As you may know, menopause can be defined as the natural biological process that happens when women miss their periods for a whole year or for 12 months consecutively. Many women think that they don’t have to get a pelvic exam or pap smear after menopause, as they have reached the end of their fertility years.
And while fertility may not be the most important concern for women post-menopause, new changes and hormonal fluctuations are happening in their body’s that also make a visit to their gynecologist just as important, even during these years.
In this article our experts on obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, have created this comprehensive article, where they discuss how often you should go to a gynecologist after menopause and for which reasons.
Gynecology Visits Post-Menopause
As already discussed above, once women reach menopause, they will start noticing several bodily changes. The most significant shift is definitely the cessation of menstruation, which leads to complex hormonal fluctuations in the body.
These postmenopausal hormonal fluctuations can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal thinning
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Dryness
- Night sweats
And while these are only some of the most common symptoms women experience post-menopause, they are already enough to impact and disrupt a woman’s daily routine, life quality, and overall well-being.
Additionally, these hormonal changes and accompanying symptoms can affect almost every aspect of life, from sex to quality sleep. All this makes it crucial for postmenopausal women to seek help from an expert. Also, women after menopause can experience other problems like incontinence and/or pelvic prolapse, which again will require medical attention.
So, how often should you visit your gynecologist after menopause? Well, the exact answer will depend on several factors, but it’s safe to say that you will need to visit your provider less frequently than in previous years. This is especially true if you follow your provider’s menopausal guidelines and remain healthy.
Problems After Menopause
After reaching menopause, women no longer have the ability to get pregnant or experience menstrual cramps. Nevertheless, they become susceptible to several medical conditions resulting from a decrease in estrogen levels. Typically, women attribute these postmenopausal health issues to aging. However, it is essential for them to understand that just because many women encounter various medical conditions after menopause, it does not imply that it is a regular or unavoidable experience for everyone. Some of the health conditions that may arise after menopause and necessitate consultation with a knowledgeable healthcare professional are as follows:
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Osteoporosis (a disease that makes the bones brittle and fragile)
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic prolapse (the pelvis may slip from its position and bulge into the vagina)
- Cardiovascular problems
- Vaginal atrophy (the vaginal lining becomes thinner and drier, resulting in pain, itching, and burning sensations)
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Ovarian malignancies
What To Expect at The Gynecologist Post-Menopause?
Regularly seeing your gynecologist on an annual basis is crucial for maintaining good health during the postmenopausal period. During these visits, your gynecologist will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, which includes assessing your breasts and pelvic region. Additionally, your doctor will perform specific examinations and suggest various tests to ensure your overall well-being. Some of the commonly recommended tests may include:
Pelvic Exams
Undergoing a pelvic exam after menopause will still play a crucial role in maintaining your health. As you may know, this will include the examination of the cervix and the vagina for any telltale signs of infection and diseases.
During the pelvic exam, your provider will also check for lumps in the area and will examine the position and the size of the ovaries and the uterus.
Pelvic exams may also be valuable in determining the following:
- Ovarian cysts
- Early-stage gynecological cancer
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Skin changes to the vagina/vulva
- Uterine fibroids
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Infections
- Urinary issues
- Other problems related to the vagina, cervix, uterus ovaries, or fallopian tubes.
Pap Smears
In order to maintain your gynecological health, you will also have to undergo pap smears after menopause, but you will only have to get it done once every three years until you reach 65.
Cancer Screenings
Even after menopause, the risk of developing cancers such as uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer remains elevated. During your yearly gynecological examination, your doctor will assess your family history to determine the specific screenings you should undergo.
Assessing and Maintaining Overall Sexual Health
Gynecologists play a crucial role in supporting a healthy sexual life, as many women continue to engage in sexual activity even after menopause. It is important to visit your gynecologist to address any health concerns and ensure proper monitoring of your overall well-being.
Other Evaluations and Tests
To evaluate kidney health and detect infections, your doctor may request a blood and urine test. Additionally, considering your age and other risk factors, your doctor might recommend a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis.
How Often Should You Go To Your Gynecologist After Menopause?
While the number of visits will definitely vary from person to person, typically, experts will recommend a yearly visit for postmenopausal women. Visiting a gynecologist even after menopause can help with other areas of routine care as well, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid checks, preventive care, and so on.
Also, as mentioned, women in this group should undergo at least one pelvic exam a year, while Pap smears should be performed every three years at least.
Still, you should remember that these are just basic guidelines, so it’s best to consult your provider, who will be able to determine the accurate frequency of your visits based on your medical history and current conditions.
Optimizing Gynecological Health
To summarize, healthcare professionals recommend that women begin visiting a gynecologist at least at the age of 21 and continue with annual visits thereafter. These regular visits help women maintain their reproductive health and reduce the risk of ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers. It is advised for women to continue these annual check-ups even after reaching menopause, as it contributes to overall health and well-being.
Additionally, women with a history of pre-cancer or cancer should particularly prioritize these visits. Maintaining a strong doctor-patient relationship ensures that you receive timely and appropriate care whenever needed. Doctors conduct thorough examinations based on individual needs, whether it involves addressing new and unusual symptoms like abnormal bleeding or providing ongoing treatment for existing conditions. Making appointments for these visits is typically convenient and hassle-free.
If you wish to learn more about gynecological visits after menopause, feel free to reach out to our experts and schedule an appointment today. Our experienced and compassionate experts are more than ready to help you navigate through the often overwhelming and confusing life stage that is menopause, and can help you regain your quality of life.