Experts recommend that women should start seeing a gynecologist during their teenage years and once a year thereafter. For many women, going to the gynecologist is something they put off for years. Dr. Staci Tanouye explains why it’s important to see a local gynecologist every year.
Women get to have a confidential talk with a medical professional about intimate problems.
Most general practitioners are just not knowledgeable enough about gynecological issues in order to give their patients the best care and advice. Usually, they just recommend that you see a gynecologist.
It used to be recommended that women get a PAP smear every year. Now, the test is recommended every three to five years for healthy women. Women at risk for cervical cancer should still get it every year.
Even if women do not need a PAP smear, they still should get an annual pelvic exam. Many problems, like infections, do not cause pain or other noticeable symptoms but can be detected by a pelvic exam. They can be treated before they become painful and disruptive.