All women can benefit from annual, specialized care
St. Joseph's/Candler OB/GYN Dr. Areli Saucedo Baza explains why women should have annual check-ups with their OB/GYN even when they are not pregnant
The OB in OB/GYN stands for obstetrics, the practice of guiding a woman through pregnancy, labor and delivery. So it’s easy to understand why women who aren’t pregnant or planning to get pregnant may not see the benefit in annual OB/GYN visits. But they would be missing out on a crucial partnership.
“The GYN stands for gynecology, which is the specialized, lifelong care of your reproductive health,” explains Areli Saucedo Baza, MD, of St. Joseph's/Candler Physician Network – OB/GYN. “That includes keeping up with cancer screenings, treating menstrual pain and helping you to navigate menopause. Every woman is unique and has distinct healthcare needs at every stage of life.”
Routine preventive health screenings officially begin at age 21, when patients start receiving regular Pap smears to check for cervical cancer. Annual OB/GYN exams also track painful cramps, heavy bleeding or irregular cycles.
“If you’ve grown up with heavy periods, you may think that’s normal, especially if it’s part of your family history,” Dr. Saucedo Baza says. “We can help you understand what is normal and tailor our treatment to restore your daily comfort and quality of life.”
An annual GYN exam by Dr. Saucedo Baza includes a clinical breast exam and a thorough pelvic exam, which includes visualization of the external genitals for any signs of disease or infection, a speculum exam to assess the vagina and cervix, and a bimanual exam to check internal organs (uterus, tubes, ovaries). This kind of individualized care parallels a patient’s routine visits with a primary care physician, ensuring that all aspects of your health are fully evaluated.
“Your reproductive health matters throughout your life, not just the time you may be trying to conceive,” Dr. Saucedo Baza says. “We are here to provide a safe, judgment-free space to help you with any symptoms, cycle changes or health concerns you encounter along the way.”
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