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Free on Saturday/Sunday, Copay on Monday

This was the first Columbus Book Festival. I am glad I was allowed to display both of my books, Sincerely, Your Gynecologist and Letters to My Sisters, Plain and Straightforward Advice From a Gynecologist. Thank you to all those who stopped by my table.

As a gynecologist selling books, some people would stop by the table and ask, “Is it okay to ask a question?” I always reply, “It is free on Saturday/Sunday, copay on Monday.”

I thought I would share some of the questions:

Is it true you only need to come every three years to see your gynecologist for a pap smear? 

You should see your gynecologist at least once a year for your well-woman exam. During that visit, a pap smear can be performed. A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer and does not need to be done every year. Depending on your age, you can get it done every three years if done alone or every five years if the pap smear is done along with the human papillomavirus test, and both are normal.  If the pap smear or HPV test is abnormal, you might need to be tested earlier than three years, or you may need additional testing.

Do I need to see a gynecologist if I have had a hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. If you have had a hysterectomy, it is crucial to understand what additional surgeries were done. Was the cervix left? If the cervix is present, you will need pap smears. Were the ovaries left in place or taken out? Even if everything was taken out – uterus, ovaries, and tubes, you still have the vagina and vulva, which will go through changes as you get older that may need care from a gynecologist

I am 60 years old. Do I still need a gynecologist, or is my family doctor good enough?

It depends. It is okay if your family doctor feels comfortable caring for you from head to toe, including your pelvic region. Talking to your primary care physician about their comfort level in dealing with gynecologic issues would be best. Insurance companies will cover you having a gynecologist and a family doctor – why not have both.

At what age should you start to see a gynecologist?

You can see a gynecologist as early as 13. An exam will not be done, but it allows the teenager to have a relationship with the gynecologist. The teenager can develop a rapport and will use this as an opportunity to ask questions. Some teenagers have a great connection with their pediatrician and may only need to see a gynecologist later. It is essential to emphasize that a pelvic exam will only be done if that teenager has symptoms that warrant an exam.

I have heard of menopause, but what is perimenopause? 

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when the hormones in our body fluctuate. I call it a hormonal roller coaster. It can last 5 – 7 years before the final period. The menstrual cycle changes – it can shorten or lengthen and become unpredictable. We can have hot flushes for months and then none for some months. Our sleep patterns may change. We start to gain weight in the midsection. It is important to talk with your physician to help navigate this time.

I enjoyed meeting and engaging in conversation. There are so many women who want to be informed. It was my motivation to write, Sincerely, Your Gynecologist. It is to get us feeling comfortable to have the conversation. I was also surprised how many people had yet to hear of Letters to My Sisters, Plain Truth, and Straightforward Advice from the Gynecologist. I am glad I had the opportunity to share the information.