Importance of an Annual OBGYN Visit with Dr. Amy Baker

Video Transcript

HealthBreak, brought to you by CHI Saint Joseph Health.

Every woman should have an initial appointment with her OBGYN around age 21, and should be seen at least once every year after. Dr. Amy Baker explains why.

Amy Baker, DO with CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group – Obstetrics and Gynecology

Annual appointments are very important. It's a time for us to talk about their medical history, changes they've had in the past year, and then we can talk about their reproductive plans, symptoms of menopause that often get overlooked.

Annual visits may either diagnose a problem that is present without symptoms or prevent disease in the future.

I always ask about their menstrual history. Any issues with menses, any abnormal bleeding? We ask a lot about preventive medicine, like their most recent pap smears, mammograms for breast cancer screening, bone health. It's really helpful to know their medical history, keeping up to date with it every year. And then we have a relationship if any issues arise in the future.

For more information, go to CHISaintJosephHealth.org. I'm Beverly Herbert.