Hardly anyone likes to go to the doctor, and even less to their obstetrician-gynecologist. It is entirely understandable that the nature of the exam can make you want to postpone your visit to the gynecologist as much as possible. However, this is not the best idea, because some gynecological diseases don’t show any symptoms at all or show symptoms when it is too late.
When should you visit your ob/gyn for the first time?
If you don’t have any complaints (e.g. irregular menstruation, bleeding between menstruations), the first gynecological exam should be paid several months after your first sexual intercourse. Prophylactic exams should be done every year. This includes a pelvic exam, ultrasound, pap smear and an STI test.
Pap smear is aimed at early diagnosis of cervical cancer. It can show whether there are abnormal cells in your uterus that may be related to the presence of a malignant process. Cervical cancer causes symptoms too late, making treatment extremely difficult. This problem is successfully prevented with an annual pap smear.
Many sexually transmitted infections don’t show any symptoms as well. Chlamydia infection is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases that are asymptomatic. It is an inflammation of the reproductive organs, which often results in connective tissue adhesions in the Fallopian tubes. This complication leads to infertility because the access of the sperm to the egg is blocked.
It is a fact that gynecological exams are not cheap, which leads to their postponing for years. You can receive one referral from your GP for a prophylactic gynecologic exam every year. Fortunately, most obstetrician-gynecologists, including those at New Life Clinic, have a contract with the National Healthcare Insurance Fund.