Being in a woman’s body is complicated because our bodies go through so much at every stage of life, starting from periods to pregnancy and then, menopause. We experience different hormonal changes on a daily basis. Our internal systems are self-cleansing, therefore, we may sometimes notice a few changes in the colour and odour of our discharge. We think it’s not a big deal. But in many cases it refers to something serious. That is why it is important for every female to get an annual gynaecologist checkup to ensure her internal system is functioning well. Most women suffer from cervical cancer because they are diagnosed late. There are so many underlying issues apart from cancer that we should get checked as women. Below is a list of issues that you can get checked during a checkup at the gynaecologist.
- Menstrual Cycle – Menstrual periods often start in girls from the age between 13 to 15 years. The doctor finds out the regularity, pain, the flow and any unusual bleeding in your menstrual cycle. Severe period cramps are not normal. The doctor also educates you on the different colours, odours and textures of your discharge so that you are aware if something is wrong with your menstrual cycle.
- Pap smear and Pelvic exam – A pap smear is conducted to check whether your cervix has precancerous or cancerous cells. The doctor also checks your human papillomavirus, often known as HPV. In most cases, it is found that some HPV strains can lead to the development of cervical cancer. With the pelvic exam, your vulva is also checked for any sores, bruising and swelling. The uterus and ovaries are also checked to ensure that they are in correct shape and size. Your rectum is also checked. With the help of a pelvic examination, cancers, ovarian cysts and fibroids can be detected.
- Breast exam – This exam is done by the gynaecologist using their fingers to check if there are any lumps in the breast. A visual examination is done to check if your breasts are symmetrical, if they are not swollen and if the colour is normal. They also squeeze the nipples for any unusual discharge. Doctors encourage women to do a self-breast examination every once in a while, and they can do this by looking at and checking their breasts to check for any lumps, dimpled skin, pulling or discharge.
- Fertility and STI examinations- During a fertility test, questions related to your lifestyle, pregnancies, menstrual cycle and any other similar conditions that you might have can be asked. Then a blood test is done to check your hormonal balance and see if you’re experiencing ovulation. Your uterus and ovaries are then checked. When it comes to STIs, some of them do not have any symptoms, so the doctor draws your blood or sometimes uses your urine sample to check for infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Birth control and menopause counselling- When it comes to birth control, several questions about your sexual activity, pregnancies, family history, medication and illnesses are addressed during the menopause counselling. The doctor will educate you on the different birth control methods that are available and their potential side effects too. You get to choose which method works best for you. Menopause counselling is done because menopause is a big stage of a woman’s life, and her body changes, so a couple of tests are done. Depending on the results, the doctors recommend certain changes, for example, more exercise or a change of diet.
Conclusion
Since every female has a complex body, let us normalise going for these annual checkups because they can save us from a lot of serious issues, making it easier for us to understand our bodies and the changes they go through. You can visit Ameritus Hospital, where you can familiarise yourself with a gynaecologist who will make this journey of womanhood easier and enjoyable for you. With the amount of care and skills the doctors have earned, this hospital is definitely a place of comfort for you.
























