Importance of OB-GYN to Women

Every woman must see a gynecologist at least once in a year. During every stage of a woman’s reproductive health, an OB/GYN can offer a wide range of services to meet her health needs. A gynecologist specializes in women’s medicare and their reproductive system, while the obstetrician work involves the health of a mother and child during pregnancy, birth, and after birth care.

An ob-gyn deals with a woman’s most important life issues, such as birth control, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Depending on your condition, your ob-gyn can also screen for other diseases, including cancer, perform surgery, and treat infections caused by urinary tract infections.

Since the ob-gyn specializes in personal healthcare, for most women, scheduling an appointment for the first time might be a bit troublesome, and for some, quite embarrassing. In some cases, they will shun from discussing intimate issues that are important during the appointment.

What to Expect at an OB-GYN Exam?

During an annual ob-gyn exam, the ob-gyn will seek to find the patient’s family history. A measure of the patient’s vital signs will be undertaken, including height, blood pressure, weight, and heart rate. The patient will give a history of their periods, pregnancy, contraception needs, sexual history, GYN issues, and any current problem they may be experiencing.

The ob-gyn will perform a breast and pelvic exam. The pelvic exam entails an examination of the vulva and internal analysis of the cervix, vagina, and cervix with a speculum. The ob-gyn will also examine the ovaries and uterus. Depending on the review, the patient may get a pap smear, that involves the cells being swabbed for further lab inspection.

According to the WHS ObGyn clinic, an ob-gyn exam will also include a discussion on ways to improve your reproductive health through lifestyle change, vaccination, or screen tests, which are based on age as well as other risk factors.

In case the patient has recently been pregnant, and they have not been in contact with an ob-gyn, it is essential they do so immediately. During the patient’s pregnancy, the ob-gyn is critical in monitoring the health and condition of the baby for the duration. They will perform prenatal testing that will help in identifying any potential complications or problems. The doctor will also give recommendations on diet or activities to avoid, prescribing the necessary medications or vitamins that will help a mother through the expected physical and emotional changes experienced during pregnancy. Most importantly, ob-gyn’s services are needed after delivery to monitor the mother and baby.

Take Annual exams seriously

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is recommended that the first GYN visit is offered between the ages of 13 – 15. when a woman hits puberty. This visit will consist of a pelvic exam and focus on education the patient of reproductive health issues such as:

• Good health habits that included balanced nutrition, avoiding cigarette smoke, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Birth control related services, HPV vaccination, and testing for STIs
• Normal development of sexual reproductive organs
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Bottom line

Often women place their health needs on the backburner for their family and forget the importance of their reproductive health, vital for our survival. Scheduling an annual exam with an ob-gyn will profoundly affect their health and quality of life.