Visit Your Gynaecologist for Expert Care

For years, Asha has been terrified of going to the gynaecologist. The whole process seemed too complicated, even on paper, and way too personal for her comfort. After a friend of hers, let's call her Neil, took the metaphorical and literal first step, Asha has been considering it more seriously.

And at Kofuku, we are staunch believers in the fact that the unknown is a bazillion times scarier than knowledge. Presenting for Asha and many more like her, a blog solely meant to assure you that gynaecologists are not as frightening as you think. Unless you're in a horror movie and the lights start flickering in the waiting area. In that, run!

For those of us who are still very much stuck in reality, visiting a gynaecologist for no reason seems a bit silly. Makes you say, doctors? In this economy? And you would be partially correct. But there's this fantastic brand new thing where you can catch an illness before it catches you. Introducing preventive care!

Let's get one thing out of the way. Who even is a gynac? A gynaecologist is more than just a doctor for reproductive issues. They are responsible for a woman's overall health and well-being. By establishing a working relationship with a gynaecologist, you gain access to some S-tier advice, much-needed support, and consistent care throughout your life.

A gynaecologist is quite literally the visual representation of the great strides that women have brought about in the healthcare system. From historically accurate misogyny to the lack of trial subjects of women, especially women of colour, have severely set back what we could have known about our bodies and how best to treat ailments. Ongoing debates exist about underfunded research projects that focus on women's health. So, being aware of what little we know about our bodies is an advantage one can't miss out on, especially in this economy.

Many women, like Asha, feel pretty wary about their first gynaecologist visit, often because of all the horror stories and false rumours about what to expect. We are here to respectfully peek back behind the curtains and give you the full picture of what actually happens behind closed doors.

A typical gynaecologist appointment involves several steps:

• Medical history review: it's what it says on paper. Your gynaecologist will sit with you and discuss your medical history, including but not limited to menstrual cycles, sexual activity, pregnancies, and any concerns or symptoms you're experiencing. It's just like any other regular check-up!

• Physical exam: This includes checking your BP and weight and listening to your heart and lungs.

• Pelvic exam: Usually, they examine your lower stomach and hip, or if it's a follow-up visit, they might even do a scan. A speculum is used to visualise the vagina and cervix. While it might feel uncomfortable, it shouldn't be painful.

• Pap smear: This test screens for abnormal cervical cells that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. This is a slightly more invasive test but usually only accompanied by a symptom that heavily suggests the potential for cervical cancer or any other illness that requires a test on cervical cells.

• Other tests: Depending on everything you discuss and your history, your gynac might recommend some extra tests, like an HPV test, chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening, or even blood work. This is why the very first step is essential.

When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask questions or express any concerns you have. They're medical professionals here to make you comfortable and help you understand your body.

Of course, there's always that little voice in your head saying, "Oh, what if..." You need to understand that there are several misconceptions surrounding gynaecologist visits that prevent women from seeking regular care.

The first and foremost is embarrassment. It's normal to feel a bit nervous about discussing intimate health matters, but gynaecologists literally exist for that very reason. And we can't forget that genetics are a bit more expensive than your regular doctors. This is understandable because they are specialists but undoubtedly a vital part of taking care of yourself. While healthcare costs can be a concern, many insurance plans cover preventive gynaecological care. So pick the ones that are affordable and from near you so you can cut back on travelling costs.

With all that being said, the primary purpose of this blog is to impress upon you the need to visit your gynaecologist even when you think you're not ill. Many gynaecological conditions don't present noticeable symptoms in the early stages. The condition might have progressed by the time symptoms appear, making treatment more complex. Regular check-ups can help identify potential problems before they become serious.

Here are ten reasons to schedule a gynac appointment right now, even if you're feeling perfectly fine:

1. Early detection: Regular exams can help identify a lot of potential issues like cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids in their early stages when treatment is most effective. The WHO urges women above 30 years of age to do regular screenings every 5-10 years.

2. Preventive care: Keeping up-to-date with your medical history can ensure timely treatment. Your gynaecologist can provide vaccinations, recommend further screenings, and offer tips to keep your reproductive health at its peak.

3. Sexual health: Making sure you have a healthy sex life is as important as anything else. By going to a gynaecologist you trust, you can discuss concerns about STIs, birth control, and sexual dysfunction openly.

