Common Reasons to See a Gynecologist
Seeing an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) is an important part of women’s healthcare at every stage of life. OB/GYNs specialize in reproductive, hormonal, and gynecologic health, offering preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of concerns. Regular visits can help detect problems early, manage symptoms effectively, and support overall well-being.
Routine Preventive Care
Even when you feel healthy, regular OB/GYN visits are essential. Preventive care helps identify potential issues before they become serious.
Common preventive services include:
- Pelvic exams
- Pap smears and HPV screening
- Breast exams
- Contraception counseling
- Menstrual health evaluation
These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss changes in your body, sexual health, and lifestyle concerns in a safe, confidential setting.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding is one of the most common reasons women seek gynecologic care. This may include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Very heavy menstrual flow
- Periods lasting longer than usual
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
Abnormal bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, polyps, infections, or other underlying conditions. An OB/GYN can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Severe Menstrual Cramps or Pelvic Pain
While mild cramping during menstruation is common, severe or debilitating pain is not normal and should not be ignored.
You should see an OB/GYN if cramps:
- Interfere with daily activities or work
- Do not improve with over-the-counter pain medication
- Are accompanied by heavy bleeding, nausea, or dizziness
Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease may be responsible and often require medical evaluation.
Irregular or Missed Periods
Changes in your menstrual cycle can signal hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. An OB/GYN can help if you experience:
- Missed periods
- Very irregular cycles
- Extremely frequent periods
- Sudden changes in cycle length
These issues may be related to stress, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), weight changes, or other medical conditions.
Vaginal Discomfort, Pain, or Discharge
Symptoms such as itching, burning, unusual discharge, or pain during intercourse should be evaluated by an OB/GYN. These symptoms may indicate:
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Vaginal dryness or hormonal changes
Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures proper treatment.
Birth Control and Family Planning
OB/GYNs play a key role in helping women choose the right birth control method based on their health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. They can also assist with:
- Managing side effects from contraception
- Planning for pregnancy
- Preconception counseling
- Fertility concerns
Personalized guidance can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
OB/GYN visits are essential before, during, and after pregnancy. Prenatal care supports the health of both mother and baby, while postpartum visits address recovery, mental health, and family planning after childbirth.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but the hormonal changes that occur during this time can significantly affect physical, emotional, and sexual health. Perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, can begin years before periods stop completely and often causes unpredictable symptoms.
Women should consider seeing an OB/GYN during perimenopause or menopause if they experience:
- Irregular or skipped periods
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep disturbances or fatigue
- Vaginal dryness or pain with intercourse
- Changes in libido
- Urinary symptoms or recurrent infections
An OB/GYN can help distinguish normal hormonal changes from other medical conditions, discuss lifestyle strategies, and offer treatment options. Ongoing gynecologic care during menopause is also important for bone health, heart health, and cancer screening, helping women stay healthy and comfortable as their bodies change.
Seeing an OB/GYN is not only for pregnancy it is a vital part of lifelong healthcare for women. From routine screenings to addressing abnormal bleeding, severe cramps, and other gynecologic concerns, OB/GYNs help women stay informed, healthy, and empowered. If something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts and scheduling a visit can make a meaningful difference in your health and peace of mind.
If you are looking for gynecologic or obstetric care, consider scheduling an appointment with one of Lakeview Clinic’s OB/GYN physicians. Click on the provider below to learn more about each member of our OB/GYN team!
