18 Reasons to See an OB / GYN in 2018
By Kristen Carmichael , MD
Resolutions are made at the beginning of every new year , and a lot of people tend to put health-related goals on their list of what they would like to achieve . Annual physical exams are one of the ways women can maintain their New Year ’ s resolutions . More specifically , having an annual women ’ s health check-up with an OB / GYN is a great way for women to monitor their health and well-being , and ensure they are being treated properly for any conditions that may arise throughout their lifetime .
There are multiple reasons why seeing an OB / GYN should be a goal for you during 2018 . Whether you want advice on waiting to start a family or if you are ready to have children right away , an OB / GYN can guide you through a wide-variety of women ’ s health issues , including those completely unrelated to child-bearing or pregnancy prevention . Let ’ s take a look at 18 reasons why it is important for women to see an OB / GYN in 2018 .
Women ’ s Health ( 1 ) It may not be common knowledge that OB / GYNs can administer their own vaccinations . You can actually get vaccines from your women ’ s health physician for human papillomavirus ( HPV ), the flu , and other viruses / conditions .
( 2 ) Your OB / GYN can also help with weight management issues and discuss options of diet and exercise that are best tailored to your individual physical fitness level .
( 3 ) If you have any issues with vaginal itching , dryness , discharge , or odor , these are all medical conditions that your OB / GYN will know about and can help you with proper treatment .
( 4 ) Urinary tract infections ( UTIs ) are common in women due to bacteria getting into the urethra after sexual intercourse . Your OB / GYN can provide you with tips on preventing UTIs and provide you with medication to help your system rid your body of the infection .
( 5 ) Cancer screening can be done during an OB / GYN visit . Learn about how to test for and decrease your chance of ovarian , uterine , and cervical cancers as well as colon cancer and breast cancer , which is the second most common cancer in American women .
( 6 ) You can also have your annual health screening conducted with an OB / GYN . They can test for high blood pressure , diabetes , and even
42 DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2018