Health is wealth. There is nothing more important than a good healthy life. For women, gynecological exams ensure proper sexual health, increase education regarding sexual and reproductive problems and issues, screen for possible reproductive disorders and associated symptoms, prevent health hazards and spread awareness of the importance of sexual health in overall health. It also helps with mortality and morbidity rates.
Health professionals recommend a yearly gynecological exam after the age of 15. Younger females do not usually need such examinations in terms of health, but it can help in understanding their body, physiology, and other concerns and curiosity. Younger females can learn more about reproductive health, menstruation, and the symptoms they must look out for healthy sexual health. A gynecological examination helps to discover diseases and infections with asymptomatic and early signs of gynecology and non-gynaecologic health conditions. The procedure also encourages making a conversation regarding sexual health and related issues without shying away, without any fear to promote the easiness in understanding our body and the changes it goes through during various stages of life.
The gynecologic exam includes the external and internal genitalia, urethra, and rectum (in some cases) assessment. It helps in better management and decision-making for medical cases involving ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vaginal pathology, ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and antepartum vaginal bleeding. The examination for sexually transmitted infection testing, sexual or physical trauma, pain, discharge, pregnancy or postpartum, swelling, itching, bleeding, menstrual abnormalities, abnormalities in sexual development, neurological conditions, incontinence, and pelvic floor disorders is required.
Gynaecological exams and screening include the study of the history of the menstrual cycle, drug and prescribed medicines, anxiety and depression, substance abuse and alcohol consumption, Pap smear testing (spatula collects cervix cells and vaginal fluid), speculum exam (a duck-billed shaped device is inserted into the vagina to open it wide to observe vagina and cervix easily).
Gynecological examinations can cause discomfort, fear, and embarrassment. It discourages women. Accompanied by a chaperone may help if a patient prefers. Obesity can cause embarrassment and a sense of disrespect. Some studies have claimed that overweight women have lower rates than non-overweight women in receiving pelvic examination in the lithotomy position. Obesity can again cause women to ignore gynae examinations and testing. Dealing women with a history of sexual violence and abuse can be difficult. It is not easy to convince such people for gynecological examinations. Their fear is deeply rooted. They might need more psychological healing than physical healing. Psychological assistance using psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and doctors can build a trusting relationship slowly to make these women comfortable for such testing and examinations.
There are some associated risk factors too. Some physical harm like urinary tract infections, frequent urination, and dysuria (difficulty and pain experienced while urinating) may occur. These problems may cause denial in women (who experience pain and discomfort during the procedure) for revisiting for gynecological examinations. There are a few preparations that women may perform and ignore if she plans their gynecological exam in the next 48 hours. Certain things must be avoided during the pelvic exam. They include douching, sexual intercourse, birth control cream, jelly, foam, vagina medicine, and tampon usage. New studies have stated the importance of placenta studies in governing women's reproductive health. A healthy placenta is essential for fetal survival and the female body's adaptation to the pregnancy. Poor placenta development can cause problems with pregnancy and many maternal and fetal adverse events. Placenta is currently studied microscopically to examine the organ pathologically and clinically. We need more studies to understand and determine the possible diagnosis through placental studies.
The changes a women experience can be scary at many times when there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of what is happening to their body. Numerous questions arise in your mind. Ignorance of sexual health can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal. The changes can also be natural. Due to the lack of guidance and correct information, they can create misconceptions and delusions. It can lead to ignorance within the community. Reading textbooks and internet information and stuff is fine. But comprehending this vast knowledge can be trickier than it seems. Even when you are completely healthy and have no worries regarding your health, do receive gynecological examinations at least every year. It will only bring good results to you and might prevent any health hazards in the future.