Certainly there are things that a woman prefers to do than to visit the gynecologist. But it is also certain that only regular examinations can detect disorders at an early stage. Therefore, every woman should go for a check-up once a year from the age of 20 at the latest.
Tasks of a gynecologist
The gynecologist has several key responsibilities: In the case of acute complaints and chronic diseases, he decides on diagnostics and therapy, in order to detect diseases such as breast cancer at an early stage, he performs regular preventive examinations (or arranges for further tests), he provides women with advice, and he cares for expectant mothers and their unborn babies during pregnancy.
Most women experience a visit and examination by a gynecologist as a rather unpleasant situation, which – even more than most other visits to the doctor – crosses a line into very intimate and possibly shameful areas. Particularly for young girls visiting a gynecologist’s office for the first time, a great deal of sensitivity is therefore required on the part of the doctor and the receptionists.
The first time to the gynecologist
The right time to visit a gynecologist for the first time is different for every girl. Some gynecologists advise that this has come after the onset of the first menstrual period, others believe that an initial examination is not necessary until the age of 20 (unless there are voher specific occasions).
Good reasons include a period that has still not started at age 16, complaints such as vague lower abdominal pain or strong-smelling discharge, itching and burning in the vagina, and the need for advice about sexual intercourse, contraception, or puberty.
Conversation and counseling
The first focus is to specifically ask the patient about the reason for her visit to the doctor and her medical history (anamnesis). If she has current complaints, she should describe them as precisely as possible: Where, when and how often they occur, whether they started suddenly or have been present for some time, and whether other symptoms are present.
The “menstrual history” is particularly important, i.e. when the last bleeding was, whether the period is regular or absent, at what intervals it starts and how long it lasts, whether it is painful and whether there is bleeding in between. In older women, questions may also focus on menopause.
In addition, the type of contraception used, other chronic illnesses experienced or existing, previous births, operations or accidents, medications taken and illnesses in the family are also important. Sexual problems or abuse should also be addressed.
If you visit the gynecologist with a specific concern, it is advisable – especially for a first visit – to write down the questions beforehand and bring these notes with you to the doctor’s visit. This helps to combat anxiety and the difficulty that often accompanies it in focusing on what you actually want.
