About the visit to the gynecologist
Although for most women, a visit to the gynecologist is not a pleasant moment, but rather an embarrassing one, it must be seen as a medical necessity, whether it is annual (routine) or whenever you notice changes in your genital tract. Do not forget that this chapter also includes the senological examination (breast consultation).
Among the main changes in the genital tract that should speed up the visit to the gynecologist are:
- The beginning of sexual life;
- Scheduling a pregnancy or the presence of an unforeseen pregnancy;
- Bleeding between periods;
- Changes in breast anatomy;
- Disorders of the menstrual cycle (change in period, color, consistency, flow, etc.);
- Modified vaginal discharge (consistency or odor);
- To establish a suitable method of contraception;
- Lower abdominal pain;
- If you have a suspicion of infection with a sexually transmitted disease;
- Possibility of vaccination against HPV (the virus responsible for cervical cancer).
Routine inspection (annual) always involves:
- Performing the Babeș – Papanicolau test;
- Genital abdominal ultrasound;
- Endovaginal ultrasound;
- Senological consultation.
How we prepare for the visit to the gynecologist:
- First of all, you will need to keep track of your menstrual cycle, and we are referring here to the frequency, the date of the last menstruation and the characteristics of the flow. For very busy people, there are dedicated mobile phone applications that keep such a record for you.
- Sex is prohibited before medical consultation.
- Do not go to the gynecologist during menstruation. If you have an irregular flow and wake up with “surprises” on the day of the visit, reschedule.
- Be honest with your doctor, including the number of sexual partners, medical history, or other concerns.
- Do not take vaginal douches before a medical check-up. However, routine hygiene should never be poor, much less before the visit.
- Prepare your doctor questions in advance. If you are afraid of forgetting about certain problems that are bothering you, you can confidently write down the questions you want to ask your doctor.
It would be best to find a gynecologist with whom you can communicate easily and who shows understanding and empathy for you. This will make it easier for him to remember the patient’s medical history.
And perhaps most importantly, regular gynecological consultation can prevent major complications such as cancer, ectopic pregnancy, obstetric surgery – gynecology and the list goes on.
