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Postponing a visit to the gynecologist, we refer to employment. But is it one thing? Perhaps we are afraid to find out that we are unwell, and therefore we avoid doctors. But they are ready to listen, reassure and help. At any age, it is not too late to start systematically taking care of your health and regularly visit the “women’s doctor”.
Our diaries are packed to capacity, so there is no time for doctors. But the real reason we women don’t pay enough attention to health may be unconscious fear.
“Sitting in my office chair, I feel strong and competent,” admits 42-year-old Alla. I love airplane seats. I relax in the cinema with popcorn in my hands. But the chair in the gynecologist’s office does not inspire. I miss my annual checkups and that makes me even more anxious…”
Habit against fear
Why are we afraid to go to the gynecologist?
“The fear of the examination is partly due to the lack of the habit of monitoring women’s health,” explains psychologist Ekaterina Antropova. – The older generation rarely went to the doctors and only for a specific reason. Today, the adult daughters of these women are developing the habit of regular gynecological examinations on their own. It’s not easy and it’s worrying.”
Useful knowledge
Sometimes we are afraid to hear something terrible. But avoiding a meeting with doctors does not mean avoiding diseases. An early diagnosis gives a better chance of a cure.
“On average, women are recommended to visit a gynecologist once a year,” recommends a gynecologist, president of the all-Russian public organization Ragin, Professor Svetlana Rogovskaya. “And if health is not quite normal, for example, an oncogenic papilloma virus or neoplasms have been detected, it is worth being observed more often in order to do control examinations on time.”
There is no better way to find out what’s going on with your health than a pelvic ultrasound. “Ultrasound is recommended to be done once a year, but in some cases the doctor will ask you to undergo this examination more often,” says Svetlana Rogovskaya.
Always ready
How to prepare for an inspection? The main thing is not to overdo it.
“Often before a visit to a gynecologist, women begin to actively wash themselves, douche. But such procedures change the biochemistry of the genital organs, and upon examination, a specialist may not notice a possible pathology. Therefore, before taking, you should only lightly wash the genitals with warm water, ”the gynecologist warns.
On the eve of a visit to the doctor, you should also not overeat. And if the body has a tendency to constipation, you can do an enema. Then the inspection will be easier.
Some of us worry that the doctor will be embarrassed by the sight of bare legs, but in vain. “Some diseases appear on the skin of the whole body. A competent gynecologist pays attention to the patient’s heels. If you don’t take off your socks, we may miss something,” says Svetlana Rogovskaya.
Looking for your doctor
Choosing a specialist, we are afraid to make a mistake and habitually turn to the Internet. But whether to read the reviews is a moot point.
“Depends on what happens to you while reading: if anxiety increases, it’s better not to get involved in this activity,” the psychologist says. Perhaps it is better to consult with friends.
“It is always more pleasant to see a doctor with whom you have known for a long time,” Svetlana Rogovskaya is convinced. Anyone who is familiar with the characteristics of our body will notice alarming symptoms faster.
Age of Special Attention
Is it true that the older a woman gets, the lower the risk of getting sick? No. The fact that we can no longer get pregnant does not mean that we do not need a gynecologist.
“During hormonal changes in the body of a woman, various disorders can be observed, so it is necessary to visit a doctor. Today, menopausal hormone therapy is widespread, which has not only a therapeutic, but also a preventive effect, ”the doctor reassures.
Four Writing Practices to Reduce Anxiety
Written exercises will help get rid of tension and fear before going to the gynecologist. Psychologist Ekaterina Antropova recommends making the following notes and taking them with you:
1. Record important facts: your age, health status, belonging to a risk group, approximate date of the last examination. When we experience fear, we risk falling into frightening fantasies, and the facts bring us back to reality.
2. Describe your condition. What’s wrong with you now? Are you afraid, confused, angry or frustrated? Feelings are an important part of inner reality. By recognizing them, giving them a place – including on paper – we reduce their intensity.
3. Make a list of situations in which you were also anxious, but at the same time you found the strength to cope. It can be different moments, both related to health and not. Having a list of your victories handy is a good support!
4. State what kind of support you would like in this situation. You may want to talk about your experiences with someone close to you or ask them to go with you. You might find it easier on test days if you shorten your list of commitments and do something nice for yourself.