There are several important reasons for women to see a gynecologist. Women should have regular gynecological checkups, including pelvic exams and Pap tests, to screen for diseases and other health issues. Gynecologists can also provide critical care related to menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, menopause, and more.
Annual Exams
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women begin seeing a gynecologist for annual well-woman visits between the ages of 13-15 or when they become sexually active. This first visit usually involves discussing the patient’s medical history, performing a full physical exam, providing information on proper nutrition and exercise, discussing plans for college and future careers, talking about safe sex practices, testing for sexually transmitted infections, performing a breast exam, answering any questions, and more.
After this initial visit, the ACOG recommends annual well-woman visits continuing through adulthood. The overall purpose of these yearly checkups is to keep an eye out for early warning signs of health problems, provide preventative healthcare services, ensure proper development and overall well-being, and establish a relationship between patient and doctor. Annual exams allow gynecologists to track changes in the patient’s health from year to year and address any concerns. They typically involve similar services as the first visit, such as STI testing, breast exams, pelvic exams, updating medical history, renewing prescriptions, addressing concerns about reproductive health, discussing changes in sexual activity, performing general health evaluations and cancer screenings, testing cholesterol, blood pressure, weight/BMI, reviewing vaccinations, and more. Women may wish to visit their gynecologist more than once a year if recommended by their doctor or if new health concerns appear between exams.
Pap Tests
An essential service gynecologists provide is the Pap test, also known as a Pap smear. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer and precancerous changes on the cervix that could develop into cancer later. Cervical cancer is very preventable when caught early through regular Pap tests. It develops slowly, usually over many years, allowing time for screening and prevention before cancer sets in. That’s why consistent, on-time testing is so important.
The current recommendations for Pap test frequency and starting age from the ACOG are:
- Beginning at age 21, Pap tests every 3 years for women in their 20s.
- Pap tests every 3 years for women age 30-65.
- Pap tests can end at age 65-70 for women with consistently normal results.
More frequent testing may be recommended for women at high risk for cervical cancer. However, most women can follow these standard timeline guidelines. See your gynecologist if you experience any abnormal symptoms between Pap tests. Contact your gynecologist’s office if you are unsure when your next Pap test is due.
HPV Vaccine
Gynecologists also recommend and administer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is a very common STI that spreads through sexual activity and skin-to-skin genital contact. There are many strains of high risk HPV that cause 70% of cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine protects against the strains most likely to cause cancer and genital warts.
The CDC currently recommends the following dosing schedule:
- First dose at age 11-12
- Second dose 6-12 months after initial dose
- Potential third dose at least 5 months after first dose
The vaccine produces the strongest immune response and protection when received before the onset of sexual activity and potential HPV exposure. But women can get the HPV vaccine through age 45, and gynecologists encourage patients to get vaccinated even if they did not receive the full vaccine series as pre-teens. Talk to your gynecologist about your HPV vaccine status and recommendations.
Reproductive Health
Gynecologists provide many essential services related to reproductive health at all stages of life. Here are some examples:
- Menstruation: Gynecologists can help teens and adolescents understand changing bodies, answer questions about periods and cramps, address irregular cycles, prescribe birth control pills to manage heavy bleeding, and investigate severe menstrual pain or other disruptive symptoms.
- Birth control: Gynecologists prescribe and manage all forms of birth control including pills, IUDs, implants, shots, rings, and more. They counsel patients on the pros and cons of different contraceptive options.
- Fertility: For women trying to become pregnant, gynecologists can provide fertility testing, treatments, and counseling. They can investigate causes of infertility, monitor cycles, time intercourse, assist with procedures like IVF, and offer resources.
- Prenatal care: Obstetrician/gynecologists play a central role in pregnancy care. They confirm pregnancy, estimate due dates, monitor fetal development and maternal health, and deliver babies.
- Menopause: Gynecologists help women navigate menopause. They explain changes to expect, address symptoms like hot flashes, prescribe hormone therapy if appropriate, and provide counseling.
Good communication with a gynecologist over the years builds trust and understanding around all reproductive health concerns.
Contraception Questions and Answers
What are the different types of birth control?
There are many birth control options available, including:
- Barrier methods like male and female condoms, diaphragms, sponges, cervical caps, etc.
- Hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, rings, shots, hormonal IUDs
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like copper IUDs and implants
- Natural family planning through cycle tracking
- Permanent sterilization procedures like tubal ligation and vasectomies
Discuss your preferences and health history with your gynecologist to determine the best contraceptive options for you.
