Introducing The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Health: What Doctors to See and When to See Them
As a woman, there are plenty of doctors and annual exams to get in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, but knowing when to go and who to see can be overwhelming. In this article, we break down when you should start seeing certain doctors for exams and at what age. From gynecologists to dermatologists, we have all the information you need to take control of your health at every stage of your life.
The Importance of Seeing a Gynecologist
Dr. Audra Williams, an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UAB, recommends that most women should start seeing a gynecologist in their teens and get their first Pap smear at age 21.
Here’s what you need to know:
– If your first Pap smear is normal, you don’t need to repeat it for three to five years as you age.
– Regular gynecological exams are vital for issues like sexual health, contraception, and pregnancy planning.
– Women who are sexually active should get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually or according to their doctor’s recommendations.
Reproduction and Heart Disease in Your 20s and 30s
Your 20s and 30s are typically the best years for reproduction, and this is the time to start thinking about your heart health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and your blood pressure is an essential indicator of your heart health. Your annual primary care appointment or gynecology appointment is an excellent time to get your blood pressure checked.
Dermatology in Your 30s and Beyond
In your 30s, it’s recommended to start seeing a dermatologist to begin checking for any abnormalities. Preventative skin care measures are vital for preventing skin cancer, especially if you have a family history or have had a severe sunburn. Here’s what else you need to know about dermatology:
– Women over 40 should start having an annual full-body skin exam.
– Women of all ages should practice safe sun habits, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Menopause and Irregular Periods in Your 40s
Women in their 40s may experience early signs of menopause, such as irregular periods or hot flashes. During this time, it’s essential to have an annual eye exam, as women nearing menopause may also notice dry eye symptoms.
The Importance of Routine Annual Exams
Even if you don’t feel like something is wrong, attending your annual exams is crucial to keep up with all the right screenings. These exams can detect subtle changes in your health and help you address them before they become more significant problems. Annual exams include:
– Blood tests to check for vitamin D levels, cholesterol, and thyroid function.
– Blood pressure checks to detect early heart disease.
– Sexually transmitted infection testing.
– Routine vaccines such as the flu shot.
Staying on Top of Your Health
It can be challenging to keep up with all the appointments you need, but most practices will send annual reminders. Dr. Williams also recommends putting a reminder on your phone or other device to help you remember upcoming appointments.
Additional Piece: Fighting for Better Women’s Health Care
While annual exams are crucial for women of all ages, many women are still fighting to receive the comprehensive care they deserve. According to a 2021 study published in Health Affairs, women are more likely than men to experience medical mistreatment and discrimination from healthcare providers.
This mistreatment can take many forms, including dismissing women’s pain and discomfort, failing to provide adequate pain management, and ignoring women’s concerns about their contraceptive choices. Women of color are at even higher risk of mistreatment, facing bias based on both their gender and race.
To combat this issue, it’s essential to speak up and advocate for yourself during your healthcare appointments. This means asking questions, speaking up about your symptoms and experiences, and working with your healthcare provider to find the best possible solutions for your health needs.
Additionally, supporting policies that prioritize women’s healthcare access and regulating insurance providers to cover preventive care can help reduce the gender gap in healthcare.
Summary:
Seeing your gynecologist starting in your teenage years is essential for sexual health, contraception, and pregnancy planning. Your 20s and 30s are the time to start thinking about heart health, and in your 30s, you should start seeing a dermatologist. Women over 40 should start having annual full-body skin exams and an annual eye exam, as they may experience early signs of menopause. Annual exams are crucial for women of all ages, including pap smears, STI testing, blood tests, and more. Fighting for better women’s healthcare involves speaking up and advocating for yourself, as well as supporting policies that prioritize women’s healthcare access.
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – There are plenty of doctors and annual exams to get as a woman in your 20s, 30s and 40s, but knowing when to go and who to see can be overwhelming.
The UAB experts break down when you should start seeing certain doctors for exams and at what age.
Dr. Audra Williams is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UAB. She said most women should start seeing a gynecologist in their teens and get their first Pap smear at age 21.
“If they’re normal, we don’t really have to repeat them three years or even five years as the woman ages,” Williams said.
He said that the 20s and 30s are the best years for reproduction. It is also recommended during those years that your blood pressure be checked for heart disease, which is usually done at an annual primary care appointment or gynecology appointment.
From the age of 30 is when it is recommended to start going to a dermatologist to begin to verify any abnormality.
During a woman’s 40s, when menopause can begin. Women between the ages of 20 and 40 should have an annual eye exam, but women nearing menopause may also notice dry eye symptoms.
“As we reach our 40s, many women will be nearing menopause or menopause. Starting to have irregular periods, starting to have hot flashes,” Williams said.
Even if you don’t feel like something is wrong, Williams said to always attend your annual exams to make sure you’re getting all the right screenings.
“We want to make sure things continue to stay healthy and that you get all the screenings you need throughout your life,” Williams said.
While it can be difficult to keep up with all the appointments, most practices will send annual reminders. Williams also recommends putting a reminder on your phone.
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https://www.wbrc.com/2023/06/01/womens-health-which-exams-you-should-be-getting-done-what-age/?outputType=amp
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