Why you should go to the OB-GYN every year

You may have gone to the gynecologist for the first time when you became sexually active, when you were seeking birth control or when you turned 21 and needed your first Pap test (Pap smear). But regular, routine visits to the OB-GYN (that means every year!) are crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being. These appointments are not just about addressing immediate concerns but also about preventive care, like routine screenings for cervical cancer.

Since that first gynecologist (OB-GYN) visit, it’s important for people with a cervix to continue to see an OB-GYN to do the following:

Ages 21 to 29:

• Get a Pap test every three years

Ages 30 to 65, have any of these options:

• A Pap test alone every 3 years

• A high-risk HPV test alone every 5 years

• A high-risk HPV test with a Pap test (co-testing) every 5 years

Age 65+:

• Talk to your doctor about whether you still need to be screened for cervical cancer.

A Pap test checks for cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix (the end of the uterus that opens into the vagina). A gynecologist, nurse practitioner or other health care provider will use a soft brush to collect a sample of cervical cells for testing.

But, if it’s an off year for cervical cancer screening, do you still have to go to the OB-GYN?

The answer is yes! It’s important to go to the gynecologist annually, and here’s why:

1. If you are at increased risk for cervical cancer, you may need to get screened more frequently. If you are at increased risk for cervical cancer because of a suppressed immune system (for example, from HIV infection, organ or stem-cell transplant or long-term steroid use), because you were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero, or because you have had cervical cancer or certain precancerous conditions, you may need to be screened differently (varied intervals or additional tests). Follow the recommendations of your health care provider.
2. You can discuss your family health history. If you have a 家族の歴史 of cancer or other diseases, you may have an increased risk for cancer. It’s important to check in with a health care provider to monitor your risk. Your provider can also discuss genetic testing options with you.
3. Get a pelvic exam. Even when you’re not getting a Pap or HPV test, your health care provider will check for lumps or irregularities in your ovaries and uterus. This is one way a provider can detect certain gynecologic cancers that don’t have recommended routine screenings.
4. You can get a clinical breast exam. Your provider will check for lumps or spots during a breast exam. This is especially important for people under 40, who are not yet recommended for mammograms. If you’re 40 or older, you should have both a clinical breast exam and a mammogram every year.
5. You can discuss birth control, test for sexually transmitted diseases/infections, discuss pregnancy plans or bring up any concerns you have.

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It may not be your favorite appointment, but going to the OB-GYN yearly is incredibly important. If you haven’t scheduled your yearly visit yet, take a few minutes now to call your doctor or set a reminder in your phone to schedule your appointment. If you don’t have an OB-GYN yet, use this easy tool to find a doctor today.