Joanne Hart for HelloDoctor.com
You’ve never been to the gynaecologist? “I’m shy, I’m too young, I’m healthy so I don’t think I need it..” These are some of the reasons young women give. So, if you’re young and healthy, why DO you need a gynae? The short answer? To keep it that it way.
Your body is a wonderful and complex system that looks after itself very well, but glitches can happen. This is where a yearly visit to your gynaecologist comes in: the earlier a problem is detected, the easier it is to fix.
Some Basic Glitches
Here are some of health problems that can happen to women of any age:
- Menstrual issues, such as painful periods, excessive bleeding or missed periods
- Breast pain or lumps
- Yeast or urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Cervical cancer
Seeing your gynaecologist once a year means that any problem can be picked up before it gets out of hand. Also, your gynae is the right person to give you sound contraceptive advice.
Shop Around
If you’ve never visited a gynaecologist, ask your family doctor for a referral – and if seeing a female gynae makes you more comfortable, say so. If you’re not on a medical aid, find out how much the appointment will cost and put a little aside each month. It’s only once a year, and this is one of the best investments in your own health that you’ll ever make.
For more info on conditions see:
What’s Messing with Your Hormones?
Checking Your Breasts? Here’s How To Do It!