Going to the gynecologist is an important part of a woman's health care routine. Annual visits help ensure the female reproductive organs are healthy and functional, and that any present sexually transmitted diseases are treated.
Function
Women go to the gynecologist annually as part of preventative medical care. There, through a pelvic exam and tests such as pap smears and mammography, the gynecologist makes sure a woman's reproductive organs and breasts are healthy and functioning well. The visits can also include screenings for sexually transmitted diseases. Blood pressure, pulse and weight are taken and recorded, and sometimes a urine sample is collected to test for pregnancy.
Significance
Gynecological exams are useful for determining whether a woman has any health concerns regarding her reproductive organs, such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, sexually transmitted diseases, fibrocycstic disease or breast cancer, among other illnesses.
Time Frame
Women are advised to have routine annual exams starting at age 18, but visits can begin earlier if a girl becomes sexually active. Pap smears are advised for women 21 years and older. If a pap smear test comes back abnormal, most gynecologists indicate a return visit in 6 months to perform another test.
Effects
Some women experience anxiety about going to the gynecologist due to the invasive nature of a routine exam, and being tense can result in discomfort during the pelvic exam portion. The exam is necessary in order to discover any medical problems. But seeing a gynecologist at regular intervals helps ensure the health of your reproductive organs.
Benefits
Early detection of medical issues such as sexually transmitted diseases or cancer of the reproductive organs leads to early and more successful treatment, so it is advised that all women have an annual gynecological exam. Routine visits are part of keeping healthy.
Tags: reproductive organs, sexually transmitted, sexually transmitted diseases, transmitted diseases, pelvic exam
