{"id":1991,"date":"2026-04-23T14:07:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T18:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/?p=1991"},"modified":"2026-10-23T14:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T18:27:52","slug":"when-to-see-an-obgyn-key-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/when-to-see-an-obgyn-key-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore\/","title":{"rendered":"When to See an OBGYN: Key Signs You Shouldn\u2019t Ignore"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"background-color: #f75b9b;border-left: 6px solid #3A3A3A;color: #ffffff;padding: 20px 24px;margin: 0 0 28px 0;border-radius: 6px\">\n<p style=\"color: #ffffff;margin: 0\">Quick Answer: Knowing when to see an OBGYN comes down to two things. Keep one well-woman visit a year even when you feel fine. Call your ob gyn sooner for pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pregnancy concerns, unusual discharge, or a birth control question. Anyone with a uterus should start obstetrics and gynecology care as a teen and keep it up through menopause. For severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or bleeding after menopause, call us at <a style=\"color: #ffffff;text-decoration: underline\" href=\"tel:+15614658800\">(561) 465-8800<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8eef0;border-left: 6px solid #F75B9B;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 0 0 28px 0;border-radius: 6px;display: flex;flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;justify-content: space-between;gap: 14px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0;flex: 1 1 260px\">Not sure whether your symptom can wait? A short phone call often settles it.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block;background-color: #3a3a3a;color: #ffffff;padding: 12px 26px;border-radius: 30px;text-decoration: none;font-weight: bold;white-space: nowrap\" href=\"tel:+15614658800\">Call (561) 465-8800<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Searching for when to see an OBGYN often means something feels off and you are weighing whether it is worth a visit. In more than 25 years of <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/gynecologist-boca-raton-florida\/\">gynecology care in Boca Raton<\/a>, we have found that most women wait longer than they need to.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers what an OBGYN does and which symptoms should not wait. It also sets out when routine visits belong on the calendar, and how to get ready for a first visit.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8eef0;border-left: 6px solid #3A3A3A;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 26px 0;border-radius: 6px;display: flex;flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;gap: 18px\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 6px;flex: 0 0 auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2022\/08\/Dr.-Ellman-photo-300x350-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. David S. Ellman, MD, board-certified OBGYN at Women\u2019s Healthcare of Boca Raton\" width=\"80\" height=\"93\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 260px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 4px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\">Medically reviewed by <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/david-ellman\/\">Dr. David S. Ellman, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Practicing in Boca Raton, Florida since 1995. Medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with postgraduate training at Harvard-affiliated and Cornell-affiliated hospitals. <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/david-ellman-504253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View professional profile<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What You Should Know Before You Start<\/h2>\n<p>Four answers cover most of what brings women here.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need a reason to book an OBGYN appointment?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>No, a yearly well-woman visit is standard care even with no symptoms<\/li>\n<li>Breast exams, pelvic exams, and screening all happen at that one visit<\/li>\n<li>Annual exams support reproductive health through preventative screenings<\/li>\n<li>Many conditions are easier to treat when caught early<\/li>\n<li>No findings is a good result, not a wasted trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Which symptoms should not wait?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe pelvic pain, especially with fever, nausea, or vomiting<\/li>\n<li>Heavy bleeding, clots larger than a quarter, or bleeding that soaks through protection<\/li>\n<li>Any vaginal bleeding after menopause<\/li>\n<li>Pregnancy with pain, bleeding, or severe vomiting<\/li>\n<li>Unusual discharge with odor, itching, or burning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>At what age should OBGYN care start?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/clinical\/clinical-guidance\/committee-opinion\/articles\/2020\/10\/the-initial-reproductive-health-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The initial reproductive health visit<\/a> belongs between ages 13 and 15<\/li>\n<li>That first visit is a talk, not an exam<\/li>\n<li>Pap smears begin at 21 no matter when care starts<\/li>\n<li>Care runs through menopause and beyond, not just the childbearing years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Will I need a pelvic exam at every visit?