When Is It Better To Visit A Gynecologist?

A gynecologist is the most important doctor for every woman. They help to maintain health and go through all the most important life stages, from the first menstruation to childbirth and menopause. You need to visit a gynecologist at least once a year, even if nothing bothers you.

While this rule applies to all women above the age of 18, many of them ignore it. Girls explain this by the lack of intimate life, plans for pregnancy, or the onset of menopause.In addition, nott every woman knows how to prepare for an appointment or is afraid of an examination.

As a result, a serious gynecological disease may develop. At an early stage, many diseases are asymptomatic and usually respond well to treatment, but if time is missed, they cause complications.

How Often Should You Visit a Gynecologist?

The World Health Organization recommends visiting a gynecologist for preventive purposes at least once a year and in the presence of chronic diseases - once every 6 months. At the same time, you also may need to do the following:

- Ultrasound exam of the pelvic organs;

- Microflora test for infections;

- PAP test - a cytological analysis of scrapings of the epithelium from the cervix, which allows you to diagnose erosion, dysplasia and other pathologies (some women are prescribed to do it every two years).

A pelvic exam makes it possible to diagnose at an early stage many diseases that develop in a latent form and can cause serious complications: chronic inflammation, infection, precancerous conditions, cancer, etc. With timely diagnosis, treatment can be easier and more effective.

In addition, you need to visit a gynecologist:

- Before starting sexual activity;

- When changing partners;

- At risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases;

- Before planning pregnancy;

- At the onset of pregnancy;

- At the onset of menopause;

- In case of any discomfort in your pelvic organs.

When Should a Girl Visit a Gynecologist for the First Time?

Many people think that until a girl starts having sex, she doesn’t need to visit a gynecologist, but this is wrong. Experts recommend raising girls in the habit of taking care of their health from childhood.

You need to show the babygirl to a gynecologist for the first time soon after birth. The doctor should examine and exclude synechia (fusion of the labia) and other congenital pathologies, as well as tell parents how to properly conduct intimate hygiene.

In addition, a visits to a pediatric gynecologist are recommended at the age of:

- 3 years - before entering nursery school;

- 6-7 years - before entering primary school;

- 10-11 years - when the first signs of puberty appear;

- 12-14 years - after the first menstruation;

- 16-17 years old - upon admission to  high school.

An unscheduled visit to the doctor is necessary if the girl has symptoms of a gynecological disease, secondary sexual characteristics appeared before the age of 8 (growth of the mammary glands, growth of body hair), menstruation started before the age of 12, or is absent after 16 years.

Which Days of the Cycle Are Best to Visit the Gynecologist?

When is the best time to visit a gynecologist? If you have complaints, you can visit a gynecologist any day. The visit should not be postponed. The doctor can take tests and perform other examinations, regardless of the phase of the cycle, in order to provide the woman with medical care as soon as possible.

As a preventive measure, it is desirable to undergo an examination at the beginning of the menstrual cycle - from 5 to 10 days. At this time, the thickness of the endometrium is minimal, which allows a better examination of the uterine cavity during an ultrasound. In the second phase, its results may be less accurate and require additional testing.

If a woman has chronic diseases, the gynecologist can prescribe diagnostics for other days of the cycle. For example, with uterine fibroids, an ultrasound is usually performed on days 18-24 of the cycle and to assess ovarian function - on days 8-10, 16-18, and 23 (with a cycle of 28 days).