OB-GYNs Play Important Role in Assessing Overall Health Needs

Your OB-GYN is an excellent resource for addressing all issues related to women’s health. They can be your first line of defense when it comes to identifying important health concerns and risk factors. That’s why it’s so important to find an OB-GYN you trust and schedule regular appointments.

Here are some reasons why you should make OB-GYN visits part of your routine health care:

Pap test
“A Pap test is the most important method for preventing cervical cancer, which is preventable with regular screenings and HPV vaccines,” said Dr. Victoria Custer, an OB-GYN with Atrium Health Floyd Northwest Georgia Medical Clinic.
During the test, your OB-GYN gently removes cells from the cervix and back of the vagina and checks them for cancer. The earlier you treat cervical cancer, the more likely you’ll have a good outcome.

“You should start getting a pap smear screening annually when you turn 21,” said Custer. “If everything looks normal and there is little or no family history of cervical cancer, it can be done on a 3-year cycle or, if you are over 30, every 5 years.”

Breast and pelvic exam
During the pelvic exam, your doctor will check your internal and external reproductive organs for signs of disease, including cancer. During your breast exam, your doctor will check your breast tissue for lumps and other early signs of cancer. Your doctor will determine if you need to have either or both of these performed annually, Custer said.

Gynecologic cancer screening and risk assessment
In addition to checking for cervical cancer, the pelvic exam screens for vulvar, vaginal, endometrial and ovarian cancer – all of which are much more rare than cervical cancer. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is not usually detected during a pelvic exam until it’s at an advanced stage. Even so, the pelvic exam is the best method for screening for ovarian cancer.

Another important part of your annual exam is general risk assessment. Your OB-GYN will review your family history to see if you’re at higher risk for certain gynecologic cancers. You may be eligible for genetic testing, counseling and additional screening.

Other health screenings and referrals
At your annual exam, your OB-GYN may perform additional health screenings. If needed, they will refer you to other experts who help support your multidisciplinary care team.

Blood pressure check. Your OB-GYN will check your blood pressure, which can affect pregnancy and long-term health. If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor may refer you to your primary care doctor for further testing and treatment.

Diabetes, thyroid and lipid screening. Depending on your age and other risk factors, your OB-GYN may request bloodwork to check your blood sugar, thyroid and lipid levels. Based on the results, they may refer you to a specialist for additional testing and treatment.

Depression and anxiety screening. “Many women are busy with everyday life, work and family responsibilities, and there may not be many opportunities for them to discuss symptoms of depression and anxiety,” Custer said.
If needed, your doctor can refer you to a therapist for diagnosis and treatment.

Mammogram. If you are 40 or older, you will be referred to breast imaging experts for your annual mammogram. A mammogram may be recommended earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Colonoscopy. Based on your age and other risk factors, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. This intestinal diagnostic tool is used to identify gastrointestinal cancer and other types of digestive disease.

Hormone advice and support
Depending on the stage of life, hormone needs fluctuate for women.

“Young women often need hormone advice and support related to birth control and family planning,” Custer said. “Women in perimenopause and menopause need to understand what to expect during these life stages and how to manage symptoms.”

Your OB-GYN can provide tips on balancing hormones and prescribe supportive medication during these stages.

Testing for sexually transmitted diseases
STD screening is recommended for patients under age 25 or in other sexually high-risk groups. Since many patients do not show symptoms when they have an STD, routine screening is suggested.

Partnering with primary care

OB-GYNs like Custer play a significant role in their patients’ multidisciplinary care team.

“It is not uncommon for many women not to have a primary care doctor,” said Custer. “If that is the case, I will make sure we look at the patient’s overall health. If needed, I will refer them to a primary care doctor or other specialist.”

Beware of misinformation

While social media groups (like Facebook mom groups) may be a good place to find OB-GYN referrals, it’s important to be careful about seeking medical advice on social media platforms.

“Ask your doctor if you have questions,” Custer said. “Social media sites are, in general, not reliable sources for medical advice.”

Schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN at least once a year for your annual exam. And be diligent about keeping any follow-up appointments.