Ah, the most feminine month of the year, where we focus on women and their health. Let’s talk about something crucial: how often should a woman see her gynecologist, even if she feels fine? Dr. Yancho Delchev, head of the gynecological department at Doverie Hospital, sheds light on this.

In Bulgaria, many women skip regular gynecological check-ups, but that’s a big mistake. Most only visit when they have issues, which isn’t ideal. An annual preventive check-up is vital for every woman’s health. Catching any problem early means it’s treatable. Sadly, lack of awareness often leads to late diagnoses. For example, only 30% of cervical cancer cases are caught early, even though it’s the second most common cancer in women aged 15-44 here, double the rate of Western European countries.

We’re also seeing more young women with gynecological issues, which is concerning. Inflammatory diseases are on the rise too. Preventive gynecological exams aim to preserve reproductive health and catch any problems early. A typical exam includes a history review, physical exam, and tests like ultrasound, Pap smear, and lab tests. Pap smears are crucial for detecting cervical cancer early, and they’re painless. They can catch abnormal cells or infections that show no symptoms.

It’s recommended to have a preventive exam annually, though some may need them every six months. So, my message to Bulgarian women: prioritize your health! Don’t put off preventive exams for years. And if you have a problem, don’t hesitate to seek help. At Doverie Hospital, we have skilled specialists and top-notch equipment for quick diagnosis and treatment. Your health matters, so take care of it!