Going to the doctor takes effort. Frequently, we have to psyche ourselves up to do so, and are likely to only go when we have no choice. For women, a visit to the gynaecologist’s office is no cake walk, as we have to be ready to get completely naked, lie on our back, open our legs wide, and have someone put instruments into us. Truly, would anyone want to subject themselves to that such a highly intimate, uncomfortable and intrusive examination unless it is absolutely necessary?

Although the short answer would be an emphatic “NO!”, the sobering truth is that it is necessary, particularly among women who are sexually active. Consider the fact based on studies conducted in the United States that black women and/or women of colour tend to be disproportionately affected by the following conditions:

• Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Fibroids
• Premature birth/delivery
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Sickle cell disease.

Further, and in instances where the rate of contracting these conditions is the same as the general population, which is the case for breast cancer for example, black women, in particular, are more likely to die from those conditions. Moreover, and of the seven conditions listed, five of them can potentially be detected thanks to a gynaecological (gynae) examination: breast cancer; cervical cancer, fibroids, premature birth/delivery, and STIs.

 

Exploring The Gynae Check-Up

Generally, a gynae check-up comprises four parts. First there is the consultation, during which the doctor would enquire about your health, medical history, and whether there are any specific issues or concerns you might have. Second, there is a very basic general examination, which tends to include checking your weight, height, blood pressure, pulse, listening to your heart and lungs. Third, is a breast exam, where the doctor checks the state of the breast tissue and whether any abnormalities can be felt. Fourth, is the pelvic exam, which is the most intrusive part, as the doctor will check the female reproductive organs for any swellings or other abnormalities. It is also during the pelvic exam that a pap smear is taken.

A pap smear is a process through which the doctor collects a small sample of cells from the cervix to check for cervical cancer, or for early evidence of the human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a common STI, which is usually harmless and goes away on its own. But in some instances, it does not go away, and if left untreated, it can lead to genital warts and/or cancer.

Finally, and to augment the check-up that the gynaecologist is able to conduct, and in addition to the cervical cancer screening that the pap smear facilitates, the doctor may include or recommend one or more of the following screenings be conducted:

• STI tests – especially for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which are very common among sexually active women, and if left untreated can result in serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and chronic pain. Screening for other STIs, such as syphilis, herpes simplex virus, and hepatitis, would be based on risk factors and the associated discussion between patient and physician.
• HIV testing – this test may be recommended based on risk factors and again, the discussion with the physician.
• Mammography – typically, this diagnostic imaging test is recommended annually for women over 40, unless there is a family history of breast cancer.
• Bone density testing – although screening for osteoporosis is normally recommended for women 65 years and older, it may be recommended for younger women who have a higher-than-normal risk for bone density loss or a fracture.

 

Early Detection Is Key

As with many illnesses, early detection is critical. When an illness is found early, it not only affects the intensity and duration of the medical intervention that might be needed, but also depending on the severity of the condition, the likelihood of us recovering completely or successfully.

Generally, by the time we begin to feel sick, or become aware of the symptoms of a potential illness, it is likely that the illness has been developing for weeks, months, or even years. Instead, if we can have a problem identified early, thanks to having the gynae check-up and/or the recommended screenings, it is likely we would be in a better position to handle the issues at that point, than when the illness is in a more advanced stage.

 

The Changes In A Woman’s Body

Without a doubt, the female body changes considerably over the course of a woman’s lifetime. From puberty, to her peak reproductive and childbearing years, to perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, with each stage requiring some adjustment. More importantly, we women ought to be aware of the changes that are occurring at each stage, how to manage them, as required, plus the potential implications and options we might need to consider.

Unfortunately, it can appear that we take our bodies for granted, and go to the gynaecologist only when we need a prescription or are having an issue. However, being more knowledgeable about our bodies, and so being better able to advocate for and on behalf of ourselves and our bodies, is becoming increasingly crucial. So, before and even after we have stripped down and have had the physical examination done, we can take the opportunity to engage our gynaecologist on, among other things,

• any subtle changes we have observed or are experiencing, which of course can be varied, but examples could be difficulty sleeping, our body starting to overheat, changes in mood, hair loss, changes in hair texture, menstrual-related observations or concerns, to name a just few;
• any issue we are anticipating or plans we are making, such as getting pregnant, getting on birth control, or the need to change our method of birth control;
• sex and our sexual health, along with any concerns we might have, or any difficulty we have been experiencing; and
• ways we can ensure that we, as women, are in – and remain in – optimal health.

Essentially, when we only visit the gynaecologist for a specific issue that needs urgent attention, that issue is the focus, and hopefully, will be successfully addressed. However, our overall reproductive health may never get the attention it deserves, and neither might we take the opportunity to develop a relationship with our physician, in order to better understand how our own, unique body works.

 

In summary, the reproductive period of a female tends to last between 35 and 45 years of her life, typically starting as early as 10 years old and ending as late as 55 years old. Ideally, and as the carriers of the associated tissues, organs and hormones, we ought to be aware of how they function, what is considered ‘normal’, and how best to manage them in order for them to function optimally, and for us to maintain our good health and wellbeing. Our gynaecologist is a useful ally in us achieving those objectives, but we need to avail ourselves of the services offered on a regular basis, and not only when there is a crisis or an active need.

 

 

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