How regularly should you be seeing your gyno?
As a woman you should always make sure you are staying on top of your health and this involves booking in to see your gynaecologist. Two of the most common things that will occur when you have your gynaecology appointment are your Pap smear and a pelvic exam. The Pap smear is done to detect cancer cells in the cervix. The pelvic exam is done to detect any abnormalities. How regularly or how often really depends predominantly on your age but also if you are experiencing any symptoms. It is usually advised that you make your first appointment with a gynaecologist at around the age of 16.
Between the ages of 16 to 21 if you are not sexually active you should book in every other year. If you do become sexually active then you should be booking once a year.
Between the ages of 21-29 bookings should continue on a yearly basis. (additional bookings in between should be made if any issues arise or you are concerned about anything)
If you are in good health, not pregnant, and not being treated for a disease, you can see your gynaecologist every other year after age 30. However, if you are on birth control, your gynaecologist may want you to continue having annual checkups.
If you develop any of these symptoms please book in to see your gyno:
Unusual changes in menstruation (heavy periods, multiple skipped periods, spotting, etc.)
Pelvic or vaginal pain
Any unusual vaginal or breast discharge
Odors (which may indicate a yeast infection, vaginal inflammation, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease [PID], or a sexually transmitted disease)
Interest in female health? Want to know more about your cycle? You are in luck, we are now offering the “Female Health Basics Course”. Learn all about your cycle, how your hormones govern your body and how to work with them (rather than against them!).