For many women, it's common to have feelings of hesitancy about going to the OB-GYN. To maintain your health, however, annual visits are heavily recommended. Below are the main ways your annual visit to the OB-GYN will support and maintain your health for years to come.

Why You Should See Your OB-GYN Annually

1. Discuss Changes In Health

Your body can go through a lot of changes in a year. Changes in your period or mood, for instance, could be early signs of perimenopause or abnormal hormonal changes that should be checked. Discomfort during sex, birth control side effects, incontinence, or changes in your vaginal health should also be discussed to rule out potential health issues and find solutions. 

2. Detect Issues Early On

Regular appointments are also key to the prevention and early detection of many diseases. Breast cancer screenings can detect masses before you notice symptoms, and early detection can lead to a positive prognosis and more effective treatment. Pap tests can also detect cervical cancer before symptoms show, as well as discover cells that are pre-cancerous. If found, pre-cancerous cells can be removed, thus preventing cancer from forming. 

If you're sexually active, your OB-GYN may also recommend testing for STDs and STIs. Regular screening can lead to early treatment if you've contracted an infection, which can prevent secondary conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or other internal damage. 

3. Discuss Plans For a Family

If you've been thinking about starting a family, this appointment is the perfect time to discuss your options and begin preparing your body by discontinuing birth control, taking supplements, or making positive lifestyle changes. Your OB-GYN will be able to offer guidance and suggestions uniquely tailored to you to boost your chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy. They can also connect you to local resources for adoption, IVF, or fertility preservation.

4. Monitor or Adjust Your Birth Control

If you use birth control, an annual visit allows your physician to check in with you about any side effects or concerns you may have. It also enables you to discuss lifestyle changes that may affect which birth control is best for you. For example, if your schedule has gotten busier, you may want to switch to a low-maintenance option, like an IUD, instead of taking a pill every day. 

For comprehensive women's health care, visit Chewelah Associated Physicians in Stevens County, WA. Their compassionate team provides pap tests, mammograms, and family planning services, as well as general preventive and acute women's care. They also offer infant and pediatric care, with same-day appointments for emergencies and injuries. To schedule your appointment, call (509) 935-8711.