Your reproductive health is important. Regular gynecological exams can help protect your reproductive health and help prevent serious medical conditions like cervical cancer. Your OBGYN doctor is dedicated to protecting your reproductive health throughout all the stages of your life.

You should visit your gynecologist at least once each year for a regular gynecological exam. During your regular gynecological exam, your gynecologist will:

• Do a breast examination to check for lumps and other abnormalities
• Order a mammogram or other imaging studies to check for any abnormalities
• Perform a comprehensive gynecological examination to assess your gynecological health
• Perform a pap smear to help detect cervical cancer

In addition to regular gynecological examinations, you should visit your OBGYN if you are experiencing:

• A yellow, green, or gray discharge from your vagina
• Frequent or chronic abdominal pain or pelvic cramping
• Breast tenderness that doesn’t resolve

Your gynecologist is an expert at maintaining the reproductive health of women of all ages. Young women who are first menstruating can benefit from a regular gynecological examination and:

• Advice on birth control methods
• Regulating periods if they are irregular, late, or heavy
• Performing an examination to determine pregnancy
• Treating severe cramping or severe bleeding associated with menstruation

Older women who are premenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal can benefit a regular gynecological exam and:

• Treatment for relief of symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, cold sweats, and weight gain
• Treatment of brittle bones caused by osteoporosis, one of the consequences of menopause

Your gynecologist can help you stay healthy, and it all begins with regular visits, at least once each year. Choosing your OBGYN doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make about your healthcare. Women have special medical needs, including reproductive healthcare. To find out more about the importance of regular gynecological exams and how they can protect your reproductive health, talk with an expert. Call your gynecologist today.