General Gynecology Specialist

I feel healthy; why do I need to see a gynecologist?

Seeing your gynecologist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure any potential problems like sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) or even cervical cancer are caught in their earliest stages when treatment is generally easier. It's important to note that some diseases and conditions can be present for some time without causing symptoms. That means these diseases can progress unchecked, often becoming significantly more serious. And, in the case of STDs, without proper detection, you may also be exposing other people to a disease without even realizing it.

When should I see a gynecologist for the first time?

Ideally, you should have your first visit in your teens before you become sexually active so you can get the guidance you need to stay healthy and avoid pregnancy. In most cases, you will not need to have a pelvic exam if your first visit takes place in your early teens. Seeing a doctor before you become sexually active can also help you avoid the human papilloma virus, an extremely common virus that affects millions of people and can cause both genital warts and an increase in cervical cancer risk. Certainly by the time you reach your early 20s, you need to see a gynecologist to have baseline exams that can help identify changes later than could indicate development of a disease.

How often should I visit my gynecologist?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if you're over age 21 and in your child-bearing years, you should have a well visit with pelvic exam every year. Even after menopause, seeing your gynecologist for well visits ensures you receive the care of a doctor who's trained in the conditions that affect women, so it's important not to skip visits simply because you're no longer of child-bearing age.