Should a 75 year old woman see a gynecologist?

Quick Answer

There are good reasons for a healthy 75 year old woman to continue seeing a gynecologist. While she may no longer need birth control or maternity care, gynecologists can provide important preventive care, check for signs of cancer or other age-related conditions, and offer treatment for ongoing gynecological issues. Regular gynecological checkups are recommended for women of all ages.

Should a 75 year old see a gynecologist?

Many women wonder if they still need to see a gynecologist after reaching a certain age. While gynecological needs change as a woman gets older, there are still important reasons for a 75 year old to continue regular gynecological checkups. Here are some things to consider:

Preventive Care

Gynecologists play an important role in preventive care for older women. Examples include:

  • Breast exams to check for signs of cancer.
  • Pelvic exams to check for uterine or ovarian cancer.
  • Screening tests like Pap smears and HPV tests to check for cervical cancer.
  • Checking for and treating precancerous changes that could lead to cervical cancer.
  • Testing for sexually transmitted infections.
  • Providing vaccinations to prevent infections like shingles or pneumonia.

While risks for some reproductive cancers and STIs decrease after menopause, it’s still important to get screened according to recommended guidelines.

Bone Health

Gynecologists can make sure older women are taking steps to protect their bone health. Weakening bones put women at higher risk of fractures. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and exercise are important. Hormone therapy may also be recommended for some women to prevent bone loss.

Pelvic Floor Issues

Pelvic floor disorders become more common as women age. Gynecologists can evaluate and treat problems like:

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles

Kegel exercises, physical therapy, pessaries, or surgery may help manage pelvic floor dysfunction.

Sexual Health

Gynecologists can evaluate and treat sexual problems that older women sometimes encounter like vaginal dryness, pain, low libido, or difficulty reaching orgasm. Hormone therapy, lubricants, prescription treatments, or counseling may improve sexual functioning.

Ongoing Gynecological Issues

If a 75 year old woman has ongoing gynecological problems like endometriosis, fibroids, or uterine polyps, continuing to see her gynecologist regularly is important for optimal treatment. Chronic conditions require monitoring.

Medication Management

Gynecologists often coordinate care with primary care physicians. They can make sure medications like blood pressure or heart medications aren’t interfering with hormone therapies. Some gynecologists are also trained in primary care.

Holistic Care

Gynecologists look at the big picture. They provide comprehensive care that goes beyond Pap smears and reproductive health. This includes things like:

  • Counseling about healthy aging.
  • Evaluating risks for heart disease, diabetes or osteoporosis.
  • Discussing urinary or fecal incontinence.
  • Assessing anxiety, depression and emotional health.
  • Providing support for sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Discussing partner violence or elder abuse.

This holistic approach is especially valuable for older adults.

When should a 75 year old woman see a gynecologist?

Most major medical groups including ACOG recommend women continue well-woman visits throughout their lifespan. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Get an annual well-woman exam until at least age 65.
  • From 65-75, every 1-2 years is advised.
  • Over 75, individualized care based on health status is recommended.

Women with chronic conditions or ongoing health issues may need to be seen more often. Those who are healthy with no gynecological problems may need less frequent visits. The gynecologist and patient can determine the optimal checkup schedule together.

Here are some situations when a 75 year old woman should schedule an appointment:

  • It’s time for a regular preventive or wellness exam.
  • She hasn’t had a pelvic exam in over a year.
  • She’s noticing any unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
  • She has pelvic pain or unexplained abdominal symptoms.
  • She needs a breast exam or updated screening tests.
  • She has sexual concerns she wants to discuss.
  • She has a stubborn gynecological condition that needs follow-up.
  • She’s interested in hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms.
  • She needs a prescription refilled.
  • She wants to discuss any health changes or new conditions.

Women should see their gynecologist right away if they experience:

  • Sudden heavy bleeding
  • Severe pelvic pain
  • Major changes in discharge
  • Problems urinating
  • Vulvar sores, masses or ulcers

These could indicate an infection, cysts, fibroids or even rarely cancer. Prompt evaluation is recommended.

What happens at a 75 year old woman’s well-woman exam?

