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Published on: Jul 19, 2021
1 minute read
By: Dr Rachana Choudhary

Top 10 Things You Need To Ask Your Gynecologist

Q1. When do you need to consult gynaecologists?

Any abnormal bleeding such as infrequent periods, heavy periods, Bleeding after sexual intercourse, missed periods for more than 6 months, bleeding over 4 months on contraceptive or HRT. Any bleeding after cessation of the period for more than 12 months.

Any offensive discharge, pelvic pain, unable to conceive after trying for more than a year, painful sex, severe premenstrual symptoms such as persistent bloating, irritability, emotional instability, breast tenderness muscle cramps sleep disturbance food craving. Any local discomfort such as vulval pain any lumps/ swelling skin condition.

Q2. Common concerns of teenagers?

Cervical screening age- Earliest age to start screening is 21 if a person is sexually active. You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing unexplained bleeding after sex or irregular bleeding.

Painful periods- Painful periods are quite common and you can control pain with ibuprofen or mefenamic acid if not contraindicated. The other option is a contraceptive pill which helps to regulate the periods and reduce the pain.

Safe contraception?

You are advised to consult a gynaecologist to choose the most appropriate contraceptives for yourself. There are different options such as oral injectables and long-term contraceptives. Certain hormones are contraindicated in certain health conditions. One should avoid using emergency contraception or seeking medical termination as this can cause complications and may have an adverse effect on fertility.

What is cervical screening and when is it required for young women?

Cervical screening- any woman with past sexual history should have a pap smear every3 year. Any abnormal uterine bleeding or offensive discharge should trigger gynae consultation

How to avoid Sexually transmission diseases. ?

You do not contract HPV or STI by sharing a public toilet. Infection occurs through the skin to skin contact during sexual activity. This can occur even if you are in a same-sex relationship. Any STI can be reduced if you use a condom however it does not completely eliminate the risk.

Is it safe to have sex during periods?

Sex during periods can be messy and hence avoided. You are at risk of getting pregnant if your cycles are shorter and you ovulate early and have sex on day 5-7 of your periods so you should use condoms or use contraceptives

What to do when you get Abnormal discharge?

Some discharge is normal especially mid-cycle. Normal vaginal flora is good to avoid any infection. Any imbalance of this flora can result in abnormal discharge. One should avoid any vaginal Douche or synthetic products. Need to consult a doctor if there is persistent or offensive discharge to exclude STI. Some odour is common however if it is fishy, foul odour, itchy, curdy then consult a gynaecologist.

How to plan a pregnancy?

When planning pregnancy ensure you are fit and healthy. If you have any known medical illness consult an obstetrician to plan the pregnancy. Correct anaemia and commence on folic acid and multivitamins

Read Blog

Understanding Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Cervical cancer is a pressing health concern for women worldwide. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cervical cancer, including its symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. By addressing keywords like cervical, abnormal vaginal bleeding, papilloma vaccine, incompetent cervix, cervical vaccine cost, and cervical problems, we aim to make this guide informative and practical.

Early Signs of Cervical Cancer in Women

Early detection of cervical cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The early signs of cervical cancer in women often include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This symptom is one of the most common warning signs. It may occur between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopause.
Pelvic pain: Persistent or intermittent pelvic pain unrelated to menstrual cycles can signal a problem.
Unusual vaginal discharge: Discharge that is watery, bloody, or has a foul odour warrants medical attention.

Regular check-ups and awareness of these symptoms are crucial for early diagnosis.

The Role of HPV and Vaccination

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer. Fortunately, HPV vaccination provides a robust line of defence against this virus. Adhering to HPV vaccination guidelines for cervical cancer prevention can reduce the risk significantly.

Papilloma vaccine: Administered to young individuals, ideally before exposure to HPV, this vaccine is highly effective.
Cervical vaccine cost: While costs may vary, many governments and organizations offer subsidized or free vaccination programs.

Promoting widespread vaccination is key to reducing the global burden of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations by Age

Regular screening is vital for early detection. Here are the cervical cancer screening recommendations by age:

Ages 21-29: A Pap smear every three years is recommended.
Ages 30-65: A combination of a Pap smear and HPV test every five years is ideal, or a Pap smear alone every three years.
Above 65: Women with a history of normal results may discontinue screening after consulting their healthcare provider.

Screening helps identify pre-cancerous changes, enabling timely intervention.

Understanding Cervical Problems and Their Impact

Various cervical problems can contribute to the risk of developing cancer. One such condition is an incompetent cervix, where the cervical tissue weakens, potentially complicating pregnancies. Awareness and early medical intervention are critical for managing such issues.

Treatment Options for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer

For those diagnosed early, several treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer are available:

Surgery: Procedures like a hysterectomy can remove cancerous tissues effectively.
Radiation therapy: Often combined with chemotherapy, this treatment targets and destroys cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Used in conjunction with other treatments to manage advanced stages.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and cancer stage.

Survival Rates for Cervical Cancer by Stage

The prognosis for cervical cancer improves with early detection. The survival rates for cervical cancer by stage are as follows:

Stage I: The five-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
Stage II: Survival rates range from 60% to 80%.
Stage III: The rates drop to around 50%.
Stage IV: Survival rates are below 30%.

These statistics underscore the importance of regular screenings and early intervention.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cervical cancer but may cause side effects. Understanding the side effects of radiation therapy for cervical cancer can help patients prepare:

Fatigue: A common but manageable side effect.
Skin irritation: Redness and soreness around the treatment area.
Digestive issues: Nausea and diarrhoea are not uncommon.

Healthcare providers offer strategies to mitigate these effects and ensure patient comfort during treatment.

Prevention: A Multifaceted Approach

Preventing cervical cancer involves a combination of vaccination, regular screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Get vaccinated: Ensure that you or your loved ones receive the HPV vaccine.
Routine screenings: Adhere to recommended screening schedules.
Practice safe sex: Limiting the number of sexual partners and using protection reduces HPV transmission risks.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use increases the likelihood of cervical and other cancers.

Embrace Your Health with SecondMedic

At SecondMedic, we prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you need guidance on cervical cancer screening recommendations by age or information on the cervical vaccine cost, our experts are here to help. Early detection and prevention are your strongest allies against cervical cancer.

Take charge of your health today. Schedule a consultation with SecondMedic and explore personalized healthcare solutions.