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So, it is imperative that every woman after adolescence should get herself checked annually by a gynaecologist. They should also be aware of the basic symptoms of major female health issues to tackle them early.

What is gynaecological care?

Gynaecological medical attention is provided to women while they are pregnant and after they have their babies. It treats serious illnesses of the female reproductive system and includes an exam of the outside and inside of the genitalia. It also means taking care of other health problems that women have, like menopause, birth control, fertility problems, and hormone imbalances. All women, no matter how old they are, can get screened.

Reasons to get a gynaecological exam annually

There are a number of important reasons why women should get gynaecological exams once a year. During the exam, the following are used to check for gynaecological health:

• A history of gynaecological problems, especially cancers, in the family
• Examining the breasts in person
• Exploring the vaginal and pelvic areas from the inside
• Investigating about cervical cancer with a Pap smear
• Checking height, weight, and blood pressure in general
• Urinalysis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening
• Examine any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Check for infections in the genitalia

Also, the yearly gynaecological exam is a good time for the patient to talk to her doctor about problems with her periods, methods of birth control, concerns about menopause, or real sexual problems or disorders. The gynaecologist will frequently recommend additional testing based on the patient's age or clinical signs, such as a mammogram, bone density screening, endocrinological follow-up, or dermatological examination of a suspicious lesion.

What kinds of tests are usually done during a GYN exam?

According to the opinion of the best doctors, the purpose of screening tests is to detect ailments in even the healthiest individuals. The types of tests and how often they should be done depend on a woman's age, risk factors, and family history.

Generally, the following tests should be done:

• HPV test and Pap smear to check for cervical cancer. For women between the ages of 21 and 29, this cervical cancer testing should be done every three years. Every five years, it is advised that women over the age of 30 undergo Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) co-testing.
• Breast exam in a clinic. Starting at age 20, a doctor or nurse should check your breasts every one to three years.
• Mammography. This imaging diagnostic test is used to find breast abnormalities that could be breast cancer. This test is less accurate for younger women than for older women, and younger women are more likely to get false positives or be overdiagnosed. It is advised that women between the ages of 40 and 49 discuss the advantages and disadvantages with their healthcare provider before deciding whether to begin mammogram screening. Every woman over the age of 50 needs to get a mammogram once to twice a decade.
• Testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) aren't treated, they can cause serious problems like pelvic inflammatory disorder, infertility, and chronic pain. For sexually active females under the age of 25, annual testing is advised. Women over 25 may also want to get tested if they have more than one partner, or a new partner, are worried about being exposed, or have just been diagnosed with another STI.
• Testing for HIV. At least once in your life, you should take this test. However, your practitioner should verify for health conditions annually that could justify repeat testing. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like syphilis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia simplex virus, and hepatitis should also be based on risk factors.
• Hepatitis C testing. Women who were born between 1945 and 1965 and are unsure of their infection status are advised to undergo this one-time test.
• Bone density testing. This test is recommended for all women 65 and older, as well as for postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at risk of breaking a bone.
• Checking for diabetes and looking at the lipid (cholesterol) profile. With a blood test, you can find out if your blood sugar and cholesterol levels are normal or if you need to do something about them. Your provider should tell you about them every so often.

What can I expect at my annual exam with a GYN?

• Your doctor will ask about your health history and the health history of your family. They will measure things like your height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Your periods, past pregnancies, sexual activity, need for contraception, history of gynaecological issues, history of gynaecological surgeries, and any current symptoms you may be experiencing will also be questioned.
• Your doctor or nurse will check your breasts and pelvic area. The vulva is looked at from the outside, the vagina and cervix are looked at from the inside with a speculum, and the uterus and ovaries are looked at. During the speculum exam, you may get a Pap smear. This is when cells from the cervix are brushed off and sent to a lab to be looked at.
• Your doctor will also talk to you about ways to improve your health, such as making changes to the way you live or getting screening tests or vaccines according to your age or other risk factors.

Conclusion

You can find out several issues regarding women's sexual health presenting no signs initially. So it is important to schedule an annual pelvic check including a pap smear. An annual visit would be helpful for several issues like the early detection of life-threatening diseases. Schedule an appointment with the best doctor to learn about your sexual health.

FAQs

1. Why is a gynaecological checkup necessary?

A pelvic or gynaecological checkup is usually done during routine medical checkups. It is done to detect any early signs of ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, uterine fibroids, or early-stage cancer.

2. Which test is most important to check the female reproductive system?

The Papanicolaou test which is commonly named the Pap smear or pap test is performed to check female reproductive health condition. During the test, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix to check the health of the cells.

3. Is a gynaecological visit good for health?

To maintain and advance general health, women must choose gynaecology services. This should start as soon as possible after a girl reaches puberty and becomes sexually active.