Gynae exams can save your life!
Gynaecology is an important part of health care for women. It protects your sexual and reproductive health. Routine gynaecological care can: help prevent illness and discomfort lead to early detection of cancers of the breast and cervix – when they may be more curable detect sexually transmitted infections and other conditions before they cause serious damage; detect causes of infertility that may be treated; make pregnancy and childbirth easier.
Women who do not have regular gynecological care are up to seven times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. The survival rate for women who detect their cancers early is 76-98 percent, depending on how early. The survival rate is only 16-56 per cent for women with advanced cancers that have spread to other parts of their bodies.
Don’t let it happen to you…Whether you’re young or old, married or single, sexually active or not, or whether you’re lesbian, straight, or bisexual – good gynaecological care can keep you healthy and may save your life.
Regular GYN exams include:
* talking about your personal, family, sexual,
and medical history
* laboratory tests and screening for sexually
transmitted infections and other conditions
* counselling
* a pelvic exam
* a breast exam
Pap tests are part of GYN exams. They can detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, infections and inflammations of the cervix thinning of the vaginal lining from lack of oestrogen.
Don’t let embarrassment become a health risk. Some women may worry about having a GYN exam – especially if it’s the first time. You will be more comfortable if you know what to expect.
It is very important to be frank and honest about your sex life. At least one out of four women has a sexually transmitted infection in her lifetime. Some of these infections can cause sterility, birth defects, and cancer. Some can cause death. Great harm can be done even when there are no symptoms. And very often, women have no symptoms. It’s very important to talk openly with your clinician about how you may be at risk.
You should have a routine GYN exam every year if you are sexually active or over age 18.
You may need to have checkups even more often if you have:
* plans to become pregnant
* a sexually transmitted infection or a sex partner
who has one
* a history of sexual health problems
* a pelvic condition such as endometriosis or fibroids
* a sexually related condition such as abnormal cell
development in the cervix
* a mother or sister who developed breast cancer
before menopause
* a new sex partner
You should visit your clinician, no matter how old
you are, if you have:
* unusual vaginal or pelvic pain
* abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
* severe lower abdominal pain
* pain, swelling, or tenderness of the vulva,
vagina, uterus, or ovaries
* itching of the vulva or vagina
* growths or thickening of the breast or armpit
* puckering, dimpling, or
other changes
in the skin of the breast
* newly retracted nipples
or bleeding
or discharge from the
nipple
* changes in size or shape
of the breast
* increased pain, discomfort, or
emotional distress
before your period
– Women’s Health.com
