Talking about OBGYN Care Practices

Six Things You Shouldn't Assume About Gynecologist Appointments

Taking care of your gynecological health through routine appointments with your gynecologist is important. Patients need to be well informed about appointments with their gynecologist to stay healthy and make the right decisions about preventative screenings and treatments. 

The following are six things that patients shouldn't assume when it comes to their gynecologist appointments. 

You don't need an appointment if you know it's a yeast infection.

Some women assume that they can call in a yeast infection and be given a treatment over the phone by their gynecologist. However, this is not typically the case. Gynecologists will almost always want to have you come in for a quick exam if you're exhibiting symptoms of a yeast infection to determine the best treatment for the situation. 

You don't need to go to the gynecologist on an annual basis.

It's pretty much universally recommended by gynecologists that women come in for an appointment on an annual basis. Even if you are not at particularly high risk of any gynecological conditions, it's still important to see your gynecologist annually to make sure that you're getting all the preventative screenings and treatments you need. 

Gynecologist appointments are just about reproductive health.

Some women think that they don't really need to worry about gynecologist appointments if they don't want to try to get pregnant in the future. However, it's important to realize that conditions gynecologists test for such as cervical cancer impact not only reproductive health but overall health as well. 

You can't go to the gynecologist when you're having your period.

In many cases, it's perfectly fine to go to a gynecologist appointment while you're having your period. As long as your flow isn't too heavy on the day of your appointment, your gynecologist should be able to perform an exam while you're menstruating. Don't automatically cancel an appointment if you end up on your period. 

Your gynecologist appointment will automatically include screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.

Not all gynecologists perform routine and comprehensive STD screenings at every appointment. If you want to undergo STD screening, you should discuss this issue specifically with your gynecologist so that you're sure that you will be tested at your appointment. 

You don't need to see a gynecologist if you're not sexually active.

Adult women should make routine gynecologist appointments regardless of whether they're sexually active. Many conditions that your gynecologist can test for such as breast cancer are not impacted by sexual activity. 

For more information, visit a site like https://www.centraliowaobgyn.com/.


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