3 Things To Know About Going To The Gynecologist
Posted on: 3 September 2019
When it comes to women's health, visits to the gynecologist are a must. Going to the OBGYN will ensure that your reproductive system is healthy and is also a necessity during and after pregnancy. While these visits are a must and an essential part of maintaining your overall health, you may not know a few key things about going to a gynecologist. Here are three things that you should be aware of when it comes to going to an OBGYN.
When to Start Going
The first thing that you should be aware of is when you should start visiting the gynecologist. It can be difficult for women to know when to start these visits. It's recommended to go to a gynecologist for the first time between the ages of 13 and 15 for an exam focusing on healthy development. A pelvic exam is typically not needed at this age. It's recommended that you start getting pelvic exams by age 21 or earlier if you have pain, unusual discharge, no periods, unusual periods, or other issues.
Signs a Visit Is Needed
Regular exams and pap smears are recommended every three to five years, depending on your age. However, there are plenty of other situations where you may need to go to the gynecologist. Being able to identify the signs that a visit is needed is key. A few indicators that you need to go to the OBGYN immediately include pelvic pain, bleeding in between periods, missed periods, painful sex, unusual discharge, and issues with urination and bowel movements. If you are pregnant, are considering trying to become pregnant, or are having difficulty conceiving, you will also want to make a trip to your OBGYN.
How Much It Costs
Another thing to consider when going to a gynecologist or OBGYN is the cost. Costs will vary depending on the reasons for your visit, whether there are any issues that need to be treated, and whether or not you have health insurance. On average, prenatal care from an OBGYN will cost around $2,000. The average cost of a routine pelvic exam is between $100 and $250. How much it will cost can vary depending on your health insurance policy as well. For those who are under-insured or who have no policy, many gynecologists offer discounts or sliding scale payments for their services.
When it comes to going to the gynecologist, there are a few things that you should know. First, it's recommended to have your first visit between the ages of 13 and 15 and to start pelvic exams by the age of 21. There are also plenty of times where a visit may be needed in between your typical routine visits. Costs will vary depending on the care needed and whether or not you have health insurance.
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