How Often Should I Visit Gynecology? Here’s what the experts say

Another day, another reason to postpone that appointment. But for every reason you can think of for not going, there’s better reason to book it, experts say. After all, the more time passed between visits, the changes in your life happen. You may need to get the Pap test you’ve had, re-evaluate your thoughts about hormonal birth control and other forms of birth control, or check in with your doctor overall. .

But how often should you really see your woman’s doctor or general health care provider to talk about your reproductive health care options? It all depends on a few things.

How often should I go to ob-gyn?

According to all experts, you should have an annual visit to see your specialist or general health care practitioner for a checkup. Seductive talked to this story. However, you may not need annual Pap test. “The annual exam should really be seen as a physical exam of both the breasts and the pelvis,” Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and gynecological surgeon at NYU Langone Health. “You may not get an annual cervical screening; it depends on your history. Dr. Shirazian explains that many people only need a Pap test every three to five years, with the exception of those with HPV, where annual testing is still recommended.

Regarding the start of these annual exams, Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine, says age 21, although she emphasizes the importance of STI [sexually transmitted infection] experiment for sexually active people of any age, as well as contraception for those not trying to get pregnant. For those who do not use another form of birth control and are not in a faithful monogamous relationship, “it is important to use condoms 100% of the time and, if having sex with you Otherwise, you definitely want to get STD-tested or tested for STIs at least once a year,” advises Dr. Minkin.

However, if you are experiencing certain conditions, you may want to schedule a midterm visit to your annual checkup. “There are many reasons why patients may see ob-gyn more often, including fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility, pregnancy, abnormal bleeding, breast problems,” explains Leena S. Nathan, MD, ob-gyn at UCLA Health Westlake Village in California. If this sounds like you, don’t wait until your next annual visit – make an appointment with your gynecologist or general health care provider.

What can I expect during a visit?

During a routine visit with your ob-gyn (or your general health care provider), they will review your comprehensive medical history. Dr. Nathan said Seductive that a breast and pelvic exam will be performed during a visit, as well as a Pap test, if deemed necessary. “After a physical exam and history, we will advise the patient about any problems or needs they may have,” she says.