Do Older Women Still Need to See a GYN Regularly?

If you’re post-menopausal, do you still need to see your gynecologist? What if you’re a woman over 65 who still sees a primary care or family physician for an annual checkup? Should you still be scheduling an appointment with your gynecologist?

In both examples, indeed you should, especially if you have underlying health problems or symptoms that are new, changing or worrisome, says Dr. Debra Brandt, a medical oncologist and hematologist who serves as Director of Medical Oncology for Breast and Gynecologic Cancers at Jupiter Medical Center’s Anderson Family Cancer Institute.

“A lot of older women forget to go in for gynecological exams,” she points out. “They may no longer need a Pap smear based on age or prior HIV (HPV) testing, but they still benefit from a visit with their gynecologist. The incidence of cervical cancer decreases after age 55, but a woman’s risk of uterine, ovarian and breast cancer increases. And these are very treatable forms of cancer, and they’re curable if caught early. An annual gynecology exam also can allow a patient to address bladder, bowel or sexual More than a Pap Test

DR. BRANDT

Dr. Brandt reminds women that the annual Pap smears they undergo in their younger years screen only for cervical cancer, not for other cancers that can affect the uterus or vulva in older women. A discussion with the gynecologist and a complete gynecologic exam can detect other cancers.

While many older women may no longer require Pap smears, Dr. Brandt points out that there is a proven benefit to ongoing gynecology exams. A checkup with a gynecologist can serve as an early detection system, especially if women are experiencing anything worrisome or different from their baseline health status, including bladder or gynecological function.

Seek Help for Key Symptoms

Physicians who provide care to older women urge them to schedule a gynecology appointment for key symptoms, including:

• Unexplained or new vaginal bleeding

• Unintentional weight loss

• Night sweats that continue after menopause

• Abdominal bloating that worsens or does not resolve

• Change in bowel function or habits

• Pain that doesn’t go away

• New masses that do not resolve on their own or that continue to grow

“Any change that doesn’t improve shouldn’t be ignored,” she advises. “It might not be cancer, but it might be something else, so don’t be scared to make an appointment to see your doctor. I see so many people coming in months or years too late because they’re afraid.”

Dr. Brandt’s straightforward advice: Don’t be afraid.

“Sometimes, I think women get scared, and they tend to ignore what’s going on. Then they’re embarrassed,” she said. “They shouldn’t be embarrassed. They should just show up, talk to their doctor, and seek help for whatever is new or different.”

She points out that women can explore treatment options with their doctor or gynecologist while embracing quality of life as they age. Some conditions might even qualify women to participate in clinical trials to explore and test new treatments and procedures.

The post Do Older Women Still Need to See a GYN Regularly? first appeared on Palm Beach Florida Weekly .