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>No, the exam depends on your age, symptoms, and screening schedule<\/li>\n<li>A first teen visit rarely includes one<\/li>\n<li>Pelvic exams and pap smears run on their own schedules<\/li>\n<li>We explain each step first, and you can decline any part<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 22px 18px;margin: 32px 0;display: flex;flex-wrap: wrap;justify-content: space-around;text-align: center\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 150px;padding: 10px 12px\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 2em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a;line-height: 1.1\">Age 18<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 0.85em;color: #888888;margin-top: 6px\">when routine annual exams begin at our practice<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 150px;padding: 10px 12px\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 2em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a;line-height: 1.1\">Age 21<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 0.85em;color: #888888;margin-top: 6px\">when cervical cancer screening begins<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 150px;padding: 10px 12px\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 2em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a;line-height: 1.1\">1 a year<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 0.85em;color: #888888;margin-top: 6px\">well-woman visits recommended for most adults<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 150px;padding: 10px 12px\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 2em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a;line-height: 1.1\">1 in 3<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 0.85em;color: #888888;margin-top: 6px\">women affected by abnormal uterine bleeding at some point<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Our practice sets age 18 for routine annual exams, while <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/clinical\/clinical-guidance\/committee-opinion\/articles\/2020\/10\/the-initial-reproductive-health-visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ACOG guidance on the initial reproductive health visit<\/a> places a first visit between 13 and 15. The other figures come from <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/clinical\/clinical-guidance\/committee-statement\/articles\/2026\/07\/screening-for-cervical-cancer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ACOG cervical cancer screening recommendations<\/a>, and the <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK532913\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine review of abnormal uterine bleeding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#what-obgyn-does\">What Does an OBGYN Do?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#see-right-away\">When to See an OBGYN Right Away<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#periods-pain\">Period Changes and Pelvic Pain Worth an Appointment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#pregnancy\">Pregnancy, Fertility, and Family Planning<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#routine\">When to Schedule Routine OBGYN Visits<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#first-visit\">What to Expect at Your First Visit<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#choosing\">Choosing an OBGYN in Boca Raton<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"#why-us\">Why Women in Boca Raton Choose Our Practice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"what-obgyn-does\">What Does an OBGYN Do?<\/h2>\n<p>An OB\/GYN is a doctor who specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology, providing care for women&#8217;s reproductive health throughout their lives, from puberty to menopause. The two halves of the field answer different questions.<\/p>\n<p>An obstetrician handles pregnancy, prenatal care, labor, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. A gynecologist cares for the female reproductive system, the breasts, and sexual health. Our <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/obstetrician-vs-gynecologist-what-is-the-difference\/\">guide to the difference between the two<\/a> breaks the roles down further.<\/p>\n<p>Day to day, obstetricians and gynecologists cover more ground than most women expect.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gynecologists provide preventive care, physical exams, and treatment for conditions affecting the female reproductive system<\/li>\n<li>Breast exams, blood pressure checks, and the other routine parts of a yearly visit<\/li>\n<li>Gynecologists perform routine screenings such as pap smears and pelvic exams, which are essential for monitoring reproductive health<\/li>\n<li>OB\/GYNs provide prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care alongside routine gynecological exams<\/li>\n<li>Testing for sexually transmitted infections using blood samples and tissue swabs, an essential health service for sexually active patients<\/li>\n<li>Birth control counseling and <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/family-planning\/\">family planning<\/a>, including complex family planning needs<\/li>\n<li>Menopause guidance for severe hot flashes and mood swings during perimenopause<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/11-most-common-gynecological-procedures\/\">Surgical procedures<\/a> related to women&#8217;s reproductive health, including hysterectomies and the removal of ovarian cysts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>OB\/GYNs also diagnose and treat ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/treatment-for-endometriosis-what-happens-after-an-endometriosis-diagnosis\/\">endometriosis<\/a>, and infections. Endometriosis is a common condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and other symptoms. