Given the complexities of the female body, it is essential for women, especially those who’ve hit puberty and particularly those who are sexually active to regularly pay a visit to their gynecologist. Women between the ages twenty one and twenty nine ought to visit their gynecologist for a thorough gynecology checkup annually and to get a pap smear examination. Women between thirty and sixty four must also go for a gynecological exam every 16-18 months. The key reasons to visit a gynecologist include irregular periods, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vaginal infections.
What Does a Gynecologist Do?
During every gynecological examination, the gynecologist inquires about the regularity of the patient’s menstrual cycle, her sexual history, frequency of sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners and other essential details. That is followed by the examination of the patient’s breasts and genitals. While such a visit can be the cause of discomfort amongst women, it is highly crucial and shouldn’t be ignored. A gynecologist visit can help you identify and treat issues relating to menstruation, fertility, STDs and hormonal disorders.
What to Expect at Your Gynecological Examination?
- Your gynecologist will record your weight, menstrual cycle start date and your blood pressure.
- You will be asked questions on your family medical history, sexual history, contraception used.
- You will also be asked details about your gynecological symptoms such as irregular periods and discharge, STDs, etc.
Breast Examination
A breast examination is often conducted as a part of routine yearly gynecological exams. This helps the gynecologist identify if there are any worrisome irregularities in the breast tissue. The doctor generally examines the breasts for a few minutes to check for any pain, discomfort or lumps. If you’re over thirty five years of age, the gynecologist may even recommend that you get a mammogram screening done to rule out the risk of breast cancer.
Pelvic Examination
The pelvic examination needs to be conducted every two years for women between ages twenty one and thirty and three years for women over thirty, provided they have had three consecutive normal pap smear tests. For women between ages sixty five and seventy, who’ve had three or more normal pap smear tests in a row in the last ten years can stop taking the test. Women whose cervix and uterus has been removed can also stop cervical cancer screenings unless the treatment was for cervical cancer or pre-cancer.
HPV Examination
Women who are thirty and over must get an HPV examination every two to three years along with a pap smear test.
Chlamydia Examination
Women who are sexually active and have multiple sexual partners must get tested for chlamydia as a part of their yearly gynecological exam.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Examination
All women who are sexually active should get tested for STDs like HIV, herpes and gonorrhea along with their partners before beginning a sexual relationship with them.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Gynecology Checkup?
- Ensure you schedule your appointment in between your menstrual cycle since the period blood flow may interfere with the results of your gynecological exam.
- Avoid engaging in sexual intercourse at least twenty four hours prior to your gynecology checkup as it may lead to incorrect pap smear test results.
- Be prepared with the list of questions and symptoms you’re experiencing before your gynecology examination, such as vaginal discharge/bleeding, odor, or pain.
- Do a thorough research before zeroing down on the gynecologist you will be consulting.
To know more about the other aspects of gynecology and to ensure your gynecological health is in order, book an appointment with your gynecologist today. Remember, an early detection of a gynecological problem is the best possible means for its prevention and treatment.
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