A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s health, with a primary focus on the female reproductive system. For many women in the United States, their gynecologist also serves as their primary care physician.
Here are 5 of the most important reasons to make an appointment with your gynecologist today.
1. Annual Wellness Visit
An annual wellness visit provides an excellent opportunity for your gynecologist to offer counsel that will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize health risks. During an annual wellness visit, your gynecologist will assess your overall health by obtaining vital signs, reviewing your family health history, conducting screenings, providing evaluation and counseling, and performing a Pap smear test, depending upon your individual age and risk factors. Due to the comprehensive nature of the annual wellness exam, your gynecologist will have the opportunity to identify certain health issues that you may have otherwise been unaware of.
2. Irregular Menstrual Cycle
Irregularities in the menstrual cycle include changes in blood flow, changes in duration, excessive pain during menstruation, or having your menstruation stop completely. If you experience any changes in your menstrual cycle, it is important to speak with your gynecologist about these changes as soon as possible.
3. Unusual or Severe Vaginal or Pelvic Pain
Unusual or severe vaginal or pelvic pain may include excessive pain during menstruation, ovulation, after eating, or during sexual intercourse. Depending on the cause, the pain may be sudden, recurrent, or ongoing, and may be worsened by movement, physical activity, stress, or eating certain foods. If you find yourself experiencing unusual or severe vaginal or pelvic plain, it is important to notify your gynecologist immediately.
4. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, particularly discharge that is accompanied by pain, itching, odor, or change in texture, may indicate an underlying health condition. In many cases, vaginal discharge is a sign of an infection. If you experience any abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of your menstruation, or notice continuously abnormal vaginal discharge, it is important to receive treatment quickly to prevent it from developing into a more serious problem.
5. Unusual Changes in the Breast
Unusual changes in the breast include lumps or firmness in your breast or under your arm, itching, thickening, scaling, dimpling, or puckering of the skin, and discharge or other changes in the nipple. Undergoing an annual breast exam is one of the quickest and simplest ways for your gynecologist to screen for breast cancer. A breast exam can be performed during your annual wellness visit.
If you are experiencing any of the health issues discussed above, have further questions and concerns, or have not scheduled your annual wellness visit, please contact our office at (630) 882.0264.
