I was at my first Gynaecologist appointment.
I couldn’t even believe I was saying those words. I actually felt like a grown woman.
I’d been meaning to do this you know, go there.
Given I’ve had medical aid for over a year now, I’d been meaning to make these gynaecologist appointments a thing. That, and dentist appointments.
To be very honest, I have no idea why I have not yet made them a thing. I am always lying to myself that I do not have enough time to do it, I suppose.
My monthly period was 2 days late – I think. I had realised that day that I am actually not sure how long my cycle is. I always thought it was 28 days long. Perhaps I stand corrected. I suppose I was just stressed this month. Or any of the other reasons people have irregular menses. I have to suppose, because I do not have irregular menses.
By this, I mean that, sooner, or later, I always get my period – and usually within the expected time-frame.
I had to be at the Tourism Expo later in my day, but I spent my morning sitting on my work desk in anxiety, wondering if I am pregnant; and that thought really scares me. Mostly, because of the many unknowns.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t regret getting pregnant right now. That baby would be born wanted, and to two very loving parents.
The unknowns I speak of are my body. I realise that I do not know my body. I have no idea what goes on in my reproductive system. Is everything peng? Could I be able to carry a pregnancy to term? Heck am I even capable of having a baby.
I never knew what exactly to expect out of a gynaecologist appointment, so I checked with Dr. Grace Mzumara, a colleague, on what I should expect – and she was really helpful with the information.
WHY YOU SHOULD SEE A GYNAECOLOGIST?
Info: Dr. Grace Mzumara.
Who is a gynaecologist?
Gynaecologists are commonly known as obstetrician-gynaecologists or ob-gyns. They are doctors who have specialised in caring for womens health.
In particular, they focus on women’s reproductive health care and all organs or body systems related to reproduction. This includes the hormonal system, mental health, reproductive organs and abdominal organs that are causing reproductive health problems or affected by them.
When these doctors care for women during and after pregnancy and childbirth, they are called obstetricians. All Doctors specialised in Obstetrics and gynaecology can diagnose (find out the problem), treat with medication and surgery for conditions affecting womens health. Breast problems are usually handled by general surgeons, although gynaecologists will investigate all health problems affecting women and get help when needed. All medicine is a team effort.
Gynaecologists also care for men’s health with regards to infertility problems. They can investigate and diagnose these problems. They may work together with doctors from other fields if needed.
In general, your visit to the gynaecologist is a lot more productive if you go with (if you have) your partner, male or female.
Why should you see a Gynaecologist?
1. When you have a problem.
- Abnormal Menstruation
You need to know what is normal for you and for anything outside of that, you should see a doctor. That may be bleeding more than usual, more days than usual, more than once a month, or not menstruating every month
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
It is good to observe how much discharge you pass in a month and what it looks like because it changes over the month. But if it smells or you pass more discharge than usual, you should see the doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have any bumps or pimples around you pelvic area or vulva.
- Fertility
Fertility problems can affect both men and women and it is important to see a gynaecologist. In general you may have a problem if you are of reproductive age and have not become pregnant after 12 months or regular unprotected sex.
- Abdominal pain
Problems with ovaries, fallopian tubes or the uterus can cause you some abdominal pain. You should see any general practitioner for this. But they may refer you to a gynaecologist if they think it is a reproductive problem.
- When you think you are, or when you are pregnant.
It is recommended to see your obstetrician-gynaecologist as soon as you suspect that you are pregnant. You will get a urine test, a blood test and an ultrasound done.
2. When you don’t have a problem.
This usually means you need to make sure your health is in check. You need to get your HIV status checked or you may want to have an STI screen just in case. Importantly, you need to get screened for cervical cancer or receive the HPV vaccine that prevents it. You should see your gynaecologist and ask if you are eligible for the vaccine and how often you would get checked for cervical cancer. This varies per person but in general, you need a screen every 3 years.
Contraception
There are many methods to use for contraception. Seeing a gynaecologist or a reproductive health nurse is useful to know which one is right for you. They will explain all the methods for contraception and possible side effects so you can both decide on what is right for you to take.
What are the things gynaecologists check for and how?
Basically, a gynaecologist will first check for whatever complaint you have come with. Their primary concern is to make sure to handle what complaint has brought you to them. They will use the opportunity to screen for cervical cancer and may ask about scheduling a breast cancer screening. Full blood counts, Pregnancy tests, HIV tests and STI tests for syphilis in particular are part of routine checks. Your blood pressure, breathing and pulse will also be checked. Depending on your complaint, they will physically examine your tummy, lymph node areas, external genitalia and vagina.
Speculum exam
This is a tool used by gynaecologists to look at your vagina and cervix. It is used for the cervical cancer screening and for general gynae physical examinations. It is used with a lamp or light to let your nurse or gynaecologist see clearly. Your gynaecologist will always do their best to make this as comfortable for you as possible.
Pap smear
For cervical cancer testing, a pap smear is done. This is when a layer of your cervix is lightly scrapped (you will not feel it), to get the cells at the surface of your cervix. This is taken to a pathologist to look for cancerous cells. Another screen is called the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA). It is a test for cancer cells that shows your nurse or doctor whether or not there are abnormal cells at your cervix.
Ultrasound
This is used to look at your abdominal organs like ovaries and uterus depending on what your problem is. It is not a routine test. It is done through the abdomen or though the vagina, again, depending on what the problem is.
Vaginal discharge test
If you have a complaint about abnormal discharge or your doctor has found some discharge, a swab will be taken for testing.
How can one deal with their fears?
I was so scared, sitting alone outside the gynaecologist’s office. My boyfriend was visiting his mom in Kenya – but I knew I had to take this step even when he was not around.
I was so scared. What if something was wrong with me? What if he found some abnormal cells in my system
There were three pregnant women to my right, sitting next to their husbands and looking happy. The idea of that being me someday was pleasant, yet so threatening.
I watched as the light on his door turned from red (busy) to green (next), and realised it was my turn. I entered his office, and immediately found my cool. The environment was friendly, and he was so gentle as he listened to me through my anxiety of my first gynaecologist appointment.
Ask a lot of Questions. Your doctor is there to sit with you and answer them. It is much better for you to ask away than to check with google. So come prepared with questions. Express your fears and anxieties because they are expected. And let your doctor know if they haven’t met your needs so that they can re-strategize or call in another specialist for help.
What I had was an ultrasound, to check my whole system for any abnormalities. He assured me that everything is okay.
I am due for a papsmear in a week. I will also take a fertility test alongside my boyfriend, just to make sure that everything is alright, for the time we decide that we are indeed ready to become parents. I will hopefully write about how that goes.
I had a pleasant experience, in all fairness. My worries are now rested. There are less unknowns in my reproductive life, and I am grateful that I took that leap. I hope this can give you a little push, to go and get yourself checked by a gynaecologist.
All my love,
Ntha
Medical Info: Dr. Grace Mzumara.
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