Gynecology Care at Every Age

Things are...different than they used to be. We get that. Changes like periods, body hair, breast development, acne and mood changes are often surprising and can be difficult to manage. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about what you're experiencing. They can help you navigate changes as they come.

Usually around ages 13-15, preteens and teenagers begin seeing a gynecology specialist, but the age can vary. Some young women may prefer to receive all their care from a pediatrician until they're a little older. No matter who you see, it's important to discuss your reproductive health with a medical provider, especially if you're having issues, like painful or irregular periods or pelvic pain, or need to discuss birth control, the HPV vaccine and screening or prevention of sexually transmitted infections. And don't worry; most patients don't need an internal pelvic exam until they're 18 to 21 unless specific issues require it.

One more note: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended to protect people from types that can cause cancers and genital warts. The CDC recommends the first dose be given to those between the ages of 11 and 12 and that the second dose be administered six months later.

There's so much to think about during this life stage! It's the right time to develop a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime, and it's also the best time to establish a relationship with an OB/GYN. You may be planning to conceive, intend to wait a few years to start a family or want to prevent pregnancy altogether. No matter what your circumstances may be, if you're sexually active or planning to be, there are a few things you should know.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends those 21 and older get a pelvic exam and cervical cancer screening every three years. This includes:

• Pap test. This screening checks for cells that could develop into cervical cancer. A healthcare provider gently removes cells from the cervix and surrounding area during the procedure using a small brush or spatula. These cells are then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer, infection or inflammation.
• Pelvic exam. This is an important part of preventative care. It helps your provider detect and diagnose conditions that may impact reproductive health. During the procedure, a patient lies on their back while their provider performs a physical examination of the pelvic organs.

These appointments are also a good time to talk to your doctor about birth control options, irregular or painful periods, risks and prevention of sexually transmitted infections like HPV, low libido or pain during sex and how to prepare your body for pregnancy.

As we age, things change.

Being in your 30s and 40s means juggling a lot—parenthood, career, friendships and romantic relationships. Maybe you really want to be a mom, but it's just (frustratingly) not happening. Or perhaps you've been feeling a little eh about sex lately. You might even be dipping a toe into perimenopause, which can come with anxiety, heavier periods and even teenager-like acne.

At this point in your life, you should be scheduling appointments with your obstetrician/gynecologist every year with a Pap test every three years and an HPV test screening every five years unless you've had a hysterectomy. During these appointments, you can ask your doctor why your body doesn't feel like it used to or discuss ways to treat your symptoms. And if you're in your "Please, no more babies!" era, you can talk about that, too.

Also, plan to discuss when to start having regular mammograms. The American College of Radiology recommends that average-risk people schedule annual mammography screenings beginning at age 40. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule starting as early as age 25 if you have dense breasts, a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

Is it hot in here, or is it just the perimenopause talking? Sure, you know that the menopause transition starts in our mid-40s, but there's much more to it than occasional hot flashes. It can also come with acne, sleep disturbances, weight gain, dry or saggy skin and even—uh, changes—down there.

Between these symptoms and a hectic work schedule, decreased libido and potentially caring for children and aging parents, you might be feeling a little...moody. These are all issues you can discuss with your doctor so they can help you manage your symptoms and balance your hormones. To help, we've even created a free menopause guide and symptom tracker.

At this stage in your life, plan to have a Pap test every three years and an HPV test screening every five years (or co-testing every five years) unless you've had a hysterectomy.

In addition, you should work with your provider to continue maintaining a regular mammography screening schedule. The American College of Radiology recommends that average-risk people schedule annual mammography screenings after age 40. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your personal health history and other risk factors.

If you've gone 12 consecutive months or more without having a period, you're in your menopause or postmenopause era. Your body, however, might have missed the memo. Symptoms like low libido, depression, dry skin, insomnia and weight changes could still be lingering. Not to mention how hard it is to not pee your pants when you laugh, cough or sneeze!

Whatever you've dealt with since "the change," including a weaker pelvic floor, are topics you can discuss at your appointments. Your doctor can help you treat your symptoms, balance your hormones and recommend ways to strengthen your pelvic floor.

At this point in your life, plan to have a Pap test every three years and an HPV test screening every five years (or co-testing every five years) unless you've had a hysterectomy.

In addition, you should work with your provider to continue maintaining a regular mammography screening schedule. The American College of Radiology recommends that average-risk people schedule annual mammography screenings after age 40. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your personal health history and other risk factors.

You know what they say—65, it's time to thrive! You might be living your best life during your retirement years by traveling, spending time with your grandchildren and going on long walks with your partner. You've earned the chance to do whatever you want, but what does your doctor want you to do?

If you've had three negative Pap tests (or two negative Pap and HPV co-tests) in the past 10 years, your OBGYN might tell you that you no longer need to schedule these exams. However, if you've had previous issues, your doctor may suggest you continue screenings to keep you healthy.

In addition, you should work with your provider to continue maintaining a regular mammography screening schedule. The American College of Radiology recommends that average-risk people schedule annual mammography screenings after age 40. However, your doctor may recommend a different schedule depending on your personal health history and other risk factors.