Aromachildhood

Annual exams and screenings

According to OB-GYN Dr. Christine Greves, skipping annual exams is not advisable, even if you feel healthy. These routine check-ups serve as an opportunity to screen for various health concerns, including domestic violence and mental health issues. Annual pelvic exams, Pap smears, and HPV tests are essential in detecting conditions such as cervical cancer and genital warts. Dr Greves told Today.com: "The annual exam is how we screen for domestic violence, we screen for depression, we screen for making sure people are healthy during the breast exam, during the pelvic exam."

Douching: A harmful practice

Medical experts unanimously discourage the practice of douching, a procedure involving the rinsing of the vagina and vulva. Dr. Adi Katz warns that douching can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina, potentially leading to severe infections. The vagina possesses its own self-cleaning mechanism, making external cleaning with mild soap and water sufficient. Dr Katz said: "It’s amazing actually. We have different bacteria in there and the microbiome, and if you douche regularly, you could mess them up."

Safe sexual practices: Testing for STIs

Prior to engaging in sexual activities with a new partner, doctors recommend open communication and mutual testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like HIV and hepatitis. Overcoming the stigma surrounding STIs is crucial, fostering trust and ensuring both partners' health and well-being. Dr Greves said: "Before having sex with someone, it is important to have that discussion about labs and ask if they have a history of warts or herpes."

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Professional diagnosis over self-treatment

Self-diagnosis and treatment of vaginal symptoms can often worsen the condition. OB-GYNs advise against relying on over-the-counter medications without professional consultation. Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential for effective and safe treatment. Dr Katz said: "You can make it worse by taking the incorrect medication. You’re just suffering longer."

Cautiousness against supplements

The experts caution against the widespread use of supplements claiming to enhance vaginal health. Dr. Katz emphasises the importance of consulting healthcare providers for hormone-related issues, highlighting that pharmaceutical treatments are often necessary. She noted: "(Patients are) spending money that they could have spent on something else."

Painful or heavy periods

Painful or heavy periods are not always normal. These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions that need medical attention, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. Don't ignore persistent menstrual issues. "I wouldn’t tolerate painful periods," Dr Greves adds. "We have medicines, we have surgeries, procedures to figure things out. We don’t have to tolerate it."

Fertility planning: Expert guidance

Finally, the OB-GYNs stress the significance of considering fertility planning in one's 20s and early 30s. Dr. Katz advocates for discussions about fertility becoming a societal norm, encouraging women to explore options like egg freezing for future family planning. Dr Katz said: "I wish that more women would ask about it or we would discuss it as a society."