A gynecologist is an essential doctor in a woman's life. They help with menstrual issues, fertility, and reproductive health by providing crucial screening tools and vaccines.
You should see an OB/GYN as soon as you get your first period. Depending on your stage of life, you should ask your doctor some essential questions during your yearly exam.
At the Women's Center at Life Point Medical, Monique Pettys, FNP-C, and her team provide gynecology and obstetrics to the women in the Clayton, Georgia, community. Monique provides pelvic exams, STD testing, and cancer screenings for women of all ages.
An annual OB/GYN visit is an essential aspect of a woman's health; it's a chance to discuss sexual and reproductive health and receive breast and cervical cancer screenings. During the first part of the appointment, Monique discusses your medical history and talks to you about any issues you may be experiencing.
She then moves to the next part of the appointment, which consists of three different parts, which include:
The pelvic exam is the part of the appointment where Monique examines the external part of the vagina for any abnormalities. She then utilizes a speculum to open up the vaginal canal. She performs a visual exam and may do a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells.
The next step is the breast exam, where Monique uses her hands to feel around your breast tissues for lumps or other abnormalities. She also teaches you how to perform a self-breast exam monthly to screen for changes.
After the physical exams, Monique talks to you about your menstrual cycle, whether you still have it, and any menopause symptoms you're experiencing. She wants to get a good picture of your menstrual health and any issues you may be having with your period.
At your next OB/GYN appointment, it's crucial to go in prepared and ready to discuss your menstrual and sexual health. You may want to think of a few questions to ask, including the following:
Talking about birth control is a fundamental question to ask at your next appointment. Whether you don't want to have kids, you have finished having kids, or you aren’t ready for that step, it's essential to find a birth control method that works for you and your body.
There are many choices, including the pill, hormonal and non hormonal IUDs, and shots. It's essential to ask which type of birth control is best for your needs now and in the future for family planning.
We use Pap smears to look for abnormal cervical cell changes that could indicate cancer. Asking about a Pap smear is essential during your appointment, especially if you've noticed strange symptoms or it's been three years since your last test.
You may require more frequent Pap smears if you've had an abnormal test in the past or are experiencing symptoms that signal an issue.
The closer you get to menopause, the more questions you may have about what's to come. If you're approaching the change in your life, ask Monique what to expect before, during, and after menopause and how to reduce symptoms.
Every woman experiences differences during their menstrual cycles; some have heavy bleeding for a week, while others experience scant bleeding for only a few days.
It's crucial to ask questions about your menstrual cycle to determine if it's normal for you. Knowing about your period helps you with fertility and noticing when something abnormal is happening with your health.
Various aspects of your life determine how often you need to see your OB/GYN. During your childbearing years, it's essential to have a yearly exam to ensure your sexual and reproductive health is intact.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that every woman have a yearly OB/GYN exam to stay healthy and receive the proper tests and screenings. During a yearly exam, we check for reproductive health, discuss birth control options, and perform essential screenings.
Even after menopause, seeing an OB/GYN yearly is essential. Although you may no longer need cervical cancer screenings or Pap smears, we address other issues, such as menopause symptoms and how to stay healthy in older age.
Call The Women's Center at Life Point Medical today to schedule an appointment for a pelvic exam, or request a consultation with Monique using our convenient online booking tool.
