Top 10 Things You Need To Ask Your Gynecologist

Q1. When do you need to consult gynaecologists?

Any abnormal bleeding such as infrequent periods, heavy periods, Bleeding after sexual intercourse, missed periods for more than 6 months, bleeding over 4 months on contraceptive or HRT. Any bleeding after cessation of the period for more than 12 months.

Any offensive discharge, pelvic pain, unable to conceive after trying for more than a year, painful sex, severe premenstrual symptoms such as persistent bloating, irritability, emotional instability, breast tenderness muscle cramps sleep disturbance food craving. Any local discomfort such as vulval pain any lumps/ swelling skin condition.

Q2. Common concerns of teenagers?

Cervical screening age-   Earliest age to start screening is 21 if a person is sexually active. You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing unexplained bleeding after sex or irregular bleeding.

Painful periods- Painful periods are quite common and you can control pain with ibuprofen or mefenamic acid if not contraindicated. The other option is a contraceptive pill which helps to regulate the periods and reduce the pain.

Safe contraception?  

You are advised to consult a gynaecologist to choose the most appropriate contraceptives for yourself. There are different options such as oral injectables and long-term contraceptives. Certain hormones are contraindicated in certain health conditions. One should avoid using emergency contraception or seeking medical termination as this can cause complications and may have an adverse effect on fertility.

What is cervical screening and when is it required for young women?

Cervical screening- any woman with past sexual history should have a pap smear every3 year. Any abnormal uterine bleeding or offensive discharge should trigger  gynae consultation

How to avoid Sexually transmission diseases. ? 

You do not contract HPV or STI by sharing a public toilet.  Infection occurs through the skin to skin contact during sexual activity. This can occur even if you are in a same-sex relationship. Any STI can be reduced if you use a condom however it does not completely eliminate the risk.

Is it safe to have sex during periods? 

Sex during periods can be messy and hence avoided. You are at risk of getting pregnant if your cycles are shorter and you ovulate early and have sex on day 5-7 of your periods so you should use condoms or use contraceptives

What to do when you get Abnormal discharge?

Some discharge is normal especially mid-cycle. Normal vaginal flora is good to avoid any infection. Any imbalance of this flora can result in abnormal discharge. One should avoid any vaginal Douche or synthetic products. Need to consult a doctor if there is persistent or offensive discharge to exclude STI. Some odour is common however if it is fishy, foul odour, itchy, curdy then consult a gynaecologist.

How to plan a pregnancy?

When planning pregnancy ensure you are fit and healthy. If you have any known medical illness consult an obstetrician to plan the pregnancy. Correct anaemia and commence on folic acid and multivitamins