For Women 40 And Over: Why You Still Need An OBGYN As Part Of Your Medical Team
Posted on: 12 May 2017
Once you reach 40, you may be overwhelmed with the information you start to receive from medical providers. This is because once you reach 40, there are tests you should have to ensure that you continue to remain healthy and vibrant through your 40s and beyond. It's time to schedule your first mammogram if you've never had one, and it's time to start thinking about ways to address menopausal symptoms once they begin. While you may not be experiencing any issues yet, your body will change rapidly in your 40s as you move from your fertility years to the next stage of life. Your OBGYN continues to remain an important part of your treatment team, as you will have questions in the upcoming years regarding your reproductive organs.
You Still Need Pap Smears
Although you may not have a consistent period anymore, this doesn't mean you no longer need to get pap smears. If you are sexually active, your OBGYN will want to do a pap smear every five years to ensure that your cervix remains healthy. If you've never had abnormal test results, every five years is recommended. If you have had pre-cancerous cells detected in the past, your doctor may recommend yearly pap smears to make sure you don't have any complications.
You Will Have Questions an OBGYN is Equipped to Handle
While your general practitioner is well educated and can guide you through the menopausal years, an OBGYN is more of a specialist in women's reproductive health. Your OBGYN may have more specific suggestions to help you deal with hot flashes, irregular bleeding, or mood swings that often come with the onset of menopause. Both doctors will be able to talk with you about your symptoms, but keeping a relationship with an OBGYN like those at Women's Care Inc is always going to be beneficial to you.
You Can Still Get Pregnant
Even though you've turned 40, this doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. While the likelihood of a pregnancy at 40 is lower than in your 20s, it can happen. In fact, some women go to see their OBGYN because of missed periods, believing they are in menopause, only to learn that they are pregnant. If you find out you are pregnant and you are over 40, you'll want to schedule with your OBGYN right away to ensure that your pregnancy is a healthy one.
When you are 40 and over, keep your OBGYN to give you the best care during your menopausal years.
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