Gynecology visit
There is no set date for a woman’s first visit to the gynecologist, as this will depend on particular circumstances and the family doctor’s recommendations. Nevertheless, all women should start having recurring annual examinations from the commencement of sexual relations, or no later than the age of 25.
In addition, a woman should see a gynecologist any time she has concerns about symptoms such as pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Annual visits to the gynecologist are recommended for prevention and early detection, and they typically include:
- Assessment of current health status.
- Breast exam.
- Pelvic exam.
- Pap smear test.
Other common gynecological procedures include:
- Ultrasound scanning.
- STD testing.
- Mammography. This X-ray imaging helps detect cancerous lumps in the breasts. Generally speaking and subject to each patient’s medical history, it is recommended for women to have a mammogram every 2 years starting at the age of 35, and every year starting at the age of 40.