Yearly OBGYN Visits
Cordelia is back with information about yearly obgyn visits
I know that no one ‘enjoys’ going to see their OBGYN but it really is important to go. As I mentioned in another blog, my mom had cancer twice. The cervical cancer was later stages and had my mom not skipped her yearly visits, it would have been caught sooner. She went five years without seeing her OBGYN. Five years.
Get checked!
First and foremost, if you’re sexually active, seeing an GYN is important to stay up to date on your STD screenings. I mentioned in another blog that some STDs are asymptomatic which means they will have no symptoms until it’s too late. STDs cannot be cured on their own and you will need medication to treat them. Plus knowing what your status is will prevent you from spreading things like herpes, HIV, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STDs. Because these tests are not included in your typical yearly pap smear, you have to specifically ask for them to be done during your exam. Don’t be shy! Your health and safety is a priority.
Aside from STD testing, seeing a GYN can help you make sure everything is running smoothly, it’s also the best place to discuss birth control options. Which, as you know from a former blog, there are quite a few methods of contraceptives. Getting birth control, whether it be getting pills, IUDs, or other hormonal implants, should be done with a doctor you trust and you feel comfortable discussing things with. Personally, my GYN is probably the one doctor I trust the most. I feel like that’s a very important connection to have.
That said, having that connection with your doctor makes conversations like the potential of having other issues like cysts (which I have), endometriosis, or family planning issues, a little easier when you have an established line of communication.
One of the most important things about going to yearly visits is pap smears.
Now, in the recent years, there has been some arguments about whether or not they should be done yearly or every three years, it depends on your age and your individual doctor. Mine likes to go with the one year range. They’re still important to get done.
Pap smears are vital because the detect any changes in the cervix on a cellular level. These abnormal cells are caused by HPV which is caused by vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse with a partner that is infected. HPV is what causes cervical cancer. Once again, early detection is key. Once abnormal cells are detected, your GYN will decide what to do from there, whether it’s waiting 6-12 months and doing another smear or having a biopsy done.
All and all, your OBGYN is an important tool to have in your health toolbox. They are responsible for the finding and treatment of so many different issues it’s foolish to avoid going because it’s slightly uncomfortable for a short period of time.
