A misconception about women’s health is that you do not need to see your gynecologist for annual examinations after you have a baby. While many would argue, the fact is that whether you are planning a baby or not, you should always see a gynecologist for comprehensive annual examinations—yes, even if you have hit menopause.
Do you wonder why we are saying this? Your OB-GYN is primarily a gynecologist, and she/he treats many other issues apart from giving you guidance and care during pregnancy. Gynecology is the clinical and surgical management of disorders affecting the fallopian tubes, ovary, uterus, cervix, genitals, and external genitalia in women. Their extensive knowledge of women’s healthcare has made them necessary, even when you are done having kids.
The experience of a professional gynecologist helps her to conduct routine health checkups. Their work includes providing treatments for better sexual health, pap tests, pelvic area examinations, vaginal infections, testing for cancer, and any unusual activity in the vaginal area. Using proper diagnosis and treatment plans, an OBGYN can assist several reproductive health problems. They also address concerns related to mental and sexual health. Surgeons that conduct hysterectomies, ovarian excisions, and endometriosis treatments are known as gynecologists.
Why should you see your OBGYN for annual examinations?
Pelvic examination:
A yearly visit to the gynecologist is important to examine your pelvic health. They can investigate the areas of your pelvic region and treat various health issues before they become a problem later. A gynecologist Queens will perform a pelvic exam to check the health and identify any potential medical concerns by evaluating the size and shape of the reproductive organs, which include the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. These examinations by a doctor will give you a brief idea about the current condition of reproductive health and the suspicions about your health as you age.
Gynecological Upkeep:
Not only annual visit is related to your pelvic health, a gynecologist will assist with other problems related to women’s health. For instance, if you should switch your current contraceptive plans or how often you should take pills. Any concerns related to the menstrual cycle, such as delayed menstrual cycle, early periods, or periods that will not stop, etc. They also assist with bladder control and urinary continence, where people do not have complete muscular control over their bladder, causing involuntary contractions. Alongside these, vaginal dryness, and breast examinations are other issues they attend to and provide necessary treatment plans.
Necessary Medical Screening:
The American Cancer Society advises cervical cancer screening, also called a Pap smear, for women over 35. It must be done, particularly if there has been a history of abnormal Pap smear results. At yearly checkups, further examinations and screenings are performed, such as a medical examination, mammography, thyroid, cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar diabetes test.
If there is no family history of cancer, mammograms should begin around age 40. If there is a history of breast cancer, earlier screenings may be advised. While thyroid screening is usually done every five years to identify thyroid abnormalities, lipid screening should be done every five years. Setting health as a top priority requires knowledge of risk factors and additional testing.
Informing the doctor about sexual changes:
Sexual health is something you should not ignore, and if there is a change in your sexual life, then you must consult your OBGYN about it. It might seem uncomfortable to talk about sexual dysfunctions to your doctor. Still, since the problem is more common now, and nearly half of American women have some dysfunctions in any phase of their life, it must not be ignored. Fixing and finding a cure to existing sexual problems is essential; otherwise, it would hamper the connection between you and your partner.
Change in weight before or after menopause:
Weight loss for women over 40 is discussed during the wellness assessment that occurs during annual OBGYN Queens appointments. Weight reduction can be hampered by hormone fluctuations, a lowered metabolic rate, genetics, and muscle loss. An obstetrician-gynecologist understands the difficulty of not seeing weight loss with regular exercise and diet. They assess wellness objectives and offer individualized care regimens catered to each patient’s requirements. They are pleased to respond to women’s health and weight loss inquiries.
The reason for visiting your gynecologists for yearly checkups cannot be contained in a few words. Reviewing family medical history to the doctor, rectal examinations, unusual menstrual cycles, bone density loss, gynecological surgery, preventive healthcare are few more reasons for never skipping annual visit to your gynecologist.
EMU Health is a top name to consider when finding the optimal healthcare for women in Queens. This place is equipped with board-certified physicians and state-of-the-art technologies to provide women with optimal healthcare. Visit this place if you need compassionate, professional, and best care for your healthcare needs.