Nina Fredericks, M.D., an OB/GYN on Williamson Health’s medical staff, discusses the importance of yearly gynecological visits and staying on top of essential screenings.

Originally published in YOUR Williamson —

Annual gynecological exams are crucial to helping women live their healthiest lives, which is why Nina Fredericks, M.D., of Women’s Group of Franklin, urges women to schedule their annual appointments now.

“As providers, we want women to know that we want to partner with them,” said Dr. Fredericks, who delivers babies and performs a variety of obstetrics and gynecological surgeries at Williamson Medical Center. “So much of our patients’ lives happen outside the clinic, and we want to empower them to live their best and healthiest lives.”

Dr. Fredericks highlighted the importance of these exams—and routine screenings—in maintaining overall health and detecting potential issues early.

Don’t skip your annual exam

“Your annual exam is your health screening and is important for general health and wellness,” Dr. Fredericks said. “During the COVID pandemic, some people got out of the habit of maintaining their annual screenings, but they’re important, especially for early detection of problems.”

Yearly exams enable gynecologists to detect potential issues and monitor reproductive and sexual health. They also provide an opportunity to assess overall health, health risks and promote healthy living.

Keep up-to-date on routine screenings

Routine screenings are vital for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Dr. Fredericks advises on essential screenings:

• Pap Smears: “PAP smears are the first line of defense for screening for cervical cancer,” Dr. Fredericks said. Depending on risk factors, women should begin these screenings at age 21 and continue through age 65, undergoing a PAP smear every three to five years. However, exams should still be performed annually even if patients are not due for a PAP smear.
• Mammograms: For most patients,Dr. Fredericks recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40 to detect breast cancer early when it’s more treatable. Patients with a family history of breast cancer may be candidates for earlier imaging or genetic testing.

In addition, Dr. Fredericks encourages all women to have a face-to-face conversation with their gynecologist about medications, so that your doctor can ensure you’re using the right medication for your needs.

“Particularly with birth control, we’ve seen a rise in people seeking out online prescriptions and providers,” Dr. Frederick said. “It’s certainly very convenient, but there are medications that have interactions with birth control pills. Seeing a provider who knows your medical history and who you are as a person can make sure that the medications you’re on are safe.”

Know your risk factors

While there’s currently no screening for ovarian cancer, Dr. Fredericks said patients should know their family history. “Women who have a strong family history of ovarian, breast, colon and pancreatic cancer may be candidates for genetic screening,” she said. “If the testing shows they do carry a familial hereditary disorder, they may qualify for additional screenings or even preventive or proactive surgical management.” Routine exams monitor physical changes and provide opportunities to discuss concerning symptoms, like pelvic pain.

Don’t be afraid to schedule additional appointments

Annual exams focus on overall reproductive health and routine screenings, Dr. Fredericks said, so specific concerns or symptoms may require additional appointments. If you have specific concerns or symptoms, you may need to schedule additional visits to allow for in-depth discussion of these issues.

Dr. Fredericks is one of more than 860 Williamson Health physicians and advanced care practitioners offering exceptional healthcare across 60-plus specialties and subspecialties close to home. Learn more about what Williamson Health has to offer at williamsonhealth.org.