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A visit to gynaecology is recommended for annual screening and whenever a woman experiences symptoms such as vaginal pain, unusual discharge, or abnormal bleeding.
Most women know they should see an obstetrician/gynaecologist (OB/GYN) at some point in their lives to maintain good feminine health. However, it can be challenging to overcome fears, anxieties, or misconceptions about visiting a gynaecologist. In reality, it is reassuring to know that you are actively taking care of your health. There are several important reasons to consult a gynaecologist and put your mind at ease.
General Gynaecological Health
Yearly appointments should be on every woman’s calendar. An annual gynecologic exam is a routine checkup to ensure that you are healthy inside and out, It is one the most empowering things you can do for yourself because it can help detect certain health problems and prevent future one from developing, to be confident of your health and wellness at any stage of your life. When it comes to problems, early detection is often critical to successful treatment.
Family Planning and Birth Control
Family planning services support women seeking guidance on birth control options, management of unintended or abnormal pregnancies, and contraception for those with complex medical conditions. Services also include IUD or implant insertion and removal, care for early pregnancy failure, and comprehensive abortion support.
Pelvic Exam
Having a yearly pelvic exam can help detect unusual growths or other changes that may have developed, along with testing possible signs of ovarian cysts and sexually transmitted infection (STI). A pelvic exam is a way to check any signs of illness in the pelvic area which involve the vulva, uterus, cervix, fallopian tube, ovaries, bladder and rectum. Women with issues such as abnormal discharge, menstrual disorders or perimenopause should definitely be seen as soon as possible.
Irregular Menstrual Cycle
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it is normal for it to be a bit shorter of longer than this, however, an irregular period can be a sign of a larger health problem. Normal menstrual bleeding lasts about five days, women should report any sign of heavy bleeding during or after menstrual cycle, bleeding after sexual intercourse or bleeding after they have reached menopause. Therefore, it’s important that you see a gynaecologist to obtain an exam.
Pap Smear (cervical cancer screening)
A Pap smear (Pap test) is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women which should be part of their annual gynecological exam. This test involves collecting cells from your cervix- the lower, narrow end of your uterus at top of your vagina and send to a laboratory to be examined for cancer or other abnormal indicators. Early detection of cervical cancer gives the patient a greater chance for recovery.
Breast Exam (Mammography)
Many people think of a gynecologist as being only for vaginal concerns. However, breast health is also of relevant concern to women. Along with your yearly checkup, you will receive a manual breast exam to check for issues of concern such as irregularities, dimpling tightened skin lumps and discharge. Mammography is done as a diagnostic test to check lumps or other symptoms noticed by the doctor and to check early symptoms of breast cancer.
Painful Intercourse
Sexual intimacy is meant to be an enjoyable experience but when it becomes painful, a woman may try to avoid it which impacts her life and relationship with partner. Dyspareunia is pain at any point during or after intercourse. There are several reasons for Dyspareunia such as insufficient lubrication due to childbirth or breastfeeding, vaginismus or involuntary muscles spasms in the vaginal wall, skin disorders or infections, injury of trauma to vulva, perineum or vagina and other illnesses. Whether the source of the pain is physical or potentially psychological in nature, a gynecologist should be your starting point to discover answers. This intimate act shouldn’t cause physical discomfort.
Please read Dr Nadia Yousri’s blog on: “Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)?-Non-Surgical Treatment?”
Changes in vaginal Discharge
Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and can vary in odour and colour depending on the stage of a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, there are times when vaginal discharge can be abnormal and indicate an infection or another underlying condition. Any change in the balance of normal vaginal bacteria can affect the smell, colour, or texture of the discharge. This may result from several causes, such as bacterial infections, antibiotic use, birth control pills, cervical cancer, or sexually transmitted infections.
An internal examination by a gynaecologist is the best way to identify the cause of the issue. Ignoring symptoms or attempting to self-treat can worsen the problem, potentially leading to complications such as infertility.
Urinary and fecal incontinence
Urinary and fecal incontinence are pelvic floor disorders, they result in involuntary loss of control of bodily function whether normal voiding reflex for urine or the control of a normal bowel movement, these are disabling condition that are very common especially in older people. There are two types of urinary incontinence which are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. If you experience pain or see blood when you urinate, you should definitely see gynecologist. Blood in the urine or pain isn’t necessarily of medical concern, but it’s always best to find out for sure.
Please read Dr Nadia Yousri’s blog on: Urinary Incontinence, Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments
Maternal Healthcare
Obtaining care from an OB/GYN is essential to maternal health. If you’re pregnant, it’s wise to make an appointment as soon as you know or suspect. A gynecologist will monitor your entire pregnancy to be sure everything is on the right track and to address any concerns.