A 75 year old can expect many parts of the traditional well-woman visit, along with a focus on age-related issues. The exam will likely include:

  • Going over her full health history.
  • Discussion of family history, risk factors and any new issues or symptoms.
  • A head to toe physical exam.
  • Clinical breast exam.
  • Pelvic exam with Pap test every 3-5 years depending on past results.
  • Possible screening tests like HPV, STD testing, or cervical cultures if abnormal results before.
  • Review of all prescriptions and supplements.
  • Counseling on healthy lifestyle and prevention strategies.
  • Going over signs of cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease to watch for.
  • Discussing urinary, bowel or sexual issues.
  • Questions about emotional health, abuse risks, relationship problems.
  • Advice about hormone therapy, if appropriate.
  • Referrals for physical therapy, imaging, or specialists if concerning symptoms are present.

The goal is to assess her overall well-being, not just her reproductive health. The physical exam and testing will be tailored to her individual needs and risk factors. She should communicate any concerns she has to her gynecologist.

Are there gynecology guidelines for women over 65?

There are evidence-based guidelines to help gynecologists determine appropriate care for older women. Recommendations include:

Pelvic Exams

Routine annual pelvic exams are no longer recommended for women over 65 with normal prior results. However, exams should still be done if the patient has symptoms or high-risk factors. Screening may be indicated for women with:

  • Previous cervical cancer or precancerous changes.
  • DES exposure in utero.
  • Immunosuppression like HIV or organ transplant history.
  • Previous high-grade dysplasia or cervical cancer.
  • Inadequate prior screening.

Pap Smears

Guidelines for Pap smear screening in older women include:

  • Women 65 or older can stop screening if prior tests have been consistently normal and they aren’t high risk.
  • Those with serious precancerous changes or previous cervical cancer should continue Pap tests per gynecologist recommendations.
  • Women with HIV, organ transplants or DES exposure should have annual Pap tests until age 70.
  • HPV co-testing is not recommended for women over 65.

Mammograms

Mammogram guidelines include:

  • Annual or biennial mammograms are recommended starting at age 50 for women of average risk.
  • Women with high breast density or increased risk may need to start earlier.
  • Mammograms every 1-2 years can continue as long as woman is in good health.
  • No upper age limit for stopping mammograms if life expectancy is ≥10 years.

Bone Density Testing

Bone density screening is recommended for women 65 and older. Testing may be done sooner if high-risk factors are present. Repeat testing every 2 years is sometimes needed to monitor bone loss.

STI Screening

Routine STI screening is typically not required for asymptomatic older women. However, those with new sexual partners should be tested.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends women 65 and older receive:

  • Flu shot annually.
  • Tdap once, then Td booster every 10 years.
  • Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine at age 50 or later.
  • PCV13 and PPV23 pneumonia vaccines.

Staying up to date is vital since immunity wanes with aging. Gynecologists help coordinate immunizations with primary care providers.

What questions should a 75 year old woman ask her gynecologist?

An annual visit is a good opportunity to address concerns and ask questions. Some topics to discuss include:

Preventive Care

  • Do I still need Pap smears and pelvic exams? How often?
  • When should I get screening mammograms and bone density tests?
  • Are there any vaccines I need?
  • What cancer screenings do you recommend and when?
  • Do I need to be tested or treated for STIs or HIV if sexually active?
  • How often should I come for well-woman visits now that I’m over 65?

Menopause Issues

  • How long will menopause symptoms last? What can relieve symptoms?
  • Are there non-hormonal treatment options?
  • What are the risks and benefits of hormone therapy at my age?
  • How long should I take hormone therapy?
  • How can I protect my bone health after menopause?

Sexual and Pelvic Health

  • What can I do about problems like vaginal dryness or pain with sex?
  • I’ve noticed less vaginal lubrication – is this normal?
  • Is it safe to stay sexually active? What about risks of STIs?
  • How can I improve my sex drive and satisfaction?
  • What causes urine leakage? What treatments are available?

Healthy Aging

  • What changes should I expect as I go through the aging process?
  • Are there special health risks I need to be concerned about at my age?
  • How can I optimize my overall health and well-being as I age?
  • What symptoms or changes should I report to you right away?

Good communication allows the gynecologist to provide the best possible care tailored to the patient.

Conclusion

Regular gynecological checkups are important for women’s health at any age. An experienced gynecologist can provide the specialized care a 75 year old woman needs to maintain her well-being. From targeted screening and preventive services to management of menopausal changes and age-related conditions, a gynecologist plays a key role in a woman’s health throughout her lifespan. While a woman’s reproductive health needs change with age, gynecologists have the expertise to promote optimal aging, address concerning symptoms, and support women’s health every step of the way.

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