5 crucial health tips from your gynaecologist
MANY women shy away from talking about issues relating to ‘down below’, even with their gynaecologists. But Dr Keisha Buchanan, obstetrician-gynaecologist at ICON Medical Centre on Lady Musgrave Road, said that this practice can be dangerous because neglecting to adhere to proper gynaecological health could offset serious health complications.
Fortunately, she said it’s not too late to take stock of your well-being.
“Taking care of your reproductive health is very important in order to ensure fertility, prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prevent cancers and have an overall healthy life. There are, however, a number of things that you can do to take control of your gynaecological health,” Dr Buchanan advised.
Below, she shares five tips on how to make your ‘happy place’ the happiest place on earth.
1. Visit your gynaecologist once per year for a check-up
“Many times we feel we are well and have no underlying problems. However, a thorough assessment with your gynaecologist can promote early detection and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, infertility and prevent cancers,” Dr Buchanan advised.
2. Do your Pap smears
“Do an annual Pap smear and get the HPV vaccination. Pap smears are screening tests to detect precancerous lesions of the cervix hence allowing treatment and preventing progress to cervical cancer,” Dr Buchanan said. She explained that HPV vaccines prevent the Human Papilloma Virus, the virus that causes cervical, vaginal and oral cancer.
3. Practise safe sex always
Sexually transmitted infections and diseases are among the most common reasons for gynaecological as well other non-gynaecological complications such as in the case of the destruction caused by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on the body.
“It is recommended that you use a condom all the time when having sexual intercourse (unless you are trying for a child with your partner). Many STIs are subtle and your partner can have a STI and not even be aware of it as the symptoms may be mild or absent. This infection can be transmitted through unprotected sex,” Dr Buchanan advised. She said that using a condom is highly effective in preventing STIs.
4. Get screened for STIs if you are sexually active
“A HIV test is recommended as long as you are sexually active. Other STDs can be tested for also such as Hepatitis B and C,” Dr Buchanan advised. However, in the case that you are involved in high-risk behaviour, Dr Buchanan recommends that tests are done more frequently — preferably twice yearly. If you are not involved in high-risk behaviour, however, less often screening, once per year, or every two years may be adequate. Discuss this with your doctor.
5. Antenatal care is recommended
Early antenatal care starting in the first trimester is recommended and adhering to clinic visits is important.
“Good antenatal care can prevent serious complications for mother and child and improve pregnancy outcome. Starting prenatal vitamins even prior to pregnancy is also recommended and optimising on your pre-pregnancy weight by correcting obesity and taking care of pre-existing illnesses before pregnancy will improve pregnancy outcome,” Dr Buchanan advised.