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f75b9b;border-left: 6px solid #3A3A3A;color: #ffffff;padding: 16px 20px;border-radius: 6px;margin: 22px 0\">\n<p style=\"color: #ffffff;margin: 0\">Good to know: You do not have to sort out which specialist you need before you call. Describe the symptom to our staff and we will book you with the right person. Sorting the category is our job, not yours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"see-right-away\">When to See an OBGYN Right Away<\/h2>\n<p>Some symptoms belong in a same-day phone call rather than next month. None of this means something is badly wrong. Each one is worth checking rather than watching.<\/p>\n<p>Call the office promptly for any of these.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pelvic pain: sudden sharp pain, pain during sex, pain with exercise, or <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/is-ruptured-ovarian-cyst-something-to-worry-about\/\">pelvic pain or fullness<\/a> lasting longer than two weeks<\/li>\n<li>Unusual discharge or odor, which can indicate <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/chlamydia-how-long-does-it-last\/\">bacterial or yeast infections<\/a> and needs checking<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/postcoital-bleeding-should-you-be-concerned\/\">Irregular vaginal bleeding<\/a>, which can come from hormonal changes and should be checked, especially after menopause<\/li>\n<li>Pregnancy symptoms: a missed period with a positive test, severe vomiting, early bleeding, or strong one-sided pain<\/li>\n<li>Hormonal changes: sudden breast changes, severe mood swings, intense hot flashes at a young age, new acne, or facial hair<\/li>\n<li>Urinary or pelvic floor changes, which can point toward <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/prolapsed-bladder-cystocele-symptoms-and-appropriate-treatment-for-every-stage\/\">pelvic organ prolapse<\/a> and should be evaluated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Two of those need a note of their own. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause severe pelvic pain and requires prompt treatment to preserve fertility. Routine STI screening matters after possible exposure, or when odd symptoms show up.<\/p>\n<p>Strong one-sided pain in early pregnancy can also signal an ectopic pregnancy involving the fallopian tubes. That is why we see early bleeding or pain quickly rather than booking it out.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff8f4;border-left: 6px solid #c0704a;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 22px 0\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Watch out: Postmenopausal bleeding is abnormal and needs prompt evaluation to rule out endometrial abnormalities and cancer. This is the one symptom on this page we ask you never to sit on, even when it amounts to a single light episode.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If symptoms turn severe and you cannot reach the office, urgent care or the emergency room is the right call. A quick word with a doctor beats waiting and wondering.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"periods-pain\">Period Changes and Pelvic Pain Worth an Appointment<\/h2>\n<p>Cycles vary between women, so the question is rarely whether your period matches anyone else&#8217;s. What matters is whether it has changed from your own normal. <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/abnormal-uterine-bleeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Abnormal uterine bleeding<\/a> is one of the most common reasons women book with us.<\/p>\n<p>Book a visit for any of the following.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/menorrhagia-everything-you-should-know-about-heavy-menstrual-bleeding\/\">Very heavy bleeding<\/a>, or clots larger than a quarter<\/li>\n<li>Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days<\/li>\n<li>Amenorrhea, meaning periods that stop without pregnancy<\/li>\n<li>Severe cramping, or a period that halts normal life for a day or more<\/li>\n<li>Bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex<\/li>\n<li>Pelvic pain during exercise or intercourse, which can point toward ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Irregular periods can signify hormonal imbalances or other health issues, including thyroid disorders and <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-diagnosis-and-treatment\/\">polycystic ovary syndrome<\/a>. An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled sac on or near the ovary. Most cause no trouble at all, and one visit tells you which kind you have.