The wellbeing of women has deservedly taken centre stage in the ever-changing world of health care.
Persistent misconceptions impede comprehension of women’s health issues even in the face of an abundance of available knowledge.
Many women do not seek treatment for symptoms they may be having, whether it is because they believe that certain health issues are a normal part of ageing or that they should just “deal” with it.
As a gynaecologist, I’m committed to dispelling these myths and educating women with correct information to foster a culture of informed health care decision-making.
MYTHS ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH
It Is Recommended That You Have A Pap Smear Each Year
Cervical cancer can be screened using a pap smear. In the past, annual pap smears for women 21 years of age or older were considered typical.
Guidelines have changed, and depending on your medical history, you might be permitted to wait longer between pap smears.
Attending checkups annually is crucial to ensure that your screenings are updated.
Your health history also determines how often you should get a pap smear.
If you have HPV, have a weakened immune system, or are HIV-positive, your doctor may increase the frequency of pap smear exams, while a pap smear every three years would be sufficient if everything is normal.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about what is best for you and your body.
Pap Smears Test For Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
In summary, a pap smear is not a check for STDs and is only meant to screen for cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions.
It may detect a few sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichoderma, and HPV, but does not cover the whole range of STDs.
Since not all gynaecologists will test for STDs during a standard pap smear unless informed or requested. It is essential to be truthful and upfront about your sexual history.
Speak up and get tested if you have several sexual partners and exhibit symptoms such as odour, odd discharge, or itching.
A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Cannot Be Present If There Are No Symptoms
Many times, STIs like HPV and gonorrhoea can exist without any outward warning signs or symptoms.
Up to three out of four women with chlamydia will never exhibit any symptoms, which is why chlamydia is frequently referred to as the “silent infection”. It is one of the most prevalent STIs among women under the age of 25.
Even genital herpes may exist and remain dormant until an epidemic takes place. If you are high risk or have several partners, it is crucial to get tested (even if you do not exhibit any symptoms).
Visiting A Gynaecologist Annually Is Not Necessary
A prevalent misconception regarding women’s health is that an annual visit to a gynaecologist is not necessary; this is false.
Your gynaecologist will do a breast and pelvic exam, but you might not require a pap smear each year.
Your gynaecologist will test for everything from blood pressure to osteoporosis, and even if you do not notice any symptoms or women’s health issues, your annual visit is a perfect time to talk about any concerns you have about your body.
To Start Seeing A Gynaecologist, You Must Be 21-Years-Old
You might be surprised by some health-related facts regarding ladies! among them is a myth that gynaecologists should only treat adults.
Gynaecologists can see girls as early as 13 and help them build a trustworthy relationship.
A gynaecologist can do regular health checks and teach young women on menstrual cycles, sexually transmitted infections, sexuality, safe sex, and pregnancy prevention, even if they may not be able to perform a pap smear or pelvic exam on younger patients.
Your Gynaecologist Appointment Must Be Cancelled If You Are On Your Period
A common misconception about women’s health is that they cannot see a doctor while they are menstruating.
But relax — if you are on your period, you are not required to immediately cancel your appointment. How comfortable you are, why you are seeing your gynaecologist, and the amount of bleeding you are experiencing at the time of the visit will all play a role in whether you keep your appointment.
The best course of action is to give your doctor’s office a call so that you can go over your alternatives and together decide whether to proceed with or cancel your appointment.
Cancer Is Not Preventable
Misconceptions about women’s health often centre on ovarian, cervical, and breast cancer. While genetics can influence your risk of acquiring cancer, lifestyle choices also have a significant impact.
Additionally, by identifying and treating early cellular alterations, cancer can be prevented from spreading.
Regular pap smears and mammograms can significantly aid in the early detection of malignant alterations, potentially leading to a less intrusive course of therapy.
Gynaecologists can also offer advice on lifestyle modifications, such as cutting back on alcohol intake and giving up smoking, that women can take to help avoid cancer.
Since There Is No Family History Of Breast Cancer, I Am Safe
Even if there is no family history of breast cancer, every woman is susceptible to the disease. Genetic predisposition only accounts for 20 per cent of all diagnosed cases yearly.
Women 40 years of age and above should have mammograms every year. Early detection of breast cancer lowers your chance of dying from the illness by 25 to 30 per cent.
Your doctor might begin these screenings sooner if you have a family history of breast cancer and are at a higher risk of getting the disease.
Women should put their health and wellbeing first by seeking early detection and preventative care.
It is true that several persistent myths about women’s health are, in fact, entirely false.
Knowing the truth about women’s health and the best ways to be as healthy as possible may help you steer clear of some pitfalls as you pursue your health goals.
Dr Bheena Vyshali is a consultant gynaecologist at Beacon Hospital.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
