Well-Woman Gynecological Care

A common question among women is when do I need to start receiving gynecological care. ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends that girls between the age of 13 and 15 see a gynecologist. This visit may not necessarily be for a pelvic exam (unless you are sexually active), but for building a relationship with the doctor and talking about subjects such as sexually transmitted infections, abstinence, fertility awareness (learn more about our Fertility Awareness Program), and to discuss any irregularities you may be having in your menstrual cycle. Once you are sexually active, you need to start seeing a gynecologist once a year for pelvic exams as recommended by ACOG. If you are not sexually active, you should see a gynecologist by the age of 18. 

Within 3 years of being sexually active, or by the age of 21, Pap smears (where the doctor takes a swab of the cervix) should be done annually. Annual visits should be made to your gynecologist even post-menopause. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51. Pelvic exams can reveal early signs of ovarian cancer. This risk increases with age.

Breast self-examination (BSE) should be performed at the same time each month. This takes very little time, costs nothing, and can help you become more aware of how your breasts normally look and feel. Breast self-exams should be started when you are 20 years old. If you discover any changes, report it to your doctor immediately. Regular breast exams by your doctor should also be initiated at age 20. Mammograms should be started annually once you turn 40 and continued until age 70. After that, it is between you and your doctor as to whether or not you should continue receiving mammograms. There are many helpful websites with illustrations that can help you learn how to conduct a BSE, you can also ask your doctor for instructions.

 

REFERENCES:

Lowdermilk, D., & Perry, S. (2003). Maternity nursing. St. Louis: Mosby.

(2008, April). Mammogram facts and guidelines. Retrieved January 9, 2009, from National Women's Health Resource Center website.

(2008). Breast awareness and breast self-exam. Retrieved January 9, 2009, from Frequently Asked Questions at the womenshealth.gov website.

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