It is very important to be aware of when to go to the gynecologist. This way you can prevent diseases and have a healthier life.
Do you know when to go to the gynecologist? In short, the ideal is to go at least once a year after your first menstruation to take preventive exams, such as a Pap smear, for example. Because, with this type of exam, it is possible to detect changes in the uterus and diseases early, which, if not treated properly, can even lead to the emergence of cancer.
Furthermore, going to the gynecologist regularly is essential for women’s health and avoiding future problems, regardless of age. Furthermore, consultation is also important to identify sexually transmitted diseases. For example, syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Also to evaluate a pregnancy through an ultrasound, or even provide guidance on the use of contraceptive methods and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
According to research carried out by the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (Febrasgo), around 8% of Brazilian women do not regularly go to the gynecologist. And about 5% have never been to one. However, guidance from a specialist is essential to maintain women’s health.
Therefore, it is important to maintain annual visits to have a check-up and receive important guidance, including being able to track diseases that require early treatment. As is the case with breast and uterine cancer. Ultimately, going to the gynecologist will help ensure you have a healthier life so you can age well.
When to go to the gynecologist for the first consultation?
It is normal for some women to be in doubt about when to go to the gynecologist. As we have already mentioned, ideally it should be at least once a year, or according to the doctor’s request. But, what about the first appointment, do you know when it should be? According to gynecologists, there is no exact age for the first consultation. However, it is recommended that it be before the first menstruation, or soon after. This can vary from girl to girl, ranging from 9 to 15 years of age.
During the first visit to the gynecologist, the doctor will ask the girl questions. For example, how she feels during menstruation, whether she feels cramps or pain in her breasts, as well as explaining how the menstrual cycle and the fertile period works. How contraceptive methods work, the risks of teenage pregnancy and the risk of contracting STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Anyway, it’s a time for the girl to clear up all her doubts.
Therefore, during this period it is very important for the mother to talk openly with her daughter, approaching the subject delicately and calmly to gain her trust. In addition to explaining the importance of consulting a gynecologist in preventing future health problems, ensuring a healthier life.
When to go to the gynecologist: how the assessment is carried out
As for gynecological exams, the doctor usually does not ask to see the girl’s private parts at the first consultation. Unless the girl complains of pain or has discharge, for example. This way, he can ask to see the panties, just to confirm that there is no discharge with a strong smell, in green, yellow or pinkish colors. Remembering that transparent or whitish discharge that appears on some days of the month is normal.
On the other hand, if the girl has not yet menstruated, the gynecologist will only evaluate the abdomen, breasts, the external part of the pelvic region and the uterus through vaginal examination. This way, the doctor can check that there are no lumps or abnormalities in the region. Another factor that may indicate when to go to the gynecologist is the fact that the first period takes a long time to come.
Anyway, in this case it is recommended to consult a gynecologist so that he can assess the situation. Furthermore, at this age girls and boys need to be vaccinated against HPV. To avoid the risk of contracting the disease in the future, when you start your sexual life.
Furthermore, it is important that the teenager has a consultation and undergoes gynecological examinations before her first sexual intercourse so that she can receive appropriate guidance. And another consultation after the first sexual intercourse, to be able to carry out a complete assessment.
Therefore, from that moment on, it is essential to maintain regular appointments to carry out preventive exams to identify sexually transmitted diseases, discharge, etc. And it reinforces the importance of using contraceptive methods.
When to go to the gynecologist: types of exams
The importance of knowing when to go to the gynecologist is not just for teenagers, but for all women. In addition, the doctor will order tests according to the patient’s age, risk factors or complaints. Therefore, it is very important to maintain regular appointments and carry out all requested exams. Are they:
- Oncotic Colpocytology or Pap smear: it is an exam that aims to screen for cervical cancer. Therefore, it is recommended for women aged 25 and over, and must be done annually.
- Serologies: in short, these are blood tests that aim to identify diseases. Like sexually transmitted diseases, for example.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: normally, this exam is requested when the patient presents pelvic pain, changes in the menstrual cycle and in cases of infertility. Likewise, during menopause, to check the endometrium (mucosa that lines the uterus) and the ovary.
- Mammogram: is recommended for women over 40 years of age. However, the exam can be carried out before this age. As long as the patient presents some risk factor.
- Bone Densitometry: this is an exam that aims to identify the risk of osteoporosis and occult blood in feces, to check for signs of bowel cancer.
When to go to the gynecologist: situations that indicate the need for a consultation
1- Delayed menstruation
If your period is at least 2 months late and if you took a pharmacy pregnancy test and it was negative. So, you need to go to the gynecologist. Well, the delay can happen when there are problems with the reproductive system. For example, polycystic ovaries 5 signs that you may have polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis or even due to thyroid malfunction.
On the other hand, when a woman stops using contraceptives, the menstrual cycle tends to change. Likewise, stress also causes menstruation to become unregulated.
2- Yellow or green discharge
You also need to know when to go to the gynecologist if you have discharge with a strong odor or a yellowish or greenish color. Well, it could indicate an infection, such as vaginosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis, for example. In addition, you may also experience itching in the vagina and pain when urinating.
Anyway, in this case the gynecologist performs tests to analyze the uterus, such as a Pap smear or gynecological ultrasound. This way, he can indicate the most appropriate treatment.
3- Pain during sexual intercourse
Typically, pain during sexual intercourse, also called dyspareunia, is related to a lack of lubrication in the vagina or a decrease in libido. The cause may be excessive stress, medication use or even conflicts in the couple’s relationship.
On the other hand, pain can also be a result of vaginismus or vaginal infections. Furthermore, it is more common for women to experience pain during menopause and the postpartum period. Finally, the gynecologist may recommend, depending on the cause, antibiotics, lubricants or exercises.
4- Bleeding outside of menstruation
It is important to know when to go to the gynecologist in case of bleeding outside of menstruation. This may indicate the presence of polyps in the uterus. And in case of pregnancy, it is common 2 or 3 days after intimate contact to experience minor bleeding.
On the other hand, it is also common to experience bleeding after undergoing gynecological exams, such as a Pap smear, for example. Ultimately, it is best to seek guidance from a gynecologist.
5- Pain when urinating
If you feel pain when urinating, it is probably a urinary infection. Mainly, if it accompanies other symptoms, such as cloudy urine, increased urge to urinate or abdominal pain. Furthermore, it can also indicate diseases of the bladder, urethra or even the uterus. Finally, in this case, the gynecologist may recommend treatment with antibiotics.
6- Menopause
Finally, among the situations that indicate when to go to the gynecologist there is menopause. Furthermore, women in menopause need to take greater care of their health. Therefore, it is recommended that consultations be carried out every 6 months. However, for those taking hormone replacement therapy, the interval between appointments should be shorter.
Anyway, now you know when to go to the gynecologist and the importance of maintaining your health. So, if you liked this article, read also: How do I know if I’m pregnant? 16 symptoms before a missed period.
