WHY YOU NEED TO SEE A GYNAECOLOGIST
WHO IS A GYNAECOLOGIST?

Gynaecology is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive system (vagina, uterus, and ovaries). A gynaecologist is a specialist physician who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs and providing well-woman health care that focuses primarily on the reproductive system. While a general physician may be able to pinpoint and treat minor women's health issues, the expert opinions of gynaecologists are absolutely necessary when it comes to certain aspects of women's health.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO SEE ONE?

A visit to the gynaecologist is recommended for annual screening and any time a woman has concerns about symptoms such as pelvic, vulvar, and vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus.

Conditions commonly treated by gynaecologists include:

issues relating to pregnancy, fertility, menstruation, and menopause
family planning, including contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination
problems with tissues that support the pelvic organs, including ligaments and muscles
STIs
polycystic ovary syndrome
urinary and faecal incontinence
benign conditions of the reproductive tract, for example, ovarian cysts, fibroids, breast disorders, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, and other non-cancerous changes
premalignant conditions, such as endometrial hyperplasia, and cervical dysplasia
cancers of the reproductive tract and the breasts, and pregnancy-related tumours
congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive tract
emergency care relating to gynaecology
endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects the reproductive system
pelvic inflammatory diseases, including abscesses
sexual dysfunction
WHAT ISSUES DO YOU NEED TO SEE A GYNAECOLOGIST FOR?

Outside of your regularly scheduled annual or bi-annual exams, you should schedule a visit with your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following:

Changes in menstruation
Pain
Unusual discharge from the vagina
Odours or other developments
If you notice changes to your menstruation which can include heavy periods, skipped periods, or spotting between periods, make an appointment to see the gynaecologist. Anytime you are experiencing vaginal discomfort or pain, make an appointment to get things checked out. If you notice a change in discharge, it can be a sign of an infection, so it is important that you make an appointment.

Most common reasons why regular visits are made to a gynaecologist are:

Pregnancy-related visits
Irregular menstruation
Breast and Pelvic exams
Pap smear
Birth control and contraceptives
Painful sex or painful cramps.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Infertility


WHEN SHOULD I START SEEING ONE?

It is agreed that women should start seeing a gynaecologist when they become sexually active or within two to three years of becoming sexually active. And even if you're not sexually active, it is recommended that a woman have her first gynaecological exam by age 21.

Your first appointment with a gynaecologist will likely include a general physical exam, which includes height, weight and blood pressure measurements. The physician may also perform a brief external genital exam, but the visit will likely be conversational more than anything else.

After the initial visit, another visit may not be needed for years, but the gynaecologist will be able to guide you on that timing. How often you need care largely depends on two things: your age and your health.

Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should be visiting their gynaecologist every year for a regular exam, as well as in-between visits for any issues that may arise. If you become sexually active before you turn 21, you should also visit your gynaecologist every year. Young women under the age of 21 who are not sexually active can typically see a gynaecologist every other year. The ideal time to make that first appointment is around the age of 16. If you are not sexually active, then a pelvic exam is not usually necessary. However, if you have had issues or concerns, a pelvic exam may be done.

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