I'm 44, how often to see the GYN?

[Anonymous]

I have no special risks or issues. I had a pap and mammo last year, as well as an ultrasound and uterine biopsy to check on some off-cycle bleeding (which stopped). All results normal.

I was surprised to get a call about scheduling my annual exam. Do we do annual exams now? I thought it was every 3 years.

[Anonymous]

Does your PCP write scripts for your mammograms and do breast exams? You need to do that yearly with a provider. I personally have not seen a gynecologist in decades (I’m 46) because my primary care provider does paps and breast exams at my annual.

[Anonymous]

I don’t but my PCP does everything including Pap smears. I think those are every two years? Anyway I don’t go to the GYN unless I have a problem or a baby.

[Anonymous]

I am 48 and go every 2 years in my 40s. I get annual mammograms, but the mammogram place can get a phone order from my doctor automatically without me having to do anything so I’ve been able to get those every year.

In between OBG on the off year, I go to my primary care doc. Thyroid issues and auto immune stuff run in my family so I like to get a full bloodwork panel every two years.

[Anonymous]

I go three years. Unless something comes up. Been more lately due to HRT.

[Anonymous]

Have you given birth?

Not to derail but what was your uterine biopsy like? I have to get one and am scared

[Anonymous]

When needed find a gyn that specializes in menopause.

[Anonymous]

This is OP, thanks for the responses. My GYN prescribes the mammogram. I don't routinely see a GP.

My understanding was mammogram every 2 years, pap every 3 years. Is that not correct? I don't understand why I'd need a physical exam annually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you given birth?

Not to derail but what was your uterine biopsy like? I have to get one and am scared

OP here, I had a c section 10 years ago, and a few early miscarriages. I've always had sporadic issues with abnormal bleeding: lots of tests in my youth but no reasons ever detected.

The biopsy ... did not hurt. I was really scared and the NP's explanation if the procedure made it worse. But the actual procedure felt like really strong cramping: unpleasant for sure but not agony.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you given birth?

Not to derail but what was your uterine biopsy like? I have to get one and am scared

OP here, I had a c section 10 years ago, and a few early miscarriages. I've always had sporadic issues with abnormal bleeding: lots of tests in my youth but no reasons ever detected.

The biopsy ... did not hurt. I was really scared and the NP's explanation if the procedure made it worse. But the actual procedure felt like really strong cramping: unpleasant for sure but not agony.

Oh, PS, take a pain killer first, like 3 Motrin. They didn't tell me that, and then the NP acted like I forgot to do it.

[Anonymous]

I thought you didn’t need a prescription for mammograms anymore? To the OP, you need a PCP (either a GP or internist). Who do you see if you get sick? I wouldn’t rely on an Urgent Care type of place. UC is fine for a strep test, etc, but you need continuing care from a PCP. They will manage annual bloodwork, mammograms, as well as colonoscopies.

[Anonymous]

I’m 45 and I go annually. It was my understanding that a pelvic exam is still recommended annually? Maybe the recommendation has changed.

[Anonymous]

Paps are two years but my doctor still recommendeds annual pelvic exam.

[Anonymous]

You go every year at a minimum. THey will screen your breasts for worrisome lumps or changes. And if you have a cervix you need a pap smear.

[Anonymous]

It's only every 3-5 years with clear paps now. If you are due for a mamo your primary doctor can write for that, but thats less often now as well.