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8eef0;border: 1px solid #3A3A3A;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 22px 0\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Pro tip: Track two or three cycles before you come in. Note the start date, how many days bleeding lasts, the heaviness, and any pain. That record tells us more in thirty seconds than a long talk from memory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"pregnancy\">Pregnancy, Fertility, and Family Planning<\/h2>\n<p>Pregnancy planning starts earlier than most women realize. A first prenatal visit confirms the baby&#8217;s expected due date and sets the schedule for regular prenatal care. Our <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/obstetrician-boca-raton-florida\/\">obstetrics team<\/a> handles that from the first visit onward.<\/p>\n<p>Here is when to make the call.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/how-do-you-prepare-your-body-for-pregnancy\/\">Three to twelve months before trying to conceive<\/a>, to review vaccines, medical conditions, medications, and risk factors<\/li>\n<li>As soon as a pregnancy test reads positive, to begin prenatal care<\/li>\n<li>When you become sexually active, want to switch birth control methods, or have side effects<\/li>\n<li>After one year of trying without success, or <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/evaluating-infertility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">six months if you are over 35<\/a><\/li>\n<li>If you have diabetes, thyroid disease, or high blood pressure, since <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/what-does-a-high-risk-pregnancy-mean\/\">high risk pregnancies<\/a> need more frequent visits and specialized high risk pregnancy care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Trouble conceiving has many causes, and most are worth looking into rather than waiting out. Our guide to <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/why-am-i-not-getting-pregnant-8-possible-reasons\/\">reasons you may not be getting pregnant<\/a> covers the common ones. Every patient is different, and treatment plans vary with your history and goals.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"routine\">When to Schedule Routine OBGYN Visits<\/h2>\n<p>Most healthy adults should plan one well-woman visit a year, even when nothing feels wrong. Annual exams support reproductive health, preventative care, and preventative screenings.<\/p>\n<p>Routine annual exams at our practice begin at age 18 and continue throughout adulthood. Exams may begin sooner for concerns such as pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, or unusual discharge. Your provider will recommend which exams are appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health. We map the full schedule by age in our guide to <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-gynecologist\/\">how often you should see a gynecologist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Screening runs on its own clock, apart from the yearly visit.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/infographics\/cervical-cancer-screening\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cervical cancer screening starts at age 21<\/a>, with pap smears repeated every three years through age 29<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/clinical\/clinical-guidance\/committee-statement\/articles\/2026\/07\/screening-for-cervical-cancer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The schedule changes at 30<\/a>, depending on HPV testing and your risk profile<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/experts-and-stories\/the-latest\/why-annual-pap-smears-are-history-but-routine-ob-gyn-visits-are-not\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">An annual pap smear is no longer standard<\/a>, though the annual visit itself still is<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/well-woman-exams\/\">Well woman exams<\/a> continue through and beyond menopause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8eef0;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 22px 0\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 8px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\">Checklist: Reasons to Book Outside Your Annual Visit<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0;padding-left: 20px\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> Starting, stopping, or switching birth control<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> Planning a pregnancy in the next year<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> An abnormal pap result that needs follow-up<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> New pelvic pain, bleeding changes, or discharge<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> Managing diabetes, thyroid disease, or high blood pressure<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #3a3a3a\">\u2713<\/span> Menopause symptoms affecting sleep, mood, or daily life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"first-visit\">What to Expect at Your First Visit<\/h2>\n<p>The goal of a first visit is comfort and trust. Rushing into an exam is not the point, and often none happens at all.