As a woman, you’re at risk for a number of different issues, especially when it comes to your reproductive system. Regular gynecology exams are one of the ways you can take your reproductive health into your own hands and prevent problems from taking over.
Dr. Inga Zilberstein, whose practice is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, is an obstetrics and gynecology specialist. She offers a number of different preventive tests and procedures to help you keep your health in tip-top shape.
Preventive care is a way to avoid serious health conditions and diseases through routine exams and tests. The main goal of this type of care is in the name — prevention. By taking the steps to see Dr. Zilberstein regularly, you’re essentially putting your health and wellness at the top of your priorities.
It’s much easier to prevent problems and diseases from coming on than it is to treat them once they’ve started. This is one of the reasons preventive care is so important. Even if an issue does arise, regular gynecology appointments allow your doctor to deal with these issues early so you avoid further complications later on.
Regular wellness exams focus on screening for and preventing a number of women’s health conditions, including:
When Dr. Zilberstein knows your risks for these conditions, she can create a specialized preventive care plan to keep you healthy.
The timing for regular gynecological exams depends on your age and your overall health. You generally don’t need to start seeing a gynecologist regularly until you’re between the ages of 13 and 15 or you’re sexually active. However, if any unexpected issues arise, you can see Dr. Zilberstein at any time.
Between the ages of 21 and 29, you should see Dr. Zilberstein at least yearly for a regular exam to help stay ahead of your health and prevent serious conditions. If you become sexually active before you turn 21, you should also have a gynecological exam yearly.
After age 30, you may only need to see Dr. Zilberstein every other year for an exam if you’re not being treated for any diseases and you’re in good health. You should see her more frequently if you have multiple sexual partners or if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. If any problems arise in the time between your regular wellness exams, it’s important that you get in to see Dr. Zilberstein as soon as you can.
As you continue to get older, your needs for certain tests like Pap smears, become less necessary. Dr. Zilberstein follows the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when it comes to preventive care and women’s health.
At your gynecology appointment, we measure your height and weight and ask you a number of questions about your current health and your family’s health history. You change into a gown and remove all of your undergarments. The pelvic exam takes place on a special table with stirrup attachments where you put your feet.
During a pelvic exam, Dr. Zilberstein inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This allows her to visualize your cervix and perform tests like a Pap smear. She can test for sexually transmitted diseases at this time as well.
She also performs a breast exam while you’re lying down to check for any lumps or masses that could indicate breast cancer. Routine breast self-exams are also an important part of preventive care.
If needed, Dr. Zilberstein can provide the HPV vaccine Gardasil, which protects against HPV infection. Once the exam is complete, you get dressed, and Dr. Zilberstein addresses any questions you have and discusses when she needs to see you again, depending on the results of your tests.
If you’re in need of a gynecological exam, don’t hesitate to call today at 646-601-6351 to schedule an appointment with Inga Zilberstein, MD. You can also book a consultation using our online tool.
