A strange paradox is observed in Bulgaria. On the one hand, medicine and especially gynecology has developed revolutionarily, there are new methods of diagnosis and treatment, modern devices, diagnostic models, we practice biochemical screening, ultrasound diagnostics, 3D, 4D ultrasound. There are at least two or three working Da Vinci robots in Bulgaria. On the other hand, the ladies in our country don’t seem to take enough care of themselves. I say this with sadness. There is still fear and concern about something as natural as a routine check-up with a gynecologist. Unfortunately, I face this problem every day. An essential part of the doctor’s work is to inform, and this is what today’s article is dedicated to. I’ll start with the most important. If you are one of the ladies who believe that you only go to a gynecological examination when you have a problem, then I have a request for you. Break with this false belief, right now. In fact, we gynecologists are much happier when we have the opportunity to consult healthy people. When to go for an examination? Preventive examination – all women, after turning 21 years old, must go for such an examination and Pap smear once a year. After they turn 30, the review is every 2 years. Again, don’t forget the smear. NEWS_MORE_BOX When is the best time for young girls to visit a gynecologist for the first time? Many girls go to the gynecologist for the first time around the age of 18. Most often with a request for birth control pills. Others come with problems – irregular periods or pregnancy concerns. Seems about the right age, doesn’t it? Well, that’s not exactly the case. Young girls should visit a gynecologist for the first time at the age of 13-15. An examination is rarely required at this visit, but it helps to build a relationship with the doctor. This is a good time to ask questions about STDs and contraceptives. Ah, the doctor can answer most questions, even better than the parents. You must visit a gynecologist in case of: Bleeding between periods; Bleeding after intercourse; Pelvic pain or menstrual cramps that are so severe that they interfere with the normal flow of your day, even if they are only a few days a month; Unusually heavy bleeding, in which you have to change the sanitary napkin or tampon more often than 2-3 hours; Unusual vaginal discharge, pain, swelling or itching. All these symptoms can indicate a vaginal infection or sexually transmitted diseases that can affect the possibility of conception. They can also indicate other conditions, such as: Endometriosis; Pelvic inflammatory disease; Other disorders of the reproductive system. Of course, if you think you are pregnant, contact your doctor right away. You should go for an examination more often if: You are planning to become pregnant; You think you have a sexually transmitted infection or your sexual partner has one; You have a medical history,related to diseases of the reproductive system; Your mother or sister developed breast cancer before menopause. A lot has been said about this, but I will not spare it – if you notice folds or wrinkles on the breast, nipple sagging or changes in the skin of the breast, as well as discharge from the nipples that are not associated with breastfeeding, as soon as possible consult a doctor. Also, if you experience increased breast pain or discomfort before your period. Although a Pap smear is not vital in most cases after the age of 30, women should still have an annual exam to watch for other changes or infections. If you have had a blood test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and it is negative, this does not mean that you can skip the examination. In addition, women diagnosed with HPV or other diseases need to have regular pap smears because this virus can cause cervical cancer. Did you know that with each new sexual partner, the risk of contracting the HPV virus increases by 15%? This means that if you have more partners, the risk increases significantly. It is a well-known fact that the biggest reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is the lack of prevention. Unfortunately, most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear for five or more years. The bad thing is that these women are usually already in an advanced stage of the disease when they find out about it. This is why the Pap smear is important. Yes, it may happen that it is not one of the most pleasant procedures, but it should not be missed. How to prepare for a gynecological examination and pap smear? Do this: For the most accurate results, it’s best to schedule your annual gynecological exam and Pap smear 1-2 weeks after your period. Visit the toilet before examination. Your bladder should be empty just before the examination, and you will also feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to gather information about previous research, etc. You can note on a calendar your menstrual cycle, pain, discharge or other symptoms that occur during the month. DON’T do this: Many ladies use vaginal douches before an exam, but they’re not a good idea because they increase the risk of infection. It is good to know that it is important not to do such things for at least 2-3 days before the examination. It is also a good idea to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 hours before the examination.to monitor for other changes or infections. If you have had a blood test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and it is negative, this does not mean that you can skip the examination. In addition, women diagnosed with HPV or other diseases need to have regular pap smears because this virus can cause cervical cancer. Did you know that with each new sexual partner, the risk of contracting the HPV virus increases by 15%? This means that if you have more partners, the risk increases significantly. It is a well-known fact that the biggest reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is the lack of prevention. Unfortunately, most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear for five or more years. The bad thing is that these women are usually already at an advanced stage of the disease when they find out about it. This is why the Pap smear is important. Yes, it may happen that it is not one of the most pleasant procedures, but it should not be missed. How to prepare for a gynecological examination and pap smear? Do this: For the most accurate results, it’s best to schedule your annual gynecological exam and Pap smear 1-2 weeks after your period. Visit the toilet before examination. Your bladder should be empty just before the examination, and you will also feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to gather information about previous research, etc. You can note on a calendar your menstrual cycle, pain, discharge or other symptoms that occur during the month. DON’T do this: Many ladies use vaginal douches before an exam, but they’re not a good idea because they increase the risk of infection. It is good to know that it is important not to do such things for at least 2-3 days before the examination. It is also a good idea to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 hours before the examination.to monitor for other changes or infections. If you have had a blood test for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and it is negative, this does not mean that you can skip the examination. In addition, women diagnosed with HPV or other diseases need to have regular pap smears because this virus can cause cervical cancer. Did you know that with each new sexual partner, the risk of contracting the HPV virus increases by 15%? This means that if you have more partners, the risk increases significantly. It is a well-known fact that the biggest reason for the occurrence of cervical cancer is the lack of prevention. Unfortunately, most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear for five or more years. The bad thing is that these women are usually already in an advanced stage of the disease when they find out about it. This is why the Pap smear is important. Yes, it may happen that it is not one of the most pleasant procedures, but it should not be missed. How to prepare for a gynecological examination and pap smear? Do this: For the most accurate results, it’s best to schedule your annual gynecological exam and Pap smear 1-2 weeks after your period. Visit the toilet before examination. Your bladder should be empty just before the examination, and you will also feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to gather information about previous research, etc. You can note on a calendar your menstrual cycle, pain, discharge or other symptoms that occur during the month. DON’T do this: Many ladies use vaginal douches before an exam, but they’re not a good idea because they increase the risk of infection. It is good to know that it is important not to do such things for at least 2-3 days before the examination. It is also a good idea to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 hours before the examination.To get the most accurate results, it is best to schedule your annual gynecological exam and Pap smear 1-2 weeks after your period. Visit the toilet before examination. Your bladder should be empty just before the examination, and you will also feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to gather information about previous research, etc. You can note on a calendar your menstrual cycle, pain, discharge or other symptoms that occur during the month. DON’T do this: Many ladies use vaginal douches before an exam, but they’re not a good idea because they increase the risk of infection. It is good to know that it is important not to do such things for at least 2-3 days before the examination. It is also a good idea to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 hours before the examination.To get the most accurate results, it is best to schedule your annual gynecological exam and Pap smear 1-2 weeks after your period. Visit the toilet before examination. Your bladder should be empty just before the examination, and you will also feel more comfortable. It’s a good idea to gather information about previous research, etc. You can note on a calendar your menstrual cycle, pain, discharge or other symptoms that occur during the month. DON’T do this: Many ladies use vaginal douches before an exam, but they’re not a good idea because they increase the risk of infection. It is good to know that it is important not to do such things for at least 2-3 days before the examination. It is also a good idea to refrain from sexual contact for at least 24 hours before the examination.