5 reasons to see a gynecologist

It turns out you can cover a lot of ground at a gynecology appointment. From questions about safe sex, painful or heavy periods, and/or reproductive cancer screenings and prevention, a gynecologist is a go-to expert for all things reproductive health.

“It’s recommended women start seeing a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15 to establish care, even when a pelvic exam is not needed and it’s prior to becoming sexually active,” explains Dr. Berina Karic, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Aurora Health Care. “All women should see a gynecologist when they become sexually active or by age 21.”

5 reasons to see a gynecologist:

1. Annual pelvic and breast exam​

During a pelvic exam, your health care provider will use a speculum to help open the vagina so they can visualize the cervix and screen for abnormalities, such as infections or signs of cancer.

They will also perform a breast exam to feel for lumps and to look for skin abnormalities which can be linked to breast cancer. They will review your health history, immunization status and make sure all your preventive screenings are up to date.

2. Cervical cancer​ screening

Cervical cancer screening is commonly referred to as a Pap smear. During your pelvic exam, a small brush is used to sample cells from your cervix which are sent to a pathology lab for testing.

It’s recommended you begin cervical cancer screenings starting at age 21 and undergoing repeat testing every three years until age 65. For women ages 30 to 65 years old, you may receive a Pap smear with human papillomavirus (HPV) co-testing, which requires retesting every 5 years.

3. Menstrual cycle management

Your gynecologist can help address any concerns related to your menstrual cycle, such as painful, heavy or irregular periods. They may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and/or prescribe medications which can help manage these symptoms. If symptom management isn’t effective, your gynecologist can help determine if additional testing, imaging, or surgery may be the appropriate next step.

4. Menopause support

If you are struggling with menopause symptoms – most commonly hot flashes – your gynecologist can provide treatment options, such as hormone therapy and lifestyle modifications. They will also educate you on the potential risks associated with certain treatment options.

5. STI testing

Your gynecologist will ask if you are sexually active to determine if STI screening is appropriate. All sexually active women under 25 years old should receive chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings. It’s also recommended women over 25 years old who are at an increased risk of infection receive the STI screenings.

Gynecologists can also help answer any questions related to safe sex and can guide you to birth control options. If you experience pain during sex, you should bring this up during your appointment.

Gynecology and beyond

Many gynecologists are also obstetricians, which means they are trained in caring for the health of pregnant women. “This includes all stages of pregnancy, including preconception, antepartum, delivery and postpartum,” Dr. Karic explains.

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