How Often Do I Need to See My Gynecologist?

Have you scheduled your next well-woman exam? When you have a busy schedule, making an annual gynecologist appointment might just seem like another thing on your long to-do list — but the truth is that regular well-woman exams are one of the best ways to maintain your health.

As a woman, your health care needs are unique, and your gynecologist works with you at each stage in your life. Teens and young women have different health needs than women in menopause, and our team at OB/GYN Specialists is proud to partner with women at every age.

Daniel McDonald, MD, Marc Wilson, MD, and our team provide comprehensive gynecology care in Denton, Texas. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the benefits of annual gynecologist appointments and how routine care helps you enjoy your best health.

Preventive care for your best health

Preventive medical care is focused on identifying health changes as early as possible. Protecting your health starts with routine checkups and screenings, because these tests can identify health issues even before they cause noticeable symptoms.

Many gynecologic conditions, like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, cause symptoms from abnormal vaginal bleeding to pelvic pain. But other conditions, like fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancer, aren’t always so obvious.

Our team does a comprehensive physical and pelvic exam at your annual well-woman visit. Depending on your health and age, other screenings may be recommended, including Pap smears and mammograms.

If you’re trying to grow your family, we provide family planning services, comprehensive prenatal care, and fertility assessments.

Acute care when you need it

Our gynecology team is here for your acute health care needs, too. We treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), provide sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and more.

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, don’t wait for your annual exam to visit the doctor. Our team has the expertise to identify and diagnose your condition, so we can get you started on a treatment plan for better health.

Annual exams throughout your life

Your health evolves throughout your life, and your relationship with your gynecologist does too. All women should have annual wellness exams, but we tailor your visit to meet your needs based on your age, goals, and lifestyle.

Teen years

Gynecology appointments during the teen years are focused on education and preventive care. On average, girls get their first menstrual period at age 12. 

They should have their first external gynecologic exam by age 15, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). When you turn 21 or become sexually active, you should have your first internal exam.

Reproductive years

Once you’re sexually active, your care plan may also include family planning, contraceptive education, and birth control. If you want to get pregnant, we offer preconception care and infertility treatment, as well as prenatal and postnatal care for women.

Whether or not you have children, routine gynecologist appointments are important. Dr. McDonald and Dr. Wilson provide preventive care and treatment for common gynecologic conditions that have nothing to do with pregnancy, from endometriosis to cancer.

Menopausal years

Your menstrual periods come to an end in your 40s or 50s, and you enter menopause. Menopause brings hormonal changes that can cause hot flashes, mood swings, and other bothersome symptoms.

Maintaining regular gynecologist appointments during your menopausal years can help you manage symptoms and avoid other health complications as you get older. At OB/GYN Specialists, we offer hormone optimization to regulate hormone levels and reduce the severity of severe menopausal symptoms.

Take control of your well-being with annual well-woman exams. To schedule your next appointment, call our office at 940-202-0566 or send us a message online.