The gynecologist is an essential specialist for women’s health. This performs tasks as important as checking the health of the menstrual cycle, detecting sexually transmitted infections or certain pathologies and diseases such as different types of cancer. However, many women do not know how often it is necessary to go to the gynecology clinic or at what age we can stop going.
It is widely believed that once our reproductive capacity ends with the arrival of menopause, we can stop visiting the gynecologist. Nothing could be further from the truth. This doctor will accompany us for the rest of our lives, except that the tests and verifications will vary with the age and vital stage of each woman.
There is no age limit to stop going to the gynecologist, as highlighted by the Salud On Net blog. This is so because preventive controls will always be relevant, although the tests are adapted to the age of the patient. Therefore, it is best to go to this specialist at least once a year, regardless of our age or our particular circumstances. Of course, this periodicity increases in the case of women with a more active sexual life or in the event that there are symptoms, irregularities or specific discomfort.
The aforementioned blog points out that from the age of 40, a mammogram is added to the most common gynecological tests –cytology and vaginal ultrasound–, which is very important for the early detection of breast cancer. Between the ages of 45 and 55, ovulation and menstruation cease in women, thus reaching menopause. During the period known as the climacteric – perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause – women may require help to understand the changes in their bodies, as well as to remedy the usual discomfort and symptoms of this stage, such as vaginal dryness.
Once the age of 60 is over, the previous tests are maintained, although they can be spaced out if there are no underlying symptoms or pathologies. However, it should be emphasized that from this age the percentage of women with uterine cancer increases. Therefore, from Salud On Net they emphasize that Pap smears should continue to be done for at least 65 years.
Thus, the work of the gynecologist goes beyond controlling the regularity of periods and menstrual cycles, as well as reproductive health. It is also relevant to remedy discomfort associated with menopause, such as vaginal dryness, itching or pain, pain during sexual intercourse, lack of sexual desire… Likewise, it is essential for the detection of certain types of cancer, such as uterine, breast, endometrium, ovary, vulva and vagina.
