As vital as they are, health check-ups aren’t something that we, as women, prioritize. To us, taking care of people around us often comes first, causing us to neglect our health. You can only put your health on a back burner for so long until it results in unwanted consequences and regret.
Since we all know that prevention is better than cure, it’s high time to change your approach to caring for yourself, starting with prioritizing your reproductive health. If you’re due for an OBGYN visit, here’s how yearly gynecological check-ups can save your life, and why you should book one sooner rather than later.
What does a gynecological check-up involve?
Performed by an OBGYN professional trained in gynecological health, a gynecological check-up involves a series of tests and exams that help ensure a woman’s reproductive well-being. Hence the term well-woman exam. Generally speaking, these check-ups involve three tests:
- a breast exam (checking for lumps and abnormalities)
- a pelvic exam (ages 21-65)
- a PAP smear (ages 21-29 every three years, ages 30-65 every five years + HPV test)
Your gynecologist will also take a look at your medical history and review it. They’ll perform a wellness screening as well by measuring your temperature, blood pressure, height, and weight. Which tests your gynecologist performs will depend on factors such as your age, sexual activity, overall health status, and the like.
How can I prepare for a gynecological check-up?
Many young women delay gynecological visits because they’re scared, embarrassed, or intimidated. This is why it helps to decide whether you’re more comfortable with a male or female OBGYN. If you haven’t visited an OBGYN yet, it might be best to book your first gynecology appointment with an experienced doctor that you can trust. Having someone that understands you can indeed make that first visit go much more smoothly, so do your research first. When in doubt, ask friends and family for recommendations and look at online reviews as well.
Also, be sure to write down any questions or concerns regarding your reproductive health. These can range from unusual pain or vaginal discharge and late/missed period to breast lumps and heavy bleeding. Be ready to talk openly, and don’t worry, because everything you discuss with your doctor is confidential.
Why is a yearly gynecological check-up so important?
Like any other annual health exam, gynecological check-ups are essential to a woman’s health. They help keep everything in check while addressing anything out of the ordinary. Even if you had a PAP smear test during your previous visit, it’s just one component of your yearly exam.
In the meantime, there are a number of changes that can potentially be a cause for concern. Or, maybe you’ll need STD testing for diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. This is why scheduling your gynecological appointment every year is recommended. It helps you keep all the other aspects of your reproductive health in check, even if your previous PAP test results were normal.
How can these appointments save my life?
Oftentimes, gynecological appointments help address issues such as infections, menstrual problems, hormonal changes, and the like. Other times, they can have a life-changing impact on the patient. This is especially true when they get diagnosed with a life-threatening disease during their gynecological visit.
Irregularities and infections can affect anything from a woman’s cervix and ovaries to breasts and uterus. Left untreated, they may develop into different forms of cancer. By scheduling a yearly gynecological check-up, you can lower the risk of life-threatening diseases by detecting and addressing any reproductive health abnormalities early on.
Furthermore, particular STIs such as syphilis don’t only affect the woman, but also her unborn child if she’s pregnant, and may even result in infant death. This only further highlights the importance of regular gynecological exams. They are there not only for a healthier you but also for a healthier baby. This is why they should be a part of your annual routine if they aren’t already.
Preventative reproductive health care is key to ensuring a woman’s well-being
There’s no doubt that gynecological check-ups should be high on your list of priorities. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others. In order to do that, you have to take that vital first step, so book an appointment as soon as possible.
Once you start taking your reproductive health more seriously, you’ll be one step closer to ensuring optimal health and well-being.