Gynecologists told how to maintain women’s health

Preservation of women’s health is one of the main concerns of modern medicine all over the world. After all, most gynecological diseases are insidious and can proceed without symptoms for years. That is why it is extremely important to visit a gynecologist regularly. Gynecologists told MK about the rules of intimate hygiene, the most common female diseases and their treatment, as well as myths related to gynecology.

Appointment – once a year

Why should I go to the gynecologist, because nothing hurts me – this thought probably regularly visits every woman. But in vain! Doctors insist: an annual examination by a female doctor is a mandatory rule and a guarantee of a healthy, fulfilling life.

Doctors warn: many processes related to women’s health can proceed without symptoms.

– Erosion of the cervix, endometriosis for a long time can proceed without any manifestations. Therefore, preventive measures – once a year. If symptoms, complaints appear, then you should immediately consult a doctor, – the obstetrician-gynecologist explained.open clinic» Ludmila Terebneva.

One of the most common reasons for an unscheduled trip to the gynecologist is painful menstruation. “Critical days” with pulling and even more so sharp pain in the abdomen are absolutely not the norm, doctors say.

Even teenage dysmenorrhea – this is the official medical term for malaise in “these days” – requires a mandatory consultation with a specialist. Advice to parents: contrary to popular myth, you don’t need to wait until your daughter outgrows puberty, in the hope that unpleasant symptoms will subside with age.

Vaccination for life

Another question that patients often ask gynecologists: is it necessary to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus?

Experts here are unanimous. HPV vaccination is an effective way to protect a woman’s body from cervical cancer. His doctors have already dubbed the disease of the XXI century.

There are several HPV vaccines available now. Vaccination is carried out three times with an interval of several months. After that, the patient is seen by her doctor as usual. True, it is better to vaccinate against HPV for girls a few years before the onset of sexual activity. Adults can also be vaccinated, but the effectiveness is lower, since a woman has most likely come into contact with this virus at least once during her life. In general, vaccination is possible up to 45 years, – said Irina Zamotina, head of the gynecology department at the Open Clinic on Presnya, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostician.

The dangerous journey of the endometrium

The most insidious female ailment, without exaggeration, can be called endometriosis. For doctors and scientists, it is still a puzzle. The disease itself has been known for a long time, but where it comes from is a mystery.

“The uterus consists of three layers,” said Lyudmila Terebneva. – The inner layer is the endometrium. Every menstrual cycle it matures. In case of pregnancy, it is needed, the placenta is formed from it. If there is no pregnancy, this layer is torn out. Normally, endometrial tissue can only be found in the uterus. With pathology, this tissue appears in other organs.

The insidiousness of the disease is that the endometrium tries to grow on neighboring organs of the small pelvis, goes into the abdominal cavity and can even end up in the brain. Moreover, such a “seizure of territory” occurs quietly, slowly and completely asymptomatically. A woman begins to feel unwell when simple therapeutic methods are no longer enough. But the main thing is that doctors still cannot fully understand what makes the endometrium travel through the body of the hostess. One of the main factors is heredity. So if your sister, mother or grandmother has this diagnosis, there is reason to think and undergo a more thorough examination.

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain, feeling unwell, weakness and general malaise during menstruation. Treatment in most cases is reduced to taking hormonal drugs. Naturally, only a doctor should prescribe them. But the best thing is prevention. Endometriosis often accompanies women after surgical interventions, ranging from curettage of fibroids in the uterine cavity to abortion. So for prevention, doctors advise regular visits to the doctor and protected sex.

How to maintain women’s health: questions from patients

Often gynecologists are asked the question: how long can you take contraceptives and is it possible to take breaks in courses?

“There is no need to take breaks,” explains Lyudmila Terebneva. –

The drug is either accepted or not. Against the background of the drug, the ovaries rest, they feel good. If pregnancy is planned, after discontinuation of the drug, ovulation may not occur for several months – we always warn patients about this. In general, contraceptives can be taken for years. But it is necessary to control the state of health, which means that once a year – an appointment with a gynecologist.

Another common question: is HPV as dangerous as it is painted?

Doctors assure that the papillomavirus is insidious and dangerous. True, if a woman is only a carrier of a pathogen and does not suffer from negative symptoms, it is useless and unnecessary to treat the virus. But in a bad scenario, it can cause cervical dysplasia. In 1 out of 10 cases, this leads to cervical cancer.

The carriage of the virus is not treated.

But what if there are unpleasant symptoms – itching, strange discharge, abdominal pain – and the doctor is on vacation or the appointment is scheduled a month in advance?

Gynecologists in this case gave a simple algorithm of actions.

– If your doctor is on vacation or on weekends, go to any laboratory and take tests, advises Irina Zamotina. – Your doctor will eventually have a complete picture of how to treat you.

Dear ladies, take care of your health and do not get sick! And if you still have questions for the doctors, you can ask them by sending us an email to [email protected]