If you’re a woman, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to visit an obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) center at some point in your life. Even if you’re in perfect health, it’s essential to have a relationship with an OB/GYN who can provide regular checkups and screenings. Here are five reasons you should make an appointment at Womens Care.
- Annual Gynecological Exams
One of the most important reasons to visit an OB/GYN center is annual gynecological exams. Unfortunately, many women are too embarrassed or nervous about the exam to make the appointment.
Many women are unaware that this is essential for their overall health. During these exams, your doctor will not only provide screenings for STDs and cervical cancer but check your overall health as well. They’ll also offer guidance to help you develop healthy habits so that you can live a long and active life.
- Contraceptives
Women of all ages visit OB/GYNs to learn about contraceptives and how to use them. Suppose you’re sexually active but not ready for children or are unsure of your long-term plans. In that case, your doctor can provide counseling on avoiding pregnancy using different types of birth control.
Your doctor will also work with you on choosing the type of birth control that’s most effective and which one offers the fewest side effects. In some cases, this might require a particular prescription.
- Pregnancy
Your OB/GYN can guide your pregnancy and postpartum period if you’re pregnant. They’ll continue to monitor your health while ensuring a healthy delivery for both you and your child. In addition, they can keep you updated on all of the latest research and practices in obstetrics and gynecology throughout your pregnancy.
- Menopause
After a woman hits menopause, many wonder if their doctors will stop providing services. In most cases, this isn’t true, as OB/GYNs have special knowledge about menopause that general practitioners lack. They can provide counseling on managing symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats.
They can offer relief from symptoms and help you maintain a healthy weight and bone density through hormone therapy. In some cases, they might recommend treatments such as bioidentical hormones that have been popularized in recent years.
- STD Testing
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs in the United States today, with around 1.5 million cases reported each year among 15 to 24-year-olds alone. It’s also one of the easiest to treat if caught early. However, this often occurs after spreading throughout the reproductive system and beyond.
If you’re sexually active, your OB/GYN can provide STD testing for common infections like chlamydia as well as HPV or genital warts. They can also offer medications to treat these problems if caught early. This is one of many reasons why it’s essential to see an OB/GYN center regularly.
If you’re a woman and want to take care of your reproductive health, you must visit an obstetrics and gynecology center. Your OB/GYN can provide annual exams and screenings for STDs like chlamydia or HPV. They can also offer insights on contraceptives if you’re sexually active but not ready for children or unsure about the future. If you need advice during pregnancy, they will be there with guidance throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period.