(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-woman-technology-health-7089333/)
So, how much do you know about gynecologists and their field of practice?
Girls begin puberty from ages eight to thirteen, depending on particular reasons. During this period, they start experiencing physical changes, including breast and hip enlargement, pubic hair, and periods. This is the primary step to 'womanhood' and the beginning of a learning journey. With the right guidelines and education, it becomes clearer that a series of expected developments are crucial in their lives.
Women's sexual and reproductive health was once a topic many cultures shied off from engaging in. However, this era calls for more information as many individuals are bold enough to start uncomfortable conversations and seek experts' solutions. Women’s reproductive health majorly dawns on menstruation, fertility, cervical screening, pregnancy, STIs, chronic health problems, and menopause.
Many factors affect women's reproductive health, including;
· Age for starting a family
· Weight
· Psychological stress
· Nutrition
· Exercise
· Occupational and environmental exposures.
As simple as many people might assume, women's health is a complex field requiring expert guidance in navigating through it. This is ideal because most presented cases are unique and require a customized plan to execute a solid solution.
A gynecologist is a medical practitioner specializing in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Their practice addresses all parts of the female genitalia, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Gynecologists deal with overall and specific female-related conditions and may provide medical, surgical, and hormonal treatments.
Some of the major issues dealt with revolve around;
Gynecologists are the proper experts to consult on matters of menstrual health. Patients present them with their challenges around periods. This might include issues to do with cramping pains, irregular flow, heavy periods, and prolonged cycles. The practitioner will then advise on any medical to counter the problem or some lifestyle changes that'll eventually fix the problem.
Sexual health is the state of wellness that allows a woman to engage in and enjoy sexual activities fully. This is usually a topic that many people don't address, and often the interested parties try to outsource the information from trusted friends who talk about their experiences. However, sex is a personal interaction and requires studying and training, whether participative or theoretical, to achieve ultimate experiences.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-red-heart-balloons-704748/
Did you know that only an average of 60% of women get orgasms? Well, as shocking as this might seem, gynecologists know to help women better those figures. They can advise women, or/and their partners, on matters of pleasure, what works best, and how to do it properly. While every woman has turn-ons and pleasure points, the approach to tuning them around makes gynecologists experts in women's sexual health.
Many often assume that marriages, including kids, should end with abundant blessings. And this is a major factor that spearheads the shaming of 'non-productive' women. However, there is broad science around reproduction and issues around it. A gynecologist best addresses cases such as infertility, miscarriages, and contraceptives.
They are also well equipped to detect and find countermeasures for menopause using the right approach. A certified gynecologist has the knowledge and equipment to analyze the ovaries and womb to ease the questions on reproduction. They also help expectant mothers during their pregnancy, scanning and advising on the best approaches to keep the baby safe and healthy before delivery.
Among the elephants in the room is cancer. Cancers of the female genitalia, such as cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers, are usually treated by a gynecological oncologist. They do everything from cancer screening, treatment recommendations, medications, monitoring of the condition, advice on life changes, and so forth.
There are other issues that gynecologists can treat regarding women's reproductive health. Some are sub-specialties such as reproductive endocrinology, which manages conception and hormonal problems, urogynecologist who treats pelvic floor and bladder problems, gynecology ultrasound specialist, and obstetrics.
Many women head into gynecologist clinics for multiple reasons. However, there are common problems that make up most of the visits. Some of the common gynecological issues include;
i. Menstrual disorders – Common conditions include prolonged or heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, bleeding with intercourse, and very painful cramps. Some medical treatments for menstrual disorders include non-steroid anti-inflammatories, IUDs, prescription pills, a progesterone implant, and a vaginal patch or ring.
ii. Uterine fibroids – These are growths in or around the womb. They are also known as leiomyomas, myomas, or fibroid tumors. They are usually diagnosed through pelvic exams, ultrasounds, or other tests. Fibroids aren't cancerous; depending on preference, a gynecologist might carry out procedures to remove or shrink them. In some cases, it's not necessary to do anything about them, especially if you're close to menopause or they don’t bother you.
iii. Pelvic pain – This is the pain below your belly button. It might either be a mild ache that appears and disappears or chronic if it's persistent for over six months. The severe and steady pain affects the woman's ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life. It's diagnosed through pelvic exams and treated depending on the underlying cause.
iv. Urinary incontinence – This is the inability of a woman to control the release of urine. This is often an embarrassing and costly problem. Several factors, including UTI and nerve and muscle changes, cause it. It's self-diagnosed, but a specialist will require extra tests to examine the condition further. Some treatments include medicine and exercise, and, in extreme cases, surgery.
Many people, unless they have a health issue, avoid visiting doctors. However, regular checkups with your gynecologist are essential to check out your general reproductive health. It also makes it easier to spot progressive cases like cancer early enough to prevent its spread. Furthermore, now that women are embracing the need to learn more about their reproductive health, these are the best people to ask those tough questions. Book your next appointment with a certified gynecologist from ArabiaMD and enjoy expert services.
