“Regular OB-GYN visits are essential to a woman’s health,” UTMB OB-GYN Dr. Kimberlyn Robinson said. “Preventive care is our priority because it’s the most effective way to stay healthy and address potential issues early.”
At UTMB Health, physicians provide comprehensive women’s services, helping patients stay healthy at every life stage.
When to start seeing an OB-GYN?
Experts recommend girls schedule their first OB-GYN visit between the ages of 13 and 15. While this may feel early, these initial appointments aren’t about invasive exams. Instead, they help establish trust, provide education and give young patients a safe space to ask questions about their changing bodies.
During adolescence, visits may discuss:
- Irregular or painful periods
- Preventive health
- Reproductive health education
- Regular health screenings and monitoring
"At UTMB Health, we create a safe environment for teens, helping them build a trusted relationship with their OB-GYN while learning to take charge of their health," Robinson said.
OB-GYN care in your 20s and 30s
In your 20s and 30s, OB-GYN appointments focus on routine screenings, reproductive health, family planning and preparing for future pregnancies.
At age 21, annual well-woman exams become important. These visits are recommended even when you feel healthy and typically include a wellness exam, preventive screenings and time for questions. Pap smears begin at this age to screen for cervical cancer, and if results are normal, they are done every three years.
Visits may discuss:
- Breast health
- Reproductive health concerns
- Contraceptive management
- Preventive health and lifestyle
OB-GYN care during perimenopause and menopause
As women enter their 40s and 50s, the transition through perimenopause to menopause brings significant body changes.
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, causing changes in menstrual cycles and menopause-related symptoms.
Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
Common side effects of perimenopause and menopause include:
- Irregular or skipped periods
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in sexual health or libido
- Mood changes and sleep disturbances
- Increased risk of bone-density loss
Regular OB-GYN visits are essential during this stage to manage symptoms and support overall health.
What to expect during OB-GYN visits at this stage:
- Discussion of symptom management through lifestyle changes or medications
- Hormone therapy options when appropriate
- Bone health and osteoporosis screening
- Cancer prevention screening
Taking control: Your visit to UTMB Health
A gynecological exam can be intimidating, but UTMB Health prioritizes patient comfort and trust.
“Going to the OB-GYN can seem scary, but our approach is based on shared decision-making,” Robinson said. “If a patient isn’t ready, we can discuss it and decide when the right time is.”
To ensure you have the best visit, here are key tips:
- Start early to build rapport: Schedule an early visit as a teenager to meet the OB-GYN, discuss health proactively, and develop a trusting relationship before critical screenings.
- Express your concerns: Be open about any anxiety or fear. Your doctor is there to help, and you can request accommodations or pause an exam if you’re uncomfortable.
- Know your team: If your primary physician is fully booked, ask about seeing a nurse practitioner within the clinic. UTMB Health utilizes a comprehensive team where NPs work directly with physicians to ensure you receive essential, timely care.
- Schedule the right appointment: Clearly communicate your visit’s purpose. Well-woman exams are usually scheduled in advance, but if you have concerns, it becomes a problem visit, and you can be seen sooner.
Ready to prioritize your health? Find an OB-GYN provider and schedule your appointment with UTMB Health today.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
