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Why is an examination by a gynecologist recommended at least 2 times a year, regardless of the presence of complaints? WDay.ru asked Tamara Bebneva, candidate of medical sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist of the first category, and found out the six most important reasons for visiting a doctor.
Examination by a gynecologist
Most gynecological diseases are asymptomatic, and they can only be detected during examination. These diseases include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer, and other problems that can be easily resolved if detected early.
However, a study by Elena Malysheva on the Zdorovye program website once again confirmed the inattentive attitude of Russian women to their health.
A well-known TV presenter, candidate of medical sciences conducted a sociological survey, in which 6006 people took part. As a result, it turned out that:
11% of respondents regularly visit a gynecologist;
56% had an appointment just once in the last 2 years;
17% never went to a doctor at all, even if they had obvious health problems.
Together with Tamara Bebneva, candidate of medical sciences, obstetrician-gynecologist of the first category, we determined six alarming signals and objective reasons not to postpone the visit to the gynecologist.
Normally, the menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days, of which three to seven days are menstruation.
1. Itching and burning
As well as discharge from the genitals. Normally, vaginal discharge is transparent, not abundant, odorless and does not cause irritation. The amount of discharge depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. So, immediately after the end of menstruation, the discharge is scanty and transparent, in the middle of the menstrual cycle, they become abundant and stringy, and in the second phase they acquire a whitish tint and a slight sour smell, become viscous and opaque.
Expert comment: “Discharge, itching and burning, uncharacteristic for this phase of the menstrual cycle, can signal diseases such as thrush (candidiasis), chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, inflammation of the uterine appendages, ovaries and others. When these symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist and take smears from the vagina and cervical canal for flora, as well as be examined for infections. “
2. Menstrual irregularities
Normally, the menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days, of which three to seven days are menstruation. The appearance of delays, unusually heavy or prolonged or, conversely, short and scanty menstruation, nausea, headaches, fainting indicate the need to visit a doctor.
The sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to recover your health.
Expert comment: “Since a woman’s reproductive system is very sensitive to stress, weakening of the immune system, a sharp decrease in body weight against the background of a strict unjustified diet, physical activity, changes in menstruation can become the first symptoms of diseases such as ovarian dysfunction, chronic endometritis, endometriosis, uterine myoma, polycystic ovary and many others. The sooner you start treating them, the easier it will be for the body to restore health. “
Patients 25-30 years old are increasingly found in oncology departments. Therefore, do not forget about contraception and regular visits to the gynecologist.
3. Selection of contraception
Only a gynecologist can choose a method of contraception that is suitable for you. Neither advertising nor advice from friends should influence the choice.
Expert comment: “Hormonal contraceptives have a therapeutic effect in premenstrual syndrome (reduce pain), dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, but do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The only reliable protection in this case are barrier methods of contraception, for example, condoms. ”
4. Frequent change of sexual partners
Many advanced infections can cause serious and asymptomatic illnesses, such as human (HPV). It has no characteristic signs or symptoms, and most people do not know they are infected or carry it. During their lifetime, up to 70% of young sexually active people become infected with it, and this is about 13% of the world’s population. Patients 25-30 years old are increasingly found in oncology departments. Therefore, do not forget about contraception and regular visits to the gynecologist.
Expert comment: “HPV infection is more common among young men and women who are sexually promiscuous and often change sexual partners. For such people, the risk of contracting HPV increases exponentially with each new sexual partner. “
Negligence in relation to your health becomes the cause of infertility, take care of yourself in time.
5. Pregnancy issues
The absence of pregnancy within 12 months after the start of regular unprotected sexual relations suggests that it is necessary to be examined by a gynecologist to identify pathology.
Expert comment: “The absence of pregnancy against the background of regular unprotected sexual activity for 6-8 months should alert a woman and become a reason for contacting a gynecologist.”
6. Routine examination by a gynecologist
A doctor should be consulted not when problems have already arisen, but when they are just emerging. Therefore, it is advisable to undergo a preventive examination at least once every six months – then you can prevent possible diseases, and not try to cure existing ones.
Expert comment: “Unfortunately, in Russia there is no cytological screening for cervical cancer at the state level, there is no practice of calling women for professional medical examinations. Most often, women go to the doctor after the onset of painful symptoms or disorders.
Usually, women go to the doctor after the onset of painful symptoms or abnormalities.
The most serious consequences of such “negligence” in relation to one’s health are chronic inflammatory processes of the reproductive system, often leading to infertility, but the most formidable are oncological diseases. ”