Who needs to see a gynecologist?
Females should schedule their first gynecology appointment with Dr. Giles when they become sexually active or between the ages of 13 and 15, whichever comes first.
While teenagers don’t necessarily need a pelvic exam, a first appointment before the age of 16 helps young women feel comfortable with their gynecologist and learn about their menstrual cycle.
Starting when you become sexually active or the age of 21, women should visit the gynecologist once per year for annual exams. You may need more frequent appointments if you have an abnormal Pap smear, changes in your period, or pain in the vaginal area.
Women with a history of normal Pap smears and no new sexual partners can stop routine gynecology appointments around the age of 70.
What is gynecologic care?
Gynecologic care changes over the course of a woman’s lifetime, and includes:
- Family planning: birth control, infertility issues, and preconception counseling
- Preventive health care: Pap smears and annual exams
- Diagnostic procedures: ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and colposcopy
- Disease prevention: STD education and testing
- Gynecologic screenings: cancer, pelvic pain, and gynecologic conditions
- Menopause treatment: hormone replacement therapy and preventive care
Dr. Giles and her caring team remind you when it’s time for routine screenings such as vaccinations, mammograms, and colonoscopies.
Does a gynecologist treat urinary-related problems?
While best known for birth control and menstrual-related health issues, gynecologists specialize in treating issues that develop in the urinary tract.
Urinary tract infections are the most common problem treated by gynecologists. Dr. Giles also diagnoses and treats bladder or pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
When should I see a gynecologist?
In addition to your annual exam, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Giles if you have questions about your health or experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increased urination, urgency, or burning sensation during urination
- Painful intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
- Menstrual periods that are longer and heavier than usual
- Pressure or pelvic pain (other than menstrual cramps)
- Vaginal discharge with unusual color or unpleasant odor
- Burning sensation, itching, or soreness in your vaginal area
- Visible lumps or sores on genitals or in the external genital area
Should I be concerned if I bleed after menopause?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Giles if you have bleeding after menopause. Bleeding after menopause is the first indication of endometrial cancer in about 10% of postmenopausal women.
The caring team at Wendy S. Giles, MD, FACOG, provides comprehensive women’s care, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and advanced treatments to women of all ages. Schedule your appointment today by calling the practice or using the online booking feature.
