Frequently Asked Questions

Teenage girls should set up an appointment to see an Gynecologist. Though pelvic exams are usually not required during the first visit, this will allow your teen to become familiar with the doctor and establish a medical and sexual history. This is a good opportunity to educate teenage girls about contraceptives and sexually transmitted diseases. Once a woman is the age of 21 she should get her pap smear.

A Pap smear can detect cervical cancer. Women diagnosed with cervical cancer usually have not had a Pap smear in over five years. Early detection is the best method for complete recovery from cervical cancer.

A pelvic exam lets your doctors look for signs of abnormalities in organs before, during, and after menopause. During the exam, your doctor may examine your:

• Cervix (opening from the uterus to the vagina)
• Uterus (or womb)
• Fallopian tubes (these carry eggs to the womb)
• Rectum
• Ovaries (glands that produce eggs)
• Bladder

Most doctors recommend pelvic exams every one to two years depending on your age and health.

If you are experiencing problems such as an unusual or smelly vaginal discharge, then you should see your doctor. Also, if you are bleeding between periods, bleeding excessively, or after intercourse, see a physician. With each new sexual partner, your risk of HPV increases by 15%.

Menopause normally occurs one year after a woman’s last period. The ages can vary a great deal depending upon your health and medical history, but in many cases, a woman is in her 50s when this process begins.

This is the time of transition that begins several years before the actual onset of menopause. Ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Women are normally in their 40s when they first experience Perimenopause. This stage lasts until the onset of menopause when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, and the menstrual cycle ceases.