Every woman needs to see a gynecologist once they reach a certain age. What is a gynecologist? A gynecologist is trained in caring for a woman’s reproductive health and diagnosing/treating any conditions that could affect the reproductive system.
A gynecologist is so much more than someone who only specializes in the reproductive health of a woman, however. A gynecologist will be there to ensure several other areas of health as well, such as breast health and sexual health. When is the best time to start visiting a gynecologist?
There is a certain age when girls should start seeing a gynecologist. There are also special times when young girls and women should ensure they schedule a gynecologist appointment. In the guide below, you’ll discover a few signs that it’s time to make an appointment.
Continue reading to learn more.
When They Become Sexually Active
No matter how old you are, if you’ve become sexually active and haven’t already seen a gynecologist, then it’s time to do so. As soon as a girl becomes sexually active, she should schedule an appointment. These appointments are ideal for STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing.
Your doctor can also provide you with information about all the risks of being sexually active and how to keep yourself safe. If there are any questions you might have about your sex life, then this appointment is the perfect time to gather all the answers you need. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or shy either since gynecologists answer these types of questions on a daily basis.
When They Reach the Age of Thirteen
A general age for a girl to start seeing a gynecologist, even if they haven’t become sexually active yet is 13. Once a girl reaches the ages of 13-15, she should start searching for a good gynecologist. These are the years when a girl’s body starts to change.
She’ll start exploring her sexuality at this time as well. For these reasons, seeing a gynecologist during this time is ideal. Some young girls may feel more comfortable speaking to their doctor rather than their parents.
Scheduling them an appointment with their gynecologists might give them the opportunity to ask questions they’d otherwise never ask.
When There’s a Change in Their Menstrual Flow
Young women experience their first menstrual cycle at all different ages. As soon as you start your menstrual cycle, you should consider visiting your gynecologist. There doesn’t need to be anything wrong in order for you to schedule this appointment either.
It’s simply a good idea to visit your gynecologist to ensure everything with your menstrual cycle is normal. If there are ever any sudden changes with your cycle, such as it stops altogether, it lasts longer than it should, or there’s bleeding in between cycles, then this is also a sign to schedule an appointment.
When They’re Considering Birth Control
Another ideal time to make an appointment is when you’re considering birth control. Your gynecologist is the perfect person to discuss all your different birth control options with. They’ll be able to provide you with information about each type of birth control and help you decide which one might be the best choice for you.
Birth control isn’t only used for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Birth control can also be used to reduce PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms and control menstrual cycles as well. When considering birth control, the best person to speak to is your gynecologist.
When There’s Unusual Pain or Bleeding
If you’re experiencing any unusual pain or bleeding, then you’ll want to make an appointment as soon as possible. Are you experiencing bleeding when you’re not on your cycle? Are your menstrual cycles more painful than normal?
Are you experiencing pain during intercourse or while urinating? There could be several reasons for all of these symptoms. The best way to determine the exact cause and treat the issue is to visit your gynecologist.
When Experiencing Breast Issues
Gynecologists can teach women how to properly give themselves regular breasts exams. It’s important for women to know how to check themselves for signs of new lumps. If you notice any new lumps inside one of your breasts, then you’ll want to have your gynecologist check to ensure it’s not cancerous.
Any new sensitivity and discharge should also be examined by your gynecologist as well.
When Suffering From Intense PMS Symptoms
It’s not uncommon for women to suffer from pain and PMS symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Cramps, bloating, and headaches are all common symptoms. If you begin to experience intense PMS symptoms, then you’ll want to schedule an appointment.
Suffering from pelvic pain, bloating, and cramps that last longer than two weeks also gives reason to contact your gynecologist as soon as possible.
When Experiencing Any Unusual Symptoms
Aside from the signs listed above, if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms related to your reproductive health or breasts, then never hesitate to contact your gynecologist. Any changes in discharge color or smell, any new lessons, bumps, blisters, or any other unusual changes should be addressed with your gynecologist.
If you have any questions regarding your sexual or reproductive health, then don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that gynecologists see many different patients all with different symptoms and will most likely have seen your condition before.
Is It Time to Schedule an Appointment With Your Gynecologist?
Are you ready to schedule your appointment with a gynecologist? If you’re between the ages of 13 and 15, have recently become sexually active, or have any abnormal symptoms, then don’t hesitate to make the call.
At 67th Street OB/GYN Total Women’s Health Care, our gynecologists are dedicated to each patient’s total reproductive health throughout all stages of her life. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you.