GENERAL WOMEN’S HEALTH CHECK
Why are gynaecology exams important?
General gynaecology appointments are important for women of all ages as your reproductive health changes throughout your life. It is important to have a general exam done by your gynaecologist on a regular basis to identify subtle signs of diseases or screen for conditions such as cervical and endometrial cancer, while they are still in their earlier stages. This way, Dr Mirriam Mutanda-Musoke can assist you in managing and treating existing gynaecological issues and prevent future conditions. These exams are also aimed at empowering women and ensuring a healthy understanding of the female body.
What happens during a routine exam?
Dr Mutanda-Musoke will begin by getting to know you and discussing your reproductive health in terms of medications you take, your menstruation, sexual activity and family history. She will then measure your weight and blood pressure before doing a breast screening, where she will check your breasts for abnormalities.
After this, you will be asked to undress and a pelvic exam is done with a pap smear to screen for cervical and endometrial cancer. Those who are virgins will not undergo a pelvic exam, only a pap smear. Your gynaecologist will also ask you a range of questions in order to rule out any other conditions.
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Uterine cancer (otherwise known as womb cancer) cannot be tested with a pap smear, however if during your consultation, you mentioned a family history of gynaecological cancer, or mentioned symptoms that Dr Mutanda-Musoke felt problematic, she may need to perform further tests such as an endometrial biopsy or a transvaginal ultrasound, to rule out uterine cancer.
After your pelvic exam, Dr Mutanda-Musoke will send your results off to the lab for testing. Her receptionist will then call you to arrange a follow-up appointment with her to discuss the results if any conditions or problems were found during the exam and pap smear. If your pap smear results prove to be abnormal your she may perform a colposcopy in which a surgical instrument (a colposcope) is used to examine the cervix, vulva and vagina in closer detail.
She emphasises educating women on their body’s, how to recognise symptoms and reduce the risk of gynaecological cancers such as cervical, uterine and endometrial cancer.
How often should I have a gynaecology check-up?
As a rule, you should see your gynaecologist once a year for a gynaecology check-up and pap smear.
When should I visit a gynaecologist?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to see a gynaecologist as soon as possible.
- You haven’t had your period at the age of 16 years old.
- You severe menstrual cramps or abnormal pelvic pain.
- Your period is extremely heavy or lasts more than 6 days.
- Your period has ceased for over 5 months and you don’t suspect you are pregnant.
- Vaginal discomfort such as itching, redness, sores or swelling in the vaginal area.
- You have an unusual odour or discharge.
- You suspect you may be pregnant.
- You wish to discuss sexual intercourse or are in need of contraception counselling.
- You have been having irregular periods for at least 2 years.
- Your vagina burns when urinating.
- You have a frequent urge to urinate.
- You have injured your pelvic area or vagina.
- You have been a victim of rape or non-consensual sex.
- You suspect you may have a sexually transmitted diseases or infection.
- Menopause.
- Abnormal bleeding such as bleeding during or after intercourse.
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