10 reasons to see the gynec when you get your first period
When a young girl gets her first period there are a whole lot of mixed emotions and many questions in her mind. She is looking for a lot of information and usually seeks it from mother, sister, school teacher, friends and nowadays the google aunty.
It is advisable to see a gynec doctor and address the following issues.
- She needs to understand the biological and hormonal changes that are happening in her body.
- She needs guidance on menstrual hygiene. i.e. which napkin to use . how frequently to change and dispose the napkins
- She will experience some irregularity and therefore it is important to know when to report to the doctor.
- She will experience period pains and will need help to deal with them. Analgesics, exercises and fomentation all in combination can be very useful.
- Some girls experience mood swings and various symptoms that are termed premenstrual syndrome. A good counseling session to understand and combat them can be very helpful.
- Some girls may have irregular heavy bleeding episodes in the first few years and therefore be anemic. Nutrition guidance and iron supplements can improve overall health and thereby academic performance.
- This is a good chance to discuss healthy life style measures and address concerns such as acne and hirsutism, which also start at this age
- This is also the correct time to share information on how a pregnancy happens and how she needs to look after herself.
- Basic information on contraception and sexually transmitted infections can also be given so that the young girl is aware of the subject and can seek more information as and when the time comes.
- This is a good opportunity to address the need for vaccination, especially the HPV vaccine, in case the girl has not taken it.
If you think you would like to discuss these issues, you can make an appt with us. We conduct single and group discussions for teenage girls with or without their mothers and go through these topics to give you first hand scientifically correct information in a very friendly setup.
10 Reasons why you should see a gyne before your marriage for a premarital gyne check:
- You may want to adjust your menstrual cycle so that they don`t clash with your wedding and honeymoon dates.
- You can do a health check and ensure you are in the best of your health. Ensure you do not have thyroid, and anemia.
- We can check your immunity status for Hepatitis and Rubella infections.
- We can give you vaccines that you need but may not have taken, e.g. Hepatitis B, Rubella, and HPV- vaccine i.e. cervical cancer prevention vaccine.
- We can check if you are carrying the gene for sickle cell and thallasaemia.
- Many women have fears and myths regarding having sex the 1st time. We can have a discussion on these issues so that you are better prepared.
- You may want to avoid a pregnancy for some time and we can have a detailed discussion on the contraceptive options available and help you choose a method that best suits your needs.
- It is not uncommon to have urine infection soon after you start sexual activity. We can help you to be better prepared for this situation which may be very distressing especially on the honeymoon.
- If you have concerns about sexually transmitted infections then they can be addressed.
- We can address issues such as acne, facial hair and obesity.
10 Reasons why you should see a gyne after your 40th birthday:
- You can do a routine gynecological check which you may not have done since your last pregnancy.
- You can get a pap smear done which is most important tool for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer.
- You can discuss your contraception choices because this may be the correct time to change over from pills to intrauterine devices.
- It is appropriate to start taking calcium supplements after age of 40. We can address issues regarding bone health, e.g. bone density screening.
- We can discuss need for breast screening and correct technique for breast self examination.
- It is not uncommon for women to have urinary leak issues, especially leaking after a cough. This can be an embarrassing and troublesome and many women do not talk about it openly or seek help for it. This important problem can be addressed and easily managed medically.
- Sexual problems such as lack of interest, lack of lubrication, pain, and dryness can be addressed.
- After 40, it is quite common to have changes in menstrual cycle. It is also common to have heavy irregular periods. This is actually one of the most important reasons why women see a gynecologist. I am a specialist in the management of the bleeding issues after 40. In present times there is a myriad of choices available for safe, scientific and effective treatment of heavy periods without having to remove the uterus.
- Prolapse i.e. a feeling of sometime dragging downwards from the vagina/ shift in the normal position of the uterus is common especially in women who have had multiple childbirths. This can be a very nagging issue and we can give you solutions to this problem that is appropriate to your age and degree of prolapse.
- Menopause is also round the corner and many women experience a myriad of symptoms in the peri-menopausal phase. We can discuss on how you can be best prepared for this major turn in your life.
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