<\/p>\n<p>Expect a talk about your menstrual cycle, pain, bleeding, birth control, pregnancy plans, sex, mental health, and medical history, plus your family&#8217;s medical history. What comes next depends on your age and symptoms. We explain each step first. Our <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/tips-for-preparing-for-a-gynecologist-exam\/\">full guide to preparing for a gynecologist exam<\/a> walks through the appointment in detail, and <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/can-i-visit-the-gynecologist-during-my-period\/\">having your period<\/a> is rarely a reason to cancel.<\/p>\n<p>Bring written questions. Visits move quickly, and the things women most want to ask are the things most often forgotten.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anything about painful periods, pelvic pain, or what counts as normal<\/li>\n<li>Questions about pregnancy plans, fertility, or contraception<\/li>\n<li>Concerns about discharge, odor, or <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/everything-you-should-know-before-your-first-pap-smear\/\">what a pap smear involves<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Treatments you have read about and want a straight opinion on<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Teens starting care for the first time can read our guide to <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/when-to-start-with-a-gynecologist\/\">when to start seeing a gynecologist<\/a>. It covers what that visit looks like at 13 to 15.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"choosing\">Choosing an OBGYN in Boca Raton<\/h2>\n<p>Choosing an OBGYN comes down to skill and comfort in equal measure. You will discuss pelvic exams, fertility, and family planning with this person for years. The fit matters as much as the training.<\/p>\n<p>Look for the following.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Board certification in obstetrics and gynecology<\/li>\n<li>Experience with pregnancy care, menopause, pelvic pain, and painful periods<\/li>\n<li>Access to female pelvic medicine when a referral makes sense<\/li>\n<li>An office that listens, lays out options, and lets you decide without pressure<\/li>\n<li>Easy access: location, parking, office hours, and a real person on the phone<\/li>\n<li>Consistent patient reviews from women who felt heard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a concern feels urgent, call and ask whether you should be seen right away. A good office will tell you straight, even when the answer is that it can wait.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"why-us\">Why Women in Boca Raton Choose Our Practice<\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Ellman has cared for women in Boca Raton since 1995. Many patients we met in those early years still sit in our exam rooms today, some now bringing their daughters.<\/p>\n<p>We understand that a gynecology visit makes some women anxious. Deciding whether a symptom is worth raising carries its own worry. Here you will always be much more to us than a name on a chart.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist care led by Dr. David S. Ellman, MD<\/li>\n<li>More than 25 years serving women throughout South Florida<\/li>\n<li>A sonogram room for advanced in-office diagnostic imaging<\/li>\n<li>In-house laboratory services for easy testing and faster results<\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/all-services\/\">Comprehensive women\u2019s health services<\/a> spanning gynecology, obstetrics, pregnancy care, family planning, and menopause management<\/li>\n<li>Advanced wellness treatments including Emsella and Emsculpt Neo<\/li>\n<li>Care shaped around your history rather than a template<\/li>\n<li>Membership in the TopLine MD Alliance network of healthcare providers<\/li>\n<li>Support through every stage of life, from adolescence through <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/what-causes-menopause-bloating-how-to-treat-it\/\">menopause<\/a> and beyond<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Every woman arrives with her own history, and treatment plans vary. Call us at <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"tel:+15614658800\">(561) 465-8800<\/a> or <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/contact\/\">request a visit online<\/a>, and we will talk it through together. Caring for you is a privilege we do not take lightly.<\/p>\n<h2>Related Reading From Our Practice<\/h2>\n<p>If your question sits just to the side of this one, these guides go deeper.<\/p>\n<p><!-- EDITOR: optional thumbnail per card. Filenames and alt text supplied in the delivery notes. --><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex;flex-wrap: wrap;gap: 16px;margin: 24px 0\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/obstetrician-vs-gynecologist-what-is-the-difference\/\">Obstetrician vs. Gynecologist: The Difference<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">What each half of the specialty covers, and which one you actually need.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-gynecologist\/\">How Often Should You See a Gynecologist?<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Visit frequency by age and health history, explained in full.