New Year, Same Visit
by Taleia House
Reflecting on 2020, the impact of COVID-19 was substantial. The world stopped and so did our lives. Along with our daily routines, it seems our health might have struggled as well. Some report weight gain, which we are calling the “COVID 15”. More importantly, women are not visiting their gynecologist for a well woman exam. I know, I know. Who wants to do THAT while we’re in a pandemic? Well ladies, I am here to tell you that YOU DO! Obstetrician-gynecologists are traditionally known to provide preventative care for women. However, we also have the unique ability to provide comprehensive counseling regarding healthy lifestyles and risk factors as well. In the midst of the COVID madness, the well woman exam is still recommended annually for all women. Here’s what you can expect when visiting your physician’s office for a well woman exam: Comprehensive History and Physical Exam. This allows the physician to gather important information about you and is one of the most significant aspects of your visit. History-taking includes current symptoms, medications, allergies as well as medical, surgical, family, social, and gynecological history (sexual, reproductive, and mental health). It is the patient’s detailed history that will help channel not only further questions, but help guide the physical exam, which can include breast and pelvic exams. Family history is a gem and can serve as a risk assessment tool to uncover possible heritable diseases like breast cancer. For reproductive aged women, we also explore fertility options as well as the various contraceptive options. Screening tests. Yes, this is where we discuss the single most important screening test for all women – the infamous pap smear. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that screening should start at the age of 21 years old and continue until the age of 65 years old although screening can expand beyond the age of 65 years old for certain women. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and screening is one way to identify those affected early. The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, is FDA approved for women and men ages 9-45 years old to prevent not only cervical, but also vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers. So have no fear ladies….get your Pap Smear! We also offer breast cancer screening via clinical breast exam and mammography. Mammograms start at the age of 40 years old unless you have a significant family history. Relationships. This admittedly is my favorite part of the visit….YOU! I chose the specialty of OB/GYN because I wanted to continue to cultivate relationships with women of all walks of life. Your physician wants to get to know the woman behind the chart and the wellness visit is the perfect time. We want to know about your holidays, grandkids, growing children, and favorite hobbies. Your wellness visit affords us this opportunity, so go ahead and see your provider today. As we continue to navigate the “change” that COVID has brought, don’t forget about your health. This is one aspect of your life that you can take the reins and steer it the way you choose. Remember…seasons come and go but your annual wellness visit is here for you always.
8 Kid-and-Kaboodle.com