4. Mental health: Gynaecologists understand that specific symptoms can cause or be the first towards various mental health issues. So you can broach subjects like body image, relationships, and other mental health issues specific to reproductive health with them and get a clear plan of action.

5. Family planning: Whether you're considering pregnancy, contraception like condoms or morning-after pills, or even fertility treatments, your gynaecologist is your first point of contact.

6. Chronic condition management: Many people mistakenly believe that comorbid illnesses are rare. But suppose you have conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases. In that case, regular gynac check-ups can help you monitor how much they impact your reproductive health.

7. Menopause care: Menopause has been stereotyped from heaven to hell, so having a backup buddy who can help you manage the symptoms and give you a smoother transition into any kind of hormone therapy or treatment is always a huge bonus.

8. Establishing a relationship: By visiting a gynaecologist regularly, you're treating yourself to premium care and building a working relationship with them. It makes it much easier to talk about conventionally embarrassing things when you know the person.

9. Empowerment and Autonomy: Knowledge has always been one of the most significant sources of giving yourself the freedom to choose. More than that, it's the only way to make informed choices. As we said, historically, women have had limited access to healthcare and reproductive rights. Regular gynaecological care is the biggest revenge on all those patriarchal laws that many struggled to win over.

10. Comprehensive Well-being: Having a trusted gynaecologist who is a primary care provider and doing regular check-ups is essential to your overall well-being. Poor reproductive health affects other aspects of your life, too.

All this doesn't mean you stick to a schedule and ignore a legitimate symptom to be addressed in your 6 month once gynaecologist visit. Here are some of the symptoms you need to keep a lookout for:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This includes bleeding between periods, hefty bleeding for a long time, or bleeding even after menopause. Monitoring your menstrual cycle diligently can help you identify any abnormalities better.

• Pelvic pain: If your pelvic or lower abdomen is constantly in pain, it can indicate various hidden conditions, like endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

• Abnormal vaginal discharge: Changes in colour, odour, or consistency of vaginal discharge might signal an infection or other issue. This is a bit tricky because every woman has vaginal discharges, but knowing the normal ones from the symptoms is essential. Talk with your gynaecologist and confirm if yours is alright since it differs for everyone.

• Breast changes: With around 25% of women affected by breast diseases, most of them have complained about a lump or bump in the area prior to diagnosis. So, any lumps, bumps, or nipple discharge should be the top of your priority.

• Painful urination or difficulty urinating: These symptoms could indicate a urinary tract infection, but they are also pretty common. In a study conducted in 2022, among the 250 positive UTI samples, most were women. It could also mean other underlying conditions, and that's why having a little check-up never hurts.

• Sexual pain: Pain during intercourse can be caused by various factors, including infections, hormonal imbalances, or psychological issues. Teach your partner better foreplay techniques; there is nothing wrong with a learning moment; we've all had those. Most of all, though, have an open conversation with your gynec and partner about it.

• Infertility: If you're having difficulty conceiving, the first thing you'll have to do is visit a gynac. They can help you with evaluation and treatment options.

Preventive care is a marvel of modern science, and it's our responsibility to indulge in it. It will significantly reduce your risk of developing more gynaecological problems and help you treat them as swiftly and completely as possible.

Both male and female gynaecologists undergo rigorous training and are definitely qualified to give you the care you need. But ultimately, it's still a matter of comfort and trust. Since open communication is essential for getting the best possible care, it's important to not feel wary about someone who is meant to help you heal. So, ignoring the myths and stereotypes about male/female gynaecologists and focusing on finding a healthcare provider who meets your individual needs and preferences is the best way forward.

When selecting a gynaecologist, consider the following factors:

• Board certification

• Experience

• Bedside manner

• Insurance coverage

• Proximity of office location and hours

Asha's fear of a gynec was rooted in several factors. Society's natural aversion to anything related to reproduction, physical pleasure, or its inability is a massive part of it. When stereotypes are actively preventing people from getting the healthcare they need, it's time to explore why they even exist and dismantle them.

Visiting a gynaecologist is admittedly daunting, much like any other doctor visit. But the more often you do it, the easier it becomes. It just so happens to have the added benefit of getting a regular check-up routine out of it. Consistent care, even when you have no symptoms, better prepares you for, if at all, you start needing them in the future.