12 reasons to see your OB/GYN

12 reasons to see your OB/GYN

To promote good health, women of all ages should not only have a primary care doctor but also an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN).  Starting in the teen years and over the course of a woman’s life, regular evaluation by an OB/GYN is a great way to monitor a woman’s health and well-being ensuring they are being treated properly for any conditions from menstruation to menopause that may arise. 

There are multiple reasons why seeing an OB/GYN is a smart move for women.  Whether a woman wants advice on starting a family, evaluating problems with her sex life or needing treatment for dealing with menopausal symptoms, an OB/GYN can guide and advise a woman on a wide-variety of female health issues. 

Here is a look at 12 reasons why it’s best for women to see an OB/GYN:

1.  Any woman having issues with vaginal itching, dryness, discharge, or odor, are all medical conditions an OB/GYN will know about and can help treat.

2.  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women due to bacteria getting into the urethra after sexual intercourse.  OB/GYN’s can provide tips on preventing UTIs along with medication to rid the body of the infection.

3.  Cancer screening can be done during an OB/GYN visit.  They can not only test for but also advise on ways to reduce the chance of developing ovarian, uterine, breast, and cervical cancers.

4.  A woman can have her annual health screening conducted with an OB/GYN.  They can test for high blood pressure, diabetes, and even bone density if it is something that applies to a woman.

5.  Many women battle with depression and this is something women can discuss with their OB/GYN.  They can help assess the severity of the symptoms and make recommendations on further evaluation by mental health professionals.

6.  Any concerns or problems with menstrual periods are another issue to discuss with an OB/GYN.  They can educate a woman on what is considered normal and how to address issues such as heavy menstrual cycles or irregular periods.  They can also provide information and treatment for painful periods.

7.  Any woman experiencing premenstrual syndrome symptoms should discuss this with their OB/GYN.  These symptoms can vary among women so by talking with their doctor, a woman can find the solutions that work best for her.

8.  The topic of sex can be openly discussed with an OB/GYN.  They can explain what happens during intercourse, what may be causing pain during intercourse, and how hormonal changes can affect discomfort during sexual activity. A discussion on ways to have safe and healthy sex with a partner is also a vital topic to bring up.

9.  Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is very important.  An OB/GYN will be very knowledgeable on what steps a woman can take to lower her risk of becoming infected with an STI or with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OB/GYNs can also administer tests for STIs and HIV for any woman who is sexually active and would like to be tested. 

10.  All women who are sexually active will need to consider family planning and will benefit greatly if they discuss with their OB/GYN birth control options, determining which method is best. 

11.  When a woman is ready to get pregnant, it is important for her to discuss with her OB/GYN what steps to take to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy.  OB/GYN’s also conduct official medical tests to determine if a woman is pregnant or not.

12.  For women going through perimenopause and menopause, an OB/GYN can help them with the challenges of that stage of their lives.  Vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and irregular bleeding are all issues that should be discussed.  There are a variety of treatment options available that OB/GYNs will be familiar easing these common problems.