• December 16, 2022
• Revive
• 0

7 Misconceptions about Obstetrics And Gynaecology

People assume that the gynaecology clinic is just for pregnancy or childbirth. Our culture has built a lot of obstacles and taboos to discussing issues that focus on women’s health. This situation leaves a lot of women unaware that the pain or discomfort they are experiencing is not normal. Several thousand gynaecology problems go undetected every year because of this. People always assume they could find some home remedy, or it will just pass over time and put off seeing a doctor. Thus, a gynaecology infection that was just a trivial rash or fungal infection would turn into something big. If you wish to avoid this, you should know the misconceptions about your visit to your gynaecologist or obstetrician. Here are seven misconceptions that you need to know about obstetrics and gynaecology.

1. Gynecology is not for young girls

People assume that a gynaecology clinic is just for older women going through menopause, pregnant women, or looking for fertility treatments. Instead, you can talk to the doctor about menstruation, birth control, acne, breath health, pregnancy options, hormonal imbalance, weight management, and more. In addition, girls as young as 13 can start visiting a gynaecology clinic for related issues.

2. Every gynaecology visit involves a vaginal exam

Although a vaginal exam is embarrassing and sometimes painful, it helps identify a gynaecology infection or disease as early as possible. However, not every problem needs a vaginal exam.

However, a pap smear or vaginal exam is not to be feared. Remember that a pap smear is not very painful but just mildly discomforting. A Pap smear does not mean you have a sexually transmitted disease/cancer. It is just a screening test to rule out several infections and diseases. Finally, a vaginal exam or pap smear will not make you lose your virginity.

3. A gynaecologist visit is for those who are sexually active

It is essential to have regular visits to a gynaecology office if you are sexually active. You can get information about safe sex, proper birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, infections, and more. Sex is a significant part of reproductive health, but not the only one. There are several elements to deal with over and beyond sex-related issues. There are hormonal problems, bacterial/fungal infections, cancer, and more.

The same goes for ladies who presume they are too old to visit a gynaecology office. For starters, it is best to get an appointment with a gynaecologist to learn about menopause and deal with its symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and more. Along with menopause comes a lot of risks like the risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and more. Thus, talk to your gynaecologist today. Beyond these, postmenopausal women might experience a gynaecology disease like vulvovaginal atrophy, dryness, irritation, and more. In some cases, women might experience postmenopausal bleeding. It is critical to pinpoint the cause of these problems and find immediate solutions.

4. Gynecologists and obstetricians are the same

Almost all gynaecologists and obstetricians practice both fields. However, they are not the same. Both areas deal with the female reproductive system/health. However, it would be best to visit an obstetrics clinic for pregnancy and childbirth-related issues. Alternatively, you should take other reproductive problems and symptoms to a gynaecology clinic. For example, if you have experienced a miscarriage, have gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, severe morning sickness, placenta previa, HELLP syndrome, and others, you should visit an obstetrician rather than a gynaecologist.

5. Do not visit a gynaecologist if you are on your period

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, you need not worry about being on the period. If you are booked for a pap smear or a vaginal examination, visiting a gynaecologist during your cycle is fine. Say you are experiencing very heavy bleeding. It is essential to visit your gynaecologist as your very heavy bleeding could indicate a gynaecology disease that needs immediate treatment.

In most cases, your period, regardless of the day you are in, will not affect your pelvic exam or other tests. However, if you are still uncomfortable, you can talk to your gynaecologist about whether it is the right time to visit or postpone your visit.

6. My gynaecologist need not know everything about my sexual life to give a diagnosis

You might think that the new lube you started using or the homoeopathy medicine you started a few weeks ago might have nothing to do with the current issue. However, the gynaecologist needs to know everything about your medical and sexual life to give you the proper diagnosis. You need not be distressed about your sensitive information leaking as you are protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. Every day many women visit gynaecology clinics, and they all have unique problems and variables affecting them. Your doctor has heard much of it, and they are not there to judge you.

Similarly, your family history is also essential to your diagnosis. If your parents or people in your immediate family had/have any related medical problems, it is very critical to share those with your gynaecologist.

7. A gynaecologist should be a woman

Gynaecology and obstetrics are general medical departments that any gender can enrol in and complete. Therefore, it is OK to visit a male gynaecologist or obstetrician. However, if you are uncomfortable, there are always several qualified female doctors for you to see. But, it is vital to choose a good and competent doctor and not choose some random female doctor available for your gynaecology treatments.

Choosing a doctor with experience in dealing with a wide array of infections, diseases, procedures, and more is critical. It is also best to choose a doctor associated with a well-established clinic. It might seem OK to consult a doctor in a small clinic, but she needs equipment and access to treatment rooms to deal with all your issues. Else, you will be recommended to another gynaecology office just for the tests and back to your doctor for consultation. Moreover, choosing a doctor in a well-establish hospital helps you get holistic treatment.

Make sure to check out 7 Things to Discuss with Your Gynecologist

Revive Nursing Home
Baguiati, Kolkata – 700159
(Behind SBI & Axis Bank)
Emergency No. 033 – 6655 4433