost your chances of conceiving.
Check for STDs
If you are sexually active, it is vital that you check regularly for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). An OBGYN performs STD checks as part of a comprehensive vaginal exam. Potential STDs that your healthcare provider will be looking for include syphilis, genital warts, human papillomavirus (HPV), and more.
If left untreated, STDs can develop into much more serious issues, making it important that you diagnose any potential problems as quickly as possible. Some serious STDs may cause infertility if not caught and treated in time. In addition to your regular checks with your OBGYN, be sure to reach out if you experience symptoms including vaginal warts, lesions, bumps, or abnormal discharge.
Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
Most healthcare providers recommend that women start getting pap smears at the age of 21. These exams are particularly important if you are experiencing any type of pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge. Regular preventative pap smears can also help to reduce your risk of cancer in the future.
Depending on the result of your initial pap smears and your number of sexual partners, you may need to get a pap smear at yearly intervals. Those women who receive any type of abnormal result may need to get pap smears more frequently. The experts at OBGYN Richmond VA will be able to recommend the best course of action based on your personal history.
Mental or Emotional Issues
Your OBGYN may also be a good starting point if you are feeling inexplicably sad or depressed lately. While an OBGYN is no substitute for a trained mental professional, it could be that physical issues may be affecting your mental health.
An OBGYN may be able to run tests designed to pinpoint any hormonal imbalances that may be causing you to feel off. Many women lean on their OBGYNs for mental counseling as they go through certain life changes such as menopause. If your OBGYN is unable to help you with your specific mental health issues, they will be able to provide references or other resources for you to consult in your journey.
Your reproductive health should always be taken seriously. Finding an OBGYN that you can trust with all of these important physical and mental health issues will help you take control of your well-being to live a long and happy life.
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