You may think that a gynecologist is a specialist that you only need to see at certain points in your life, such as during pregnancy. However, establishing a relationship with a gynecologist is important for many reasons.
In this blog, Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, whose OB/GYN practice in Boise, Idaho, has helped thousands of women live happy, healthy lives, explains five of those reasons.
Your breasts need to be checked periodically for signs of cancer, especially as you get older. Dr. Weyhrich will advise you on when to begin getting mammograms, which can vary based on individual risk factors. However, most women need to begin getting mammograms between ages 40-50.
A mammogram is an X-ray exam of your breast tissue. It’s an important test, because it can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, before you may even be able to find changes in self-exams.
Detecting breast cancer early makes a big difference in survival rates, so keeping up with mammograms is of utmost importance.
A gynecologist also manages the care of your reproductive organs. One important exam that Dr. Weyhrich performs is the Pap smear, which checks your cervix for changes that can indicate the presence of cancer. Like breast cancer, cervical cancer is also more treatable when it’s caught in its earliest stages.
Even if your past Pap smear results are clear, it’s still a good idea to retake the test every few years. In general, women need to continue getting Pap smears until about age 65.
If you’re seeking to have a child, Dr. Weyhrich can counsel you so you can have the best chance of conceiving. Or, if you don’t want to grow or start a family, Dr. Weyhrich can discuss contraceptive methods and which ones may be right for you.
If you suffer from menopausal symptoms, Dr. Weyhrich can help you get relief. Depending on your situation, Dr. Weyhrich may prescribe medications, such as hormone replacement therapy. Hormone levels decrease with age, and many symptoms, such as hot flashes, can come about as a result. Hormone replacement therapy can restore your hormone levels, which can reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, Dr. Weyhrich can answer all of the gynecological questions you may have. Whether you have questions about yeast infections, ovarian cysts, irregular periods, or heavy periods, Dr. Weyhrich can answer all of your questions and give you the treatments you need to return you to good health.
While these reasons are important, the fact is, there are a lot more than five reasons why you should see a gynecologist regularly. If you want to stay as healthy as possible, a gynecologist should be an integral part of your health care team. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone with the office of Darin L. Weyhrich, MD, today.
