When should a woman see a gynecologist?

See a gynecologist for troublesome menstrual changes, bleeding between periods or after sex, pelvic pain, or advice about contraception, pregnancy planning and menopause symptoms. Assessment determines the appropriate next step rather than assuming symptoms are normal or have a single cause.

Seek urgent assessment if you have missed a period and develop unusual bleeding with abdominal or pelvic pain. Severe pain, or pain worse than usual that does not improve with painkillers, also needs urgent assessment.

Cervical screening is not performed annually for every woman. Timing depends on age, test type, previous results, risk factors and the guideline followed. Ask about the schedule appropriate for you. Find obstetricians and gynecologists through the directory.

References

• ACOG: Cervical cancer screening
• NHS: Bleeding between periods or after sex
• NHS: Period pain