A woman’s health evolves through different stages of life, starting from puberty and menstruation in teenage years to family planning, pregnancy, menopause, and beyond. Yet many women can delay visiting a gynaecologist, maybe because they’re unsure of whether their symptoms are serious enough or simply a part of normal hormonal changes. It is pretty easy to neglect your health while managing work, family, and other responsibilities, especially in a city like Dubai, which moves at lightning speed.
This guide can be your starting point for understanding when to see a gynecologist for better health.
Impact of Regular Gynaecological Care
A 2020 study with 493 female Emirati students provides important insights into knowledge of reproductive health and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) awareness. It’s important to note that 66.3% of these 493 students were from Dubai.
- 13% of the students reveal PCOS diagnosis (3% were on meds)
- 12.4% students had heavy or no bleeding on their period
- Their knowledge of reproductive health and awareness of PCOS was low
The study also shared the impact of PCOS, including infertility, miscarriages, diabetes, and menstrual dysfunction. Gynaecological care can play an important role in educating you about your body, what’s happening with it, and how to stay healthy.
When Should You See a Gynecologist?
Here are some good reasons to see your gynecologist in Dubai:
Changes in Menstrual (Period) Cycle
A normal cycle usually lasts between 2 and 7 days. The heaviest bleeding occurs during the first 3 days. For teens, these cycles can be irregular within the first few years. However, some variations may need gynecological care.
- Have not had your first period: You’re 15 or older and have not yet had your first period. Alternatively, it’s been 3 years since your breasts developed, and you have not gotten your period.
- Too little or too much gap: Your periods come too often (less than 21 days apart) or too far apart (more than 45 days apart). Also applicable if you go more than 90 days without a period, even once.
- Unusual bleeding: Bleeding lasts for more than a week or is heavy enough that you need to change your pad or tampon more than once every 1-2 hours.
Severe Pelvic Pain
There are two kinds of period pain. First, primary dysmenorrhea. It is normal cramping and results from the shedding of the uterus’s lining.
The second kind, called secondary dysmenorrhea, needs attention. It often shows up later in life and is accompanied by other signs like unusually heavy bleeding, pain during sex, and spotting between periods.
Some conditions that lead to secondary dysmenorrhea include:
- Endometriosis: Tissue similar to your uterus lining grows outside of the uterus. It breaks down like the lining but has no way to leave your body. As a result, it causes inflammation, scarring, and pain.
- Fibroids: They are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus wall. While small fibroids may not cause any symptoms at all, larger ones can lead to heavier periods and intense cramping.
- Adenomyosis: Here, the tissue lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. Although it sheds normally, it enlarges your uterus and causes heavy, painful periods.
Your gynecologist will evaluate all your symptoms and determine what further assessments are needed to manage your concerns.
Changes in Vaginal Health
Correct intimate hygiene practices can significantly contribute to your overall well-being, including sexual health. Many lifestyle factors can affect your vaginal health. For instance, wearing tight-fitting clothes and undergarments, new or multiple sexual partners, and unprotected sexual practices.
The CDC reveals that bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition in which there is an imbalance of bacteria, is one of the most common conditions among females aged 15-44. You cannot develop BV from swimming pools, toilet seats, or bedding.
However, it’s important to highlight here that having BV increases your chances of getting other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Douching (washing out the vagina with water or a mix of fluids), unprotected sex, and having new or multiple partners can lead to BV.
Its symptoms can show up as (1) thin, white, or gray discharge; (2) pain, itching, or burning sensation in the vagina; (3) strong odor post-sex, almost fish-like; (4) burning sensation when you pee; or (5) itching around the outside of the vagina.
Your gynecologist will examine you for any discharge and can also test a sample of the fluid. Furthermore, they can prescribe you antibiotics to treat it.
Planning a Pregnancy
A Female Gynecologist is an important partner before and during pregnancy. If you are planning to start a family, a preconception consultation can help you understand the steps to support a healthy pregnancy and recommended health screenings. They’ll also advise you on lifestyle considerations and share nutritional guidance, including any vitamins that you may have to take. If you have been trying to conceive, your doctor can discuss your history and decide whether additional evaluation can be beneficial.
Contraceptives and Family Planning
Starting contraception is a personal decision that requires you to think about multiple aspects. For instance, current health, habits, and family goals.
Your gynec can explain the different methods to you. For example, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and vaginal rings. They will tell you how each one affects your body and which is the safest option
Menopausal Challenges
Menopause is a transitional phase in a female’s life that occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. It refers to a time when a female does not experience periods for 12 consecutive months after the last period. Menopausal women show a wide range of symptoms like mood alterations, hot flashes, depression, vaginal infection, and more. They can also experience sexual and psychological symptoms.
A 2019 study of 70 Emirati women from Dubai (aged 40 to 64 years) found that most participants reported physical symptoms, such as muscular aches and back pain. The research highlights an important factor shared by the gynecologists involved. They highlight that women consult them only in emergencies.
However, an early understanding of the changes happening within your body puts you in a better position to deal with them.
Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
If you’re sexually active, visiting a gynecologist to screen for sexually transmitted infections can be an important checkpoint in your journey. The CDC recommends the following considerations for some common STIs:
| STI | Guidelines |
| Chlamydia & Gonorrhea |
|
| Syphilis |
|
| Herpes |
|
| HIV |
|
FAQs
When should females start seeing a gynaecologist?
Your first visit to a gynecologist can be between the ages of 13 and 15 or when you become sexually active. Speak with your doctor to determine a suitable frequency.
Does a 25-year-old virgin need to go to a gynaecologist?
Gynaecological care is about overall reproductive health and prevention. Starting routine visits at 21 years can help you establish a baseline for your health.
What are some of the warning signs that you should see a gynaecologist?
Some of the warning signs include changes in periods, pelvic pain, itching or irritation in the vagina, and unusual discharge.
Conclusion
Routine gynaecological checkups are beneficial even when you feel healthy. These visits are a chance for you to share any concerns and receive personalized advice. If you’re unsure of the frequency, you can always speak to your doctor and decide a routine for you.
Visit us at Dubai Medical University Hospital (DMUH) and book an appointment with our experts. Our dedicated team is here to share their knowledge and help you weigh treatment options for better health.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 998 (UAE) or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