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/when-to-start-with-a-gynecologist\/\">When to Start Seeing a Gynecologist<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Establishing care in the teen years, and what that first appointment involves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/tips-for-preparing-for-a-gynecologist-exam\/\">How to Prepare for a Gynecologist Exam<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">Practical steps before your appointment, from scheduling to what to expect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/everything-you-should-know-before-your-first-pap-smear\/\">Before Your First Pap Smear<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">What the screening involves, how it feels, and how results are handled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1 1 250px;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-top: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 18px;background-color: #ffffff\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 6px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/11-most-common-gynecological-procedures\/\">11 Common Gynecologic Procedures<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;color: #555555\">The in-office and surgical procedures used to diagnose and treat conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f75b9b;border-radius: 10px;padding: 30px 26px;margin: 32px 0;text-align: center\">\n<h2 style=\"color: #ffffff;font-size: 22px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0 0 10px 0\">Ready to stop wondering whether it can wait?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #ffffff;margin: 0 0 20px 0\">One visit with a board-certified OBGYN can settle the question and give you a clear plan.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display: inline-block;background-color: #3a3a3a;color: #ffffff;text-decoration: none;font-weight: bold;padding: 14px 30px;border-radius: 30px\" href=\"tel:+15614658800\">Call (561) 465-8800<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About When to See an OBGYN<\/h2>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">When should I first see a gynecologist?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Most guidelines put the first gynecology visit between ages 13 and 15, and that appointment is usually a talk rather than an exam. A pelvic exam is not normally part of it unless there is a problem to look into. Come sooner than 13 if there is heavy bleeding, very painful periods, pelvic pain, or a question about birth control or sexual health. Nothing about that first visit has to be uncomfortable, and we go at your pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">Can I see an OBGYN if I am not pregnant?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Yes, and most of the women we see on any given day are not pregnant. Visits happen for pap smears, pelvic exams, breast concerns, urinary symptoms, birth control, infections, menopause, and general women&#8217;s health care. Obstetrics is only half of what an OBGYN practice does. You never need a pregnancy to justify booking time with us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">How often should I visit an OBGYN?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Most adults do well with one well-woman visit a year, even when nothing feels wrong. You may need more during pregnancy, when changing birth control, after an abnormal pap result, or while managing a condition that affects reproductive health. The yearly visit and the pap smear are no longer the same thing, so the exam can be yearly while screening runs on a longer schedule. We will map out the right rhythm for your age and history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">What symptoms should I not ignore?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Call promptly for severe pelvic pain, heavy or sudden vaginal bleeding, any bleeding after menopause. The same goes for a new breast lump, pregnancy with pain or bleeding, discharge with a strong odor, pain during sex, or burning with urination that keeps returning. Any one of these deserves a same-day call rather than a wait-and-see week. If you cannot reach a doctor quickly and the symptoms feel severe, go to urgent care or the emergency room.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">What is female pelvic medicine and when would I need it?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Female pelvic medicine is a subspecialty that covers pelvic floor disorders, urinary leakage, pelvic organ prolapse, and long-running pelvic pain. Urinary or pelvic floor changes can point toward prolapse and are worth evaluating rather than living with. Start with a general OBGYN, since most of these are handled well in a regular practice. We will tell you honestly if a referral would serve you better.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">Do I need a pap smear every year?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">No, and this is one of the most common misunderstandings we hear. Cervical cancer screening starts at 21 and runs every three years through age 29. The schedule then changes at 30 depending on which test you and your OBGYN choose. The annual well-woman visit still matters because it covers far more than the pap. Think of them as two separate schedules that happen to overlap some years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">Can I see an OBGYN while I am on my period?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Yes, and you should keep the appointment rather than cancel it. Light or moderate bleeding rarely gets in the way of a physical exam. If you came in because of bleeding, seeing it helps us more than hearing it described. A pap smear is sometimes moved when flow is heavy, though that is a small adjustment rather than a wasted visit. Call the office and we will tell you whether to keep the slot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">Should I see an OBGYN or my primary care doctor?