When to See Your OB/GYN
While most women tend to dread it and put it off for as long as possible, regular visits to see your OB/GYN are a key element to your reproductive and sexual health. At the very minimum, you should keep regular annual appointments for your pelvic and breast exam and pap smear. However, there are other times when you will want to see your OB/GYN as well.
When You Are or May Be Pregnant
The "OB" part of OB/GYN stands for obstetrician. This is a doctor that specializes in pregnancy and
delivery. The sooner you get in to see your doctor when you suspect you are pregnant, the better
chances you and your baby will have of a healthy pregnancy. If there are problems, your OB/GYN will
be able to detect them early in order to establish a treatment plan.
You will have regular checkups throughout your pregnancy. If at any time, however, you feel you need
your OB/GYN, you should call the office. Some examples include:
- If you experience any spotting or bleeding during your pregnancy
- If you are having contractions well before your due date, or if it is close to your due date and you think you may be in labor
- If you feel dizzy for prolonged periods, have fainting spells, or experience swelling in your legs and feet.
When You Are Experiencing Unpleasant Vaginal Symptoms
If you are experiencing any kind of burning, itching, foul odor or discharge, or lesions in the vaginal area, you should see your OB/GYN immediately. You may have a simple yeast infection, but there could be more serious things going on. This is doubly important if you have never had a yeast infection and are not sure of the symptoms, or if you have had unprotected sex. There are a variety of STDs that cause these symptoms, and most of them have very effective treatments, but you'll need a prescription. A bacterial infection is another possibility that will require antibiotics.
When You Turn 40
If you are turning 40 soon, you should schedule to see your OB/GYN soon. In addition to the pelvic
exam, you will need to start getting your regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Your
OB/GYN may also recommend a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer or abnormalities. Regardless of
age, however, it is important that you do not neglect when to see your OB/GYN; your health may
depend on these regular visits.
As a leading provider of compassionate, highly qualified Lake City and Gainesville, FL OB/GYN care, specialists at All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offer women and families the best obstetrics and gynecology information and care – whether that be in-person or through outlets such as this website. Helping all women better understand their general health and pregnancy needs is a critical mission of the practice.
Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
In addition to comprehensive pregnancy care, All About Women also offers everything from simple birth control treatment to complex hysterectomy surgery using the most technologically advanced treatment options available, including the innovative DaVinci Robotic surgical system. With offices adjoining a world-class hospital, gynecology specialists at All About Women are capable of offering world class care in a hometown setting.