OB/GYN Visits after Menopause

What to Expect During Your Visit

According to the North American Menopause Society, menopause is the final menstrual period a woman experiences and is usually confirmed after 12 consecutive months without having her a period. While many women think that going through this change marks the end of needing annual gynecological visits, they can still benefit from a yearly exam. Here's how:

Cancer Screenings

Due to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advising that healthy women over the aged 65 do not need cervical cancer screenings, many women believe that they do not need to continue to see their gynecologist for regular visits. However, just because the risk for cervical cancer has decreased doesn’t mean that the risk for other cancers has decreased as well.

Your risk for the following cancers continues to increase as you get older:

• Uterine
• Ovarian
• Breast

During your regular exams, your doctor will discuss your family history for certain types of cancer to determine what types of screenings are appropriate for you. Although there is no simple way to screen for gynecological cancers, some of the most common diagnostic tests include:

• Mammograms
• Rectovaginal pelvic exams
• Transvaginal ultrasounds
• CA-125 blood test

Pelvic Exam

Although you may no longer need a Pap test, pelvic exams are still important for maintaining your gynecological health. According to the American Cancer Society, pelvic exams are performed to check the outside of the vagina, the vagina and the cervix for signs of disease or infection. During this exam, your physician will feel for lumps and check the shape, size and position of your uterus and ovaries.

Sexual Health

Many women continue to be sexually active later in life and will need to see their gynecologist to monitor sexual health issues should they arise. You may need to have regular testing to check for sexually transmitted diseases and infections if you begin a new sexual relationship.

Women’s Health Services in Northeast Ohio

At Southwest General Health Center, Southwest General Medical Group, we are proud to offer comprehensive and compassionate women's health care services for women through all stages of life. To learn more about our women’s health services or schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 440-816-5050.