A doctor who specializes in the reproductive system of women is called a Gynecologist. Surely you have heard that most women, who are adults, visit a gynecologist regularly. It is considered a bit awkward to many people. So naturally, people are curious about it. So here I am about to tell you when and how often we should visit a gynecologist, which is obviously a big question for many of us.
First Visit: When the girl should start visiting a gynecologist is a question that sparks uncertainty in many of the teen girl parents. Well, it is very necessary for girls to start their visit as early as 13. The initial visits are mostly conversational. Parents should keep their expectations low because there are hard times when they perform any tests. The visits will include general physical exams including weight, height, and measurements of blood pressure. During visits, they are made aware of risky behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and unprotected sex. A lot of parents think that they do not need to take their daughter to a gynecologist as she is not sexually active but it’s very important to get proper guidance before she starts any sexual activity.
Return Visits: Another big question is whether you should visit a gyno even if you are not sexually active. Well, people unnecessarily associate sex with visiting a gyno. Visiting a gynecologist is all about your vaginal health and above all your health in general. Gynecologists will advise you on how to look after your changing body. It is important to see a doctor when the girl is going through puberty because at this time various questions arise in their mind which they feel awkward to ask even their mother. Before the age of 21, girls must have a full check-up as they start getting regular smears of pap at that age. It does not matter whether they are virgin or sexually active. Women after 21 must have a yearly appointment with their trusted gynecologist and this visit must include a bone mineral density screen, a clinical breast exam, a pelvic exam, a colorectal cancer screen and tests for SIT. Women age 30 to 65 must have a Pap test and HPV test combo once in every five years.
Last Visit: Even after menopause you should monitor your sexual health and the health of your reproductive organs. It is always a good idea. After 70 you should stop visiting.
Other Times to Visit a Gynecologist: If you have an irregular period and exceptional pain during the period or weird smell in blood and change in color of the blood, it is time you should see a gynecologist. Your doctor will prepare you for a healthy pregnancy. In case you have tried for a long period and there is no sign of pregnancy, you better visit an embryologist. Manika Saxena, Hemant Deshmukh, Parveen Upadhyay are some of the best embryologists in India. When you cannot understand the source of your vaginal itching and burning, you should also see a gynecologist as might be a sign of various infections. When you are –pregnant and you have vaginal bleeding, you must see the doctor right away.