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Primary care handles a great deal of women&#8217;s health well, and for many concerns either door works. An OBGYN is the better starting point for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, pregnancy, contraception, fertility, and menopause, because those sit at the heart of the specialty. The two roles work side by side rather than in competition. We coordinate with your primary care provider whenever that serves your care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<details style=\"background-color: #ffffff;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-left: 4px solid #F75B9B;border-radius: 6px;margin: 0 0 12px 0;overflow: hidden\">\n<summary style=\"cursor: pointer;padding: 16px 20px;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">\n<h3 style=\"display: inline;margin: 0;font-size: 1em;font-weight: bold;color: #3a3a3a\">What should I bring to my first OBGYN appointment?<\/h3>\n<\/summary>\n<div style=\"padding: 0 20px 16px 20px\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0\">Bring the date your last period started, a list of medications and supplements, your medical history, and what you know of your family&#8217;s medical history. Add any questions you have written down, because appointments move quickly and good questions get forgotten. If you track cycles in an app, have it open. None of this is required, and turning up with nothing is still better than not coming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f8eef0;border: 1px solid #E5E5E5;border-radius: 6px;padding: 16px 20px;margin: 28px 0\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 10px 0;color: #3a3a3a;font-weight: bold\">Summarize this guide with AI<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0 0 12px 0;color: #555555\">Open this page in your preferred assistant for a quick summary.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0\"><a style=\"color: #b3376e;display: inline-block;border: 1px solid #3A3A3A;border-radius: 30px;padding: 7px 16px;margin: 0 6px 6px 0;text-decoration: none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/chatgpt.com\/?prompt=Analyze%20and%20summarize%20this%20page%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toplinemd.com%2Fwomens-healthcare-of-boca-raton%2Fwhen-to-see-an-obgyn%2F\">ChatGPT<\/a> <a style=\"color: #b3376e;display: inline-block;border: 1px solid #3A3A3A;border-radius: 30px;padding: 7px 16px;margin: 0 6px 6px 0;text-decoration: none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?udm=50&amp;aep=11&amp;q=Analyze%20and%20summarize%20this%20page%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toplinemd.com%2Fwomens-healthcare-of-boca-raton%2Fwhen-to-see-an-obgyn%2F\">Google AI<\/a> <a style=\"color: #b3376e;display: inline-block;border: 1px solid #3A3A3A;border-radius: 30px;padding: 7px 16px;margin: 0 6px 6px 0;text-decoration: none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.perplexity.ai\/search?q=Analyze%20and%20summarize%20this%20page%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toplinemd.com%2Fwomens-healthcare-of-boca-raton%2Fwhen-to-see-an-obgyn%2F\">Perplexity<\/a> <a style=\"color: #b3376e;display: inline-block;border: 1px solid #3A3A3A;border-radius: 30px;padding: 7px 16px;margin: 0 6px 6px 0;text-decoration: none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/i\/grok?text=Analyze%20and%20summarize%20this%20page%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toplinemd.com%2Fwomens-healthcare-of-boca-raton%2Fwhen-to-see-an-obgyn%2F\">Grok<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you are still weighing when to see an OBGYN, the answer is almost always sooner than you think, and our <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/gynecologist-boca-raton-florida\/\">Boca Raton team<\/a> is glad to help you decide at <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"tel:+15614658800\">(561) 465-8800<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is for educational purposes only, it includes general information on health-related topics. Women&#8217;s Healthcare of Boca Raton is giving medical advice to Patients Only. <a style=\"color: #b3376e\" href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Follow this link<\/a> to request an appointment with Dr. Ellman.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Answer: Knowing when to see an OBGYN comes down to two things. Keep one well-woman visit a year even when you feel fine. Call your ob gyn sooner for pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pregnancy concerns, unusual discharge, or a birth control question. Anyone with a uterus should start obstetrics and gynecology care as a  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":1819,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pregnancy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t<!-- All in One SEO 5.0.1.1 - aioseo.com -->\n\t<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover key signs and situations that indicate when to visit an OBGYN. Empower yourself with essential guidance for your reproductive health. 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