Continuing Well-Woman Visits After Menopause

Why You Should Continue OB-GYN Visits After Menopause

With menopause marking the end of fertility, many women believe they no longer need routine well-woman exams. However, there are many benefits of continuing these routine visits to the gynecologist.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the time in an adult woman’s life when her period stops, marking the end of fertility. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which ultimately stops a woman from having her period.

During the process of menopause, it’s normal for a woman to experience the following:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Hair loss
• Facial hair growth

Reasons to Continue Well-Woman Visits

Pelvic Exam

Although you no longer need a pap smear after going through menopause, pelvic exams are still important. During a pelvic exam, your gynecologist is able to check the outside of your vagina, the vaginal canal, and the cervix for abnormalities and causes for concern. Your physician will also check for the proper positioning of your reproductive organs.

Cancer Screenings

While women over the age of 65 no longer need to be screened for cervical cancer, having routine screenings is essential when it comes to diagnosing and treating other gynecological cancers. In fact, as you continue to age, the risk for developing the following cancers continues to increase:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer

By continuing well-woman visits, you can stay up-to-date on screenings like mammograms, ultrasounds, and pelvic exams.

Sexual Health

Going through menopause doesn’t mean the end of sexual activity. This makes it essential to continue seeing your gynecologist to stay on top of your sexual health and wellness. Regardless of your marital status, it is essential to have routine STD and STI screenings.

Women’s Health Services in Titusville

When it comes to supporting your health, it is important to find a gynecologist you can trust. The gynecologists at Parrish Medical Group treat women throughout all stages of life, providing you with the insight, resources, and preventative care you need to live happily and healthily.

Whether you’re in need of a regular checkup or you have a health concern, contact Parrish Medical Group to schedule your next visit.