Visiting a doctor, particularly a gynecologist, sounds needless when you are feeling fine. However, frequent gynecological examinations guarantee that you remain healthy throughout all periods of your reproductive life. Whether you are a teenager who has just begun menstruation, a woman considering pregnancy, or nearing menopause, the gynecological staff at The Wellness Restoration Center can help. Regular checkups with a gynecologist New York, NY can guarantee optimal OBGYN health throughout all stages and allow you to detect major problems before they become more serious. For a deeper insight into how frequently you should arrange an appointment with your gynecologist, here are some suggestions. Read on to learn more.
Should You Get A Pap Smear Every Year?
You might have always been told that yearly Pap smears are vital to your health. Besides, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of fatalities in women, attributing over 4,000 women yearly. For this reason, a Pap smear is a necessary preventive screening as it examines cervix cells for the presence of malignant or non-malignant cells. Nevertheless, should you continually undergo a pap smear every year? Not really!
Women should start having Pap smears at 21 years. If your Pap test outcomes are normal, you may only need it every three years. After 30 years, you can also have a human papillomavirus (HPV) test to see if you have this virus, which is usually spread through sexual intercourse.
If you have no HPV symptoms and your Pap findings are okay, you can wait five years between Pap tests. Often, most women no longer require Pap screenings after they turn 65. On the other hand, if your Pap smear comes back with inconclusive results or your HPV results are positive, you should get checked more often. At The Wellness Restoration Center, your gynecologists can help you develop the right schedule for you.
What About Yearly Exams?
Even if you are not required to get a Pap smear at every appointment, you should continue to visit your gynecologist for pelvic examinations. A pelvic exam assesses the overall health of your reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vulva, vagina, and breasts. Your physician could also screen for sexually transmitted infections and other issues throughout a pelvic exam.
An annual checkup is advantageous for women between the ages of 21 and 29. More often than not, this is the age when one is likely to face difficulties with fertility, menses, and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Above 30 years, you could prolong the interval of your checkups to two years, especially if you are generally in good health, are not pregnant, and are not receiving treatment for other health concerns.
Upon approaching perimenopause and menopause itself, annual checkups with your gynecologist are highly beneficial. During these sessions, your doctor can assist you in managing distressing symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and cognitive fog. After you hit 40 years, your doctor should set you up with routine mammograms.
As you approach menopause, your chance of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular illnesses heightens. Whatever the case, your gynecologist can help by providing the necessary screenings and preventative treatment.
What If You Have Strange Symptoms?
If you are experiencing odd symptoms, such as pelvic discomfort, vaginal discharge, and heavy or irregular periods, schedule a visit outside of your routine exam.
Suppose any unexpected symptoms are connected to a medical condition, such as uterine fibroids, urinary tract infection, or a sexually transmitted illness. In that case, early care can help you prevent problems that can harm your fertility and health in the long run.
It is critical to both your overall health and life quality that your pelvic organs and reproductive organs are in good condition. Therefore, if you are wondering how often you should arrange your gynecologic visits, the truth is that it is unique for every individual. While there are general recommendations that Dr. Marcia Harris might provide based on your health, age, and other factors, an individual consultation is necessary to determine the right schedule routine for you. Call the Midtown East, NY office or use the online booking tool to get started.