How effective is birth control?
Effectiveness varies:
- Barrier methods are 80-90% effective with typical use
- Hormonal methods are 91-99% effective
- LARCs are 99%+ effective
- Natural family planning is 76-88% effective
- Sterilization is nearly 100% effective
Proper use improves efficacy for methods like barriers and natural planning. Consider your ability to use a method correctly and consistently when discussing options with your gynecologist.
What are the risks or side effects?
Potential risks and side effects include:
- Barriers: Interrupt sex; allergic reactions (latex); urinary tract infections
- Hormonal: Nausea, weight gain, headaches; increased blood clots risk; mood changes
- LARCs: Changes to periods, spotting between periods; perforation risk (IUD insertion)
- Natural family planning: Unplanned pregnancy risk
- Sterilization: Anesthesia risks; Post-surgical pain; Rare regret
Discuss your medical history thoroughly with your gynecologist. Certain conditions may impact which methods are safest for you.
How much does birth control cost?
Costs vary greatly:
- Condoms: $0 to $3 per condom
- Pills: $0 to $50 per month without insurance
- LARCs:
- IUDs: Up to $1,300 without insurance for insertion and device
- Implants: Up to $1,000 without insurance for insertion and device
- Sterilization:
- Tubal ligation: $6,000 on average without insurance
- Vasectomy: $1,000 on average without insurance
Many insurance plans cover some or all birth control costs. Plans differ in coverage for specific methods. Check your insurance policy details. Some clinics and public health centers offer low or sliding-scale cost services.
Pregnancy Questions and Answers
How can I determine if I’m pregnant?
Home pregnancy tests checking for the hormone hCG can determine pregnancy around the time of a missed period. See your gynecologist for a test in their office to confirm. They can also estimate your stage of pregnancy based on your last menstrual period and/or use ultrasound imaging.
What care should I seek in the first trimester?
Your gynecologist will have you come in for initial lab work, confirm the pregnancy, estimate your due date, and begin prenatal care including:
- Checking weight, blood pressure, urine
- Discussing nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes
- Prescribing prenatal vitamins with folic acid
- Discussing testing options for genetic diseases, birth defects
- Monitoring fetal development and heartbeat
- Answering any questions and concerns
They will help determine any special monitoring needs you may have due to age, health conditions, or other factors.
How often should I have appointments later in pregnancy?
Prenatal visit frequency typically increases to:
- Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
- Every 2 weeks from 29-36 weeks
- Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery
High risk pregnancies may require more frequent monitoring. Bring up any new symptoms or questions with your gynecologist promptly. Make sure you clearly understand their recommended schedule of prenatal visits for your situation.
Menopause Questions and Answers
How can I tell I’ve started menopause?
You’ve officially entered menopause after 12 straight months without a period. Perimenopause, the transition period leading up to this one-year mark, can last 2-8 years with fluctuating hormone levels causing symptoms like:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Irregular periods
Let your gynecologist know if you’re experiencing menopausal symptoms so they can recommend treatment options and confirm when you’ve completed the full transition.
What symptoms might I experience?
Many women experience the symptoms listed above. Less common symptoms include:
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Slowed metabolism
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
- Urinary tract infections
Monitor your symptoms closely through perimenopause and discuss them at your annual visits. Unusual or severe symptoms should be reported to your gynecologist right away.
What treatments are available?
Your gynecologist may recommend:
- Hormone therapy (HT): Estrogen, progesterone, or both to relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss prevention, and other symptoms
- Vaginal estrogen: Low-dose topical estrogen to help vaginal dryness specifically
- SSRIs: If HT isn’t appropriate, SSRIs can provide some relief for hot flashes and mood changes
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, stress reduction, avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
Discuss your symptom management options thoroughly with your gynecologist to develop an appropriate plan. Be sure to report side effects or problems promptly.
Conclusion
Seeing a gynecologist for regular well-woman visits offers considerable benefits for women’s health at every age. Important services like STI testing, cancer screenings, reproductive healthcare, and menopause support help identify issues early and prevent problems down the road. Work with your gynecologist to determine the optimal frequency of exams, Pap tests, and other essential appointments based on your health status and needs.
Come prepared to annual visits with any questions or concerns about reproductive health, menstruation, sexual activity, contraception, new symptoms, and more. Timely, open communication with your gynecologist provides the best opportunity for staying happy and healthy across a woman’s entire life span.