Empower Yourself with Gynecologic Wellness Visits

Dr. Julia MacCallum explains why it’s important to keep up with gynecologic wellness visits, otherwise known as annual exams.

A gynecologic wellness visit is an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being. This type of visit involves seeing a gynecologic provider to monitor and address various aspects of reproductive and sexual health.

Here are several reasons why it's important for individuals to have routine wellness visits:

1. Early Detection of Gynecologic Health Issues: One of the primary reasons for regular wellness check-ups is the early detection of potential health issues. These visits allow healthcare providers to screen for various conditions such as cancers and sexually transmitted infections. Detecting these problems early on increases the chances of successful treatment and can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. For example, gynecologic wellness visits often include cervical cancer screening, such as Pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. These routine screenings are vital for detecting abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer.

2. Reproductive Health Monitoring and Contraception: If you are sexually active or planning to be in the future, gynecologic wellness visits are crucial for monitoring reproductive health and

ensuring that reproductive organs are functioning properly. This is especially important if you are considering starting a family in the future. If you are sexually active and not ready for a family, wellness visits are essential for discussing and obtaining contraception. Providers can help explore different pregnancy prevention methods, allowing you to choose options aligning with your goals and lifestyle.

3. Pre- and Post-menopausal Health: Reproductive wellness visits provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or irregularities related to the menstrual cycle and menopause throughout the lifespan. Gynecologic providers can help you understand what is normal and address any issues that are present.

4. Education, Counseling, and Holistic Well-being: These visits offer a valuable opportunity for education and counseling on various topics related to gynecologic health. Providers can share information on sexual health, nutrition, exercise, and more. Gynecologic wellness visits can also focus on more than just the physical aspects of health. Each wellness visit is an opportunity to discuss emotional well-being, mental health, and any concerns about relationships or life changes.

Gynecologic wellness visits are vital for maintaining health and addressing potential issues early on. By taking a proactive approach to gynecologic health, you empower yourself with knowledge and care that can positively impact well-being now and in the future.

For a list of Thompson’s providers, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/OBGYN