It’s incredibly important to go see your OBGYN

Let’s be real—no one enjoys going to their OBGYN. It’s not exactly a trip we look forward to. But, trust me, it’s incredibly important to prioritize those annual visits.

In a previous blog, I shared that my mom battled cancer twice. Her cervical cancer, in particular, was diagnosed at a later stage, and had she not skipped her yearly check-ups, it might have been caught much earlier. She went a full five years without seeing her OBGYN. Five years. That’s a long time to go without a check-in, and it taught me just how crucial it is to stay on top of our health. No matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient it might seem.

Get checked!

First and foremost, if you’re sexually active, seeing a GYN is essential to stay on top of your STD screenings. Some STDs don’t show symptoms, which means you may not know you have one until it’s too late. STDs don’t just go away on their own—you’ll need medication to treat them. Plus, knowing your status helps prevent the spread of infections like herpes, HIV, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others. Since STD testing isn’t automatically included in your yearly pap smear, be sure to ask for it specifically during your exam. Don’t be shy about it—your health and safety should always come first.

Beyond STD testing, visiting a GYN ensures that everything is functioning as it should, and it’s the best place to talk about birth control options. There are plenty of contraceptive methods to choose from. Whether you’re considering pills, IUDs, or hormonal implants, getting birth control should be a decision made with a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.

Having that kind of trust with your doctor makes it easier to discuss other potential health concerns, like cysts (which I’ve had), endometriosis, or even family planning. When you have an established relationship with your GYN, it creates a safe space for open conversations about all aspects of your reproductive health.

OBGYN’s and Pap Smears

There’s been some debate about whether Pap smears should be done yearly or every three years. It really depends on your age and what your individual OBGYN recommends. My doctor prefers to stick with the annual schedule. Regardless of the specific timing, getting these exams done is still essential.

Pap smears are crucial because they detect changes in the cervix at a cellular level. These abnormal cells are often caused by HPV, a virus spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and early detection makes all the difference. If your OBGYN detects abnormal cells, they’ll determine the next steps. These steps might include waiting 6-12 months for a follow-up smear or even scheduling a biopsy to gather more information.

Overall, your OBGYN is an essential part of your health care team. They’re responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of issues. Avoiding those visits because the exam is slightly uncomfortable for a few minutes would be a mistake. Your OBGYN plays a vital role in keeping you healthy, and regular check-ups are a key part of that.