Your relationship with your women’s health center will change as you age. Not only will the frequency of your visits vary, but the type of care you receive from a gynecologist will also evolve. To help you better understand your body, here’s a brief guide to how your reproductive needs will change over the course of your life and the type of care you can expect to get.

Women’s Health Care Needs in Different Stages of Life

In Your Twenties

Women are encouraged to undergo their first gynecological exam by age 21 or when they become sexually active. When being examined at a women’s health center, you’ll probably receive a Pap smear, STD testing, and be counseled about your birth control options. You should also ask about the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for young women to protect against cervical cancer.

In Your Thirties

In your thirties, make sure to attend annual gynecological exams. It’s also a good time to speak with your doctor about your family’s cancer risks. If you have a genetic history of the disease, you might need to undergo additional testing or more frequent visits to your women’s health care provider. Many women become pregnant in this decade of their lives, so you may also visit your doctor for prenatal care.

In Your Forties

The symptoms of perimenopause usually start in your 40s. You may experience irregularities with your period, night sweats, or other symptoms of menopause. Women also need to undergo yearly mammograms at this point for early cancer detection. This is especially important for people with a family history of breast cancer or who are at an increased risk due to factors like obesity.

In Your Fifties

Most breast cancers are diagnosed after this age. During this decade, you may also progress from perimenopause to menopause, which results in no menstrual cycles. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, you may seek treatments like hormone therapy, which supply you with more estrogen and may mitigate them.

In Your Sixties

During this stage of your life, you are encouraged to get tested for hepatitis C. If left untreated, it can cause liver cancer and other complications. Don’t forget to discuss any health issues you might be having with your women’s health center. For example, tell your doctor if you’re experiencing bladder incontinence, as this can be caused by treatable medical conditions or weakened pelvic muscles.

In Groton, CT, Thameside ObGyn Centre is proud to support women through every phase of their lives. As a trusted women’s health center, they provide cancer screenings, birth control, and prenatal care during pregnancy. They also treat women’s health issues like endometriosis and urogynecological conditions, while helping women manage menopause. Learn more about their services online or call (860) 445-5107 to schedule an appointment.