How often do you visit your gynecologist? If you don’t see your gynecologist at least once each year, you are missing out on an important way to protect your health. A gynecologist is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases affecting your reproductive system, including infections, inflammation, or cancer. Your gynecologist can help protect your reproductive health.

Let’s look at just a few of the important benefits regular gynecological exams can provide:

• Assessment of the health of your reproductive system
• Assessment of the health of your breasts
• Detection of vaginal or reproductive system infections
• Detection of sexually transmitted infections or diseases
• Early detection of vaginal or cervical abnormalities, including cancer
• Early detection of breast lumps or abnormalities including breast cancer

During your regular gynecological examination, your gynecologist will:

• Perform a breast examination to check for abnormalities
• Order a mammogram or other imaging studies to check breast health
• Perform a comprehensive gynecological examination to assess your reproductive health
• Perform a pap smear to detect abnormal cervical cells or cancer

In addition to regular gynecological exams, your gynecologist can also provide services for women of all ages, including:

For Teen Girls and Young Women:

• Provide birth control options to prevent pregnancy
• Treat and manage issues related to menstruation, including heavy bleeding and cramping
• Diagnose and treat acute infections or conditions affecting your reproductive system

For Women Who Want To Have a Family:

• Provide fertility and family counseling
• Provide pregnancy testing
• Provide prenatal counseling

For Older Premenopausal and Menopausal Women:

• Prescribe hormone replacement therapy and other options to help manage menopause symptoms
• Help prevent and manage osteoporosis and other menopause-related conditions

Your gynecologist is an important member of your healthcare team. Visiting your OBGYN doctor at least once each year can help protect your reproductive health. To discover more about the benefits of regular gynecological exams, call your OBGYN doctor today.