Regular gynecologic evaluation in older women is an integral part of m
edical care, just as it is for women of reproductive age. This should
be emphasized since older women often neglect early symptoms of gyneco
logic diseases, some of which are potentially lethal. With this in min
d, the health care provider must be cognizant of not only gynecologic
problems that affect all women, but also those disease processes which
are either specific to or more prevalent in an older population. This
article emphasizes these aspects in caring for the older gynecologic
patient.