Most of us know that good health, at any age, means maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough exercise. But how many of us think that much about our sexual health? But staying informed about your sexual and reproductive health is very important in our Alpharetta Gynecology location.
The top-rated physicians of Roswell OB/GYN provide key sexual and reproductive health points for every stage of a woman’s life. Familiarize yourself with each section, or, feel free to print the guide out for future reference. As you read, if you have questions, or you want to make an appointment with an OB/GYN in Alpharetta GA, give us a call to speak to a friendly member of our staff.
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Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Twenties
- Take folic acid.
Any woman in her 20’s, if she wishes to become pregnant, or may wish to later in life, should be taking folic acid. Folic acid is important to proper fetus development, so if you think you might ever want to have kids, you should already be taking 400-800 of folic acid daily. - Maintain yearly exams.
Even in your 20’s, you should have an annual doctor’s exam. These exams are important for everything from birth control and fertility tests to HPV vaccines and Pap smears. - Get necessary testing & shots.
An HPV vaccine is recommended for all women, even if you are not sexually active. A Pap test is also important and should be repeated about every three years, while STI testing should be done annually. - Talk to your doctor- honestly.
Whatever your concerns or questions, start developing a relationship with your doctor now. Brief your doctor on your family health history, and update them each time there is something new or unusual. Asking questions is the best way to learn and stay in good health.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Thirties
- Keep taking your folic acid.
Even if you don’t think you want children, you might change your mind later, so it is important to keep up with folic acid. - Continue with annual exams.
These yearly appointments are important for everything from family planning to STI testing. You may wish to have a birth control review each year, or try a different form of birth control. You should also ask your doctor, at each annual exam, if they recommend a Pap test, annual checks for any funny odors, or anything else, at this stage. - Make infection prevention a priority.
Pap tests, HPV vaccines, and STI testing are all important to the prevention of infections. Some tests can also help spot the signs of cervical cancer. Every time you have an OBGYN appointment, you should discuss the prevention of cancer and infections like a recurrent bladder infection.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Forties
- If you’re pre-menopausal, take folic acid.
Keep taking that folic acid, as long you are pre-menopausal and may become pregnant. Even if children are not necessarily on your radar, folic acid is important. - Make that annual exam.
Yes, you still need to stay on top of a yearly OBGYN exam. Keep your doctor up to date on your family health history. Talk to your doctor about cervical cancer and STI’s, and, if you need birth control, remember to stay on top of that too. - Educate yourself about menopause.
Now is a good time to educate yourself about menopause. Ask your doctor about perimenopause symptoms to prepare yourself before the transition comes. - Talk to your doctor about mammograms.
Once you hit 40, it’s time to think about mammograms. While they’re not usually recommended until you are 45, your doctor may recommend one earlier, especially if you have a history of breast cancer in your family. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 45-54 have a mammogram done each year.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Fifties
- Keep your annual exam with your doctor or OBGYN.
Make sure that you stay up to date on family health history, birth control, STI prevention, and testing and Pap tests. - Consult your doctor about menopause.
If you are fifty or over, you are more than likely either experiencing menopause already, or you soon will. Make sure you talk to your doctor about symptoms and treatments. - Schedule a yearly mammogram.
If you are between 50 and 54, mammograms are recommended yearly. Your doctor can tell you how often you should be tested, and most will continue to recommend a mammogram every year well into your 50’s.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Sixties
- Don’t forget that annual exam.
It’s still important to have an annual gynecologist exam in your sixties. You’ll want to cover paps and HPV tests if you’re 65 or younger, and, if you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get STI tests done too. - Get that mammogram.
While you may not need a mammogram as often once you hit 60, you should still get one every other year, or as recommended by your doctor. Talk to your OBGYN, or regular doctor, about the risk of cancer at this time too. - If you’ve never had a Pap, get one.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you should get a Pap if you are over 65, and you’ve never had one before. They also recommend a Pap test for women over 65 who were never before tested until the age of 60.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Seventies
- Remember to keep your annual OBGYN exam.
- If you’re 74 or younger, get a mammogram.
- Test for STI’s, as needed, if sexually active.
- Talk to your doctor about the risks of cancer.
Sexual Health Tips For Women In Their Eighties & Nineties
- Don’t forget your annual exam!
- Make sure you talk to the doctor about the risks of cancer.
- Ask for STI testing where necessary.
As you can see, when it comes to sexual health, there are many things to stay on top of, whatever your age. Whether you need a PAP, or you simply want a general wellness exam, if you’re ready to book a Roswell Obgyn appointment, get in touch today. Someone from our obgyn in Alpharetta GA team will be happy to help you with all your questions and concerns!
