5 Important Reasons to Visit your Gynecologist

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.

Why winter is the best time for laser hair removal

While laser hair removal can be performed at any time throughout the year, the fall and winter months are the best time to begin the laser hair removal process for several reasons.

It is easier to avoid sun exposure.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin present in both dark hair and dark skin. Therefore, the best candidates for laser hair removal are those that have light skin and dark hair. However, if you have a darker skin tone than Fitzpatrick type IV, then there are still a few options for you. Both the Alexandrite laser and the Nd:YAG have been shown to be both effective and safe for those with darker skin tone, to a certain extent.

Since the amount of UV radiation we are exposed to tends to decrease during the winter months, our production of melanin also decreases, making it the ideal time to begin your laser hair removal sessions. Furthermore, sun exposure can ruin the results of your laser hair removal treatment. Having sunburned or tanned skin increases the risk of laser hair removal side effects, such as changes in skin pigmentation, irritation, redness, and swelling. If you have a tan, either from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, it is important to wait until the tan has completely faded before undergoing laser hair removal.

It is easier to protect your skin post treatment.

Not only is it easier to get rid of sun damage during the winter months, it is also easier to avoid additional sun exposure after undergoing your laser hair removal treatment. Keeping your skin covered and protected from additional sun exposure after every treatment session will help you achieve the best results and avoid the aforementioned side effects.

Laser hair removal is done in a series of sessions, with most people requiring 4-6 treatments spaced around six weeks apart to achieve permanent results. Once you have received a treatment, it can take up to two weeks for the treated hair to fall out. While this may be inconvenient when you want to wear shorts or dresses during the summer months, it is easy to disguise when you are covered up during the winter months. With winter lasting between 3-5 months in Illinois, you will have enough time to safely undergo your laser hair removal treatments and reveal your amazing results in time for summer!

So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of the winter months and get a head start on having smooth, hair-free skin now so you can enjoy the summer months with confidence. Book your complimentary skin consultation by calling 630-882-0264 today!