If you rely on your primary care doctor for all your healthcare needs, you might be doing yourself a disservice. Family practice and internal medicine providers are valuable to your overall health care, but they should never replace a gynecologist. FemForward Health gynecologists specialize in women’s health care and have trained extensively to understand the unique needs of the female reproductive system. Your gynecologist can handle anything, ranging from fertility problems, menopause, and pelvic pain, to menstrual disorders, contraception, menopause, sexual dysfunction, and disease prevention. Continue reading to discover why it is important to see your gynecologist regularly.

1. Develop a Baseline for Your Overall Health

You can develop a relationship with your gynecologist by arranging consultations when you are healthy. Besides, you can obtain counseling on various health and lifestyle management needs, and have any concerns and questions answered. These visits also enable you and your doctor to understand your general health when you are healthy.

This information allows the gynecologist to easily and quickly notice if your health changes, which means you are more likely to have your health concerns resolved before they become serious. Moreover, these appointments allow you to feel more comfortable with your providers.

2. Obtain Vital Women’s Health Screenings

Your gynecologist will screen you for various women and general health concerns at your yearly exam. These screenings are crucial because numerous health concerns do not have any obvious symptoms.

Based on your health requirements, age, and when you received your last screening, your doctor may suggest a pap smear, breast exam, osteoporosis screening, or STD testing. Pregnant women can also receive gynecological ultrasounds.

3. Take Control Of Your Fertility

Whether you do not want to have kids now or are looking to get pregnant soon, your gynecologist can help you take charge of your fertility. If you want to avoid pregnancy, your doctor can help you identify the best type of contraception for your health needs and lifestyle.

Likewise, if you want to have kids later, your gynecologist can advise you on how to ready your body for conception and a healthy, successful pregnancy. Your provider will screen you for health issues that may make it hard to conceive and provide solutions and even infertility counseling.

4. Obtain The Necessary Vaccinations

Staying up-to-date on your vaccinations helps you avoid unwanted health concerns in the future. Your doctor may offer different vaccines, including the seasonal flu and Tdap vaccine, to expectant women.

5. Manage Your Period and Menopause

Throughout your childbearing years, your menses should come every month you are not expectant. During your regular screening, your doctor will ensure your period occurs normally and examine you for bleeding conditions.

If your menses cause discomfort or are otherwise irregular, your doctor will provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatments. Similarly, if you have undergone menopause, your gynecologist will ensure your bones are healthy and strong through procedures like osteoporosis management and provide solutions for common post-menopause symptoms like vaginal discomfort and atrophy.

Most women know they should visit a gynecologist to maintain good feminine health. Unfortunately, overcoming the misconceptions, fears, and anxieties associated with visiting gynecologists could be hard. For instance, some women might feel embarrassed or ashamed to consult their doctor about sensitive matters. However, you should understand that your gynecologist is a trained medical practitioner, and all consultations are private and confidential. Besides, your doctor has probably dealt with a similar issue before, so you should not feel it is difficult to share. Whether you are pregnant, experiencing menstrual issues, or another issue related to your reproductive health, talk to your gynecologist.