What are the Reasons to See a Gynecologist

Seeing a gynecologist can be a decision that’s fraught with all sorts of anxieties and uncertainties. You know that issues like women’s health or testing for sexually transmitted infections are vitally important, but you may have run into a life issue that’s thrown a wrench into things—such as switching your OB/GYN or worrying about how long it’s been since you last had a breast exam.

Fortunately, the process doesn’t have to be difficult—especially if you know the reasons to see your gynecologist in the first place. But what are those reasons, and how can they be a part of what you do to get in to see your gynecologist as soon as possible? Here’s why you’ll want to set up an appointment.

Reason #1: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Many people wait until they notice symptoms before they go in to see a gynecologist. But if you’ve ever heard that old phrase—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—then you know how imperative it can be to see your gynecologist for regular checkups. Don’t wait until there’s an issue with your menstrual cycle like irregular periods, or whether you might have an STI, to schedule to come in. Instead, think about all of the great services they can provide you to give you confidence in your health.

Keep in mind that there’s no issue too small that you can’t bring it up with a professional gynecologist. Don’t wait until a checkup to bring up issues like vaginal discharge, for example, or incontinence. Your gynecologist is there specifically to help you with these issues, and by seeking out their care, you’re demonstrating that you’re committed to your own health care.

Reason #2: Gynecologists Can Help in More Ways Than You Might Think

For many people, going to a gynecologist is something that they regard as only for serious matters. But when you review just how many things gynecologists can help you with, you’ll see that they can potentially improve your life in many ways—not just for major, life-changing health issues or fertility planning. Let’s take a look at some of the services you might seek out when you go to a gynecologist:

• Fertility and infertility consultations. Planning on having a child in the next few years? Or even longer-term than that? Now’s the time to consult with your gynecologist about your plans, including basic checkups on your fertility wellness and screening for potentially threatening issues like cervical cancer or problems caused by the contraception you’re taking.

• Screening for breast cancer. Catching breast cancer early is a critical issue for any woman. It’s becoming increasingly treatable in many cases—but you do yourself a favor if you try to catch it as early as possible. Regular screening for breast cancer with a gynecologist is one of the best ways to de-mystify this process and stay on the lookout, increasing your chances of treating the disease if it ever becomes an issue.

• Vaginal issues. Dryness, discharge, other health concerns—it’s not always a pleasant topic to talk about, but it can lead to serious discomfort. It deserves your full concern and attention, especially when treating it effectively with your gynecologist could improve the quality of your daily life in immeasurable ways.

• Screening for sexually transmitted diseases. No one wants to risk an STI or STD, but if the issue comes up, you need to know—not only for your own health, but for the health of others. Knowing whether you’re positive for certain STDs or STIs: Can give you a treatment plan and put you on the path to leading a normal life again.

• UTI treatments. A UTI can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience, and seeing a gynecolgoist right away can ensure that you not only get the best possible treatment, but that you aren’t misdiagnosing it as something else. Once you have your UTI under control, you can get back to living a full and comfortable life.

• Other issues.  including checking for thyroid problems or cervix issues, or engaging with your gynecologist for family planning during your regular visits, can also be important to bring up. For example, you may come in for a checkup without any specific symptoms, but still have questions to ask of your gynecologist that could impact your future decisions. This is another reason to visit with your gynecologist and engage them fully while you’re in there for your appointment—you never know when one question and answer might change your life for the better.

It’s good for your overall health, of course, if you regularly seek out services like these. But it’s also important to know that visiting a gynecologist is also about what you don’t know. Fibroids, endometriosis, or abnormalities—there may be issues that you weren’t aware of that are causing the troubles you’ve been having. Seeking uot a care provider and fully engaging them is the best way to give yourself a path back toward health.

Reason #3: Minimizing Your Risk Factors

There are risks for everything in life. In some cases, you might take care of yourself and find that something can still go wrong. In consulting with your care provider, make sure you get tested and screened for all age-appropriate issues that you should be aware of. This will help you minimize your risk factors and live a more healthy lifestyle, especially if you take your gynecologist’s advice for maintaining your physical health.

Urinary tract infections, menstruation issues, breast health, perimenopause, dealing with what you think might be growths—there is a lot that seeing a gynecologist can help you with.

Schedule your next NYC gynecologist exam now!