No More Kids Doesn’t Mean No More Gynecologist

While you likely established a close relationship with your OB/GYN during your pregnancy and childbearing stage of life, you may be tempted to abandon this physician when you are done having kids. This is an unfortunate mistake. Your gynecologist can do far more for you than care for you during pregnancy and childbirth. While it doesn’t have to be every month, there is significant value in maintaining routine visits with your OB/GYN after your childbearing years.

Here are some top reasons why it is still important to see your OB/GYN when you are no longer trying to get pregnant:

Your annual gynecologic exam matters to your overall health and wellness.

Your body doesn’t stop changing, even after having kids. An annual wellness visit with your gynecologist include specific evaluations that pertain to a woman’s health, such as pelvic exams, breast cancer screenings, PAP smears and much more. These appointments help you address small issues before they become major problems.

You can address concerns and issues about your sexual health.

Many women silently suffer from discomfort or dysfunction during sex. Your gynecologist, however, is the perfect one to discuss these concerns with. A gynecologist can not only help, but they understand that female sexuality can be influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors.

Your menstrual cycle continues.

There are typically many years between having kids and menopause, which means you’ll still be managing your menstrual cycle. This can become tricky in your late 30’s and 40’s as perimenopause symptoms develop. Your gyno can address issues like heavy flow, disruptive cramping and other period symptoms.

Birth control may be needed.

Just because your mind is made up to stop having kids, doesn’t mean your body is on board. If you are still physically able to get pregnant and sexually active, you’ll need to consider a birth control method. For women who are past childbearing, this can be a more long-term birth control solution. A gynecologist can present you with the pros and cons of each option.

Menopause management

Many women find that they need their gynecologist more than ever once they hit menopause, as this can be a turbulent phase of life with mood swings, hot flashes, low libido, weight gain. A gynecologist is specifically trained to help you navigate and lessen these menopause symptoms.

Just because you’ve sold your maternity clothes, doesn’t mean that you should forget your OB/GYN. At North Pointe OB/GYN, we have plenty to offer in terms of your health, well-being and quality of life as a woman before, during and after childbearing years.