Gynecologists specialize in women’s reproductive health, making them one of the best sources for supporting female wellness. In addition to providing treatment when problems arise, these professionals help you control your risks for serious disease and spot issues as early as possible. Discover when you should schedule an appointment to see your gynecologist below.

A Guide to Scheduling Visits With a Gynecologist

When to Schedule Your First Visit

Experts recommend that young women should schedule their initial visit with a women’s health specialist between the ages of 13 and 15 or by their first menstrual period, whichever comes first. These first visits provide an important opportunity for physicians to begin discussing reproductive wellness, including what to expect from a typical menstrual cycle. They can also explain what to do if periods become irregular or if any other irregularities occur.

Why Wellness Appointments Are Critical

After the first visit, women should continue seeing their gynecologist on an annual basis. Either by the time a woman becomes sexually active or reaches the age of 21, their doctor will likely begin performing Pap tests and pelvic exams. A pelvic exam is performed to check the health of your reproductive system, while a Pap test can screen for any precancerous cells. For sexually active women or those who are trying to become pregnant, annual visits are also ideal for discussing family planning options.

When to See Your Doctor Sooner

Aside from your annual women’s wellness exam, there may be times where you should consider seeing your doctor sooner. Any unfamiliar issues surrounding your menstrual cycle or reproductive health, including missed or abnormally heavy periods or vaginal discomfort, should be addressed by your gynecologist.

Additionally, if you’ve been trying to conceive for more than a year, consider making an appointment to discuss fertility. Finally, if you have a positive home pregnancy test, be sure to contact your obstetrics and gynecology team to schedule your first prenatal care visit.

When women in the Foley, AL, look for a team of gynecologists they can trust, they turn to South Baldwin Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC. With state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive services, their facility has been a leading local resource for women’s health care for more than 30 years. Learn more about the practice on their website, or call (251) 943-2141 to schedule an appointment.