If you've gone through menopause, you may be wondering if you need to keep seeing your gynecologist. Your doctor will probably want you to keep coming in for checkups even if you don't need to get a pap smear. These are five reasons you should keep seeing your gynecologist after menopause.

1. Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is common for older women, but that doesn't mean it is supposed to occur with age. With the proper treatment, you might cure or prevent incontinence. Your doctor may send you to a pelvic floor therapist, advise you to try medication, or teach you exercises to do at home to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Urinary incontinence can cause embarrassment and frustration. It can even interfere with your social life, so if you're having problems with leaking urine, let your gynecologist know.

2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

You can still get sexually transmitted diseases when you're older, even if you have only had one partner for years. If your partner has an affair and doesn't use protection, you could get an STD.

If you have multiple partners yourself, your risk is even higher for getting an STD. Your gynecologist may continue to do pap smears if you're sexually active with multiple partners so an STD can be caught and treated.

3. Cancer

Even if you don't need a pap smear, annual physical exams are important since the risk of cancer rises with age. Your doctor can catch ovarian, uterine, and other cancers early through a routine examination so treatment can begin early when cancers are easier to cure.

If you're having symptoms, such as pelvic pain or bleeding after menopause, don't wait for your annual appointment to let your gynecologist know. Make an appointment as soon as you can so your symptoms can be checked out.

4. Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse is another problem that sometimes happens when you get older. Treatment for a prolapse varies depending on how bad it is. You may not need any treatment or your doctor might recommend using a pessary. Surgery might also be indicated.

5. Vaginal Discomfort

Vaginal dryness, atrophy, and skin irritations are common after menopause. Your gynecologist might recommend vaginal hormone cream so the thin tissues of your vagina thicken and sex is no longer painful. If you develop vaginal atrophy, the doctor may prescribe a vaginal dilator to expand the depth and width of your vagina. The doctor might recommend treatments for itching and infections that can sometimes accompany vaginal atrophy.

Even though you've passed through menopause, you still need to take good care of your pelvic region, and a good way to do that is with regular visits to your gynecologist. Your doctor can recommend the best frequency for your visits and whether you need to take pap smears too.