Women's Health Secrets

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A gynecologist must be visited at least once every six months, and a mammologist is recommended once a year. This is the best time for timely identification of women's problems.

There are many questions that each of us would like to ask a gynecologist. Below are the most common ones that excite young girls and older women.

Are fashionable thongs harmful and what underwear should be preferred?
Underwear has its own tasks, which thongs can not cope with. Firstly, the mini panties on the straps are poorly adapted to absorb various secretions. Secondly, they practically do not protect the intimate area from contact with the external environment if, for example, you wear short skirts. Thirdly, they do not warm, because the layer of air between the panties and the skin, which retains heat, is also absent here. Fourth, a narrow back strap facilitates the transfer of intestinal bacteria to the vaginal area and the development of infection. Not to mention the fact that such straps rub and irritate delicate skin. Therefore, doctors advise: wear thongs in the bedroom, and the rest of the time go in classic cotton panties, possibly with a little added elastane for a better fit on the figure.
What products are best used for intimate hygiene?
Just not soap! Its pH value does not coincide with vaginal: the soap contains free alkali, which neutralizes the weakly acidic environment of the vagina, creating the basis for bacterial vaginosis and a number of other gynecological diseases. Antibacterial soap is also undesirable: it not only negatively affects the acid-base balance of the vagina, but also destroys the beneficial microflora living in it. Soap with dyes and strong perfume fragrances is also not suitable for washing, since it causes irritation of the mucous membrane of the genitourinary tract. Prefer baby soap or a special gel for intimate hygiene, which contains, for example, lactic acid to normalize microflora and protect against infections.
How often do you need to change pads and are there any restrictions when using tampons?
It is necessary to take into account the intensity of discharge during menstruation, but even with very meager discharge with the same gasket, you can’t walk all day. During this time, the gasket should be changed at least three times and always at night. Tampons are convenient in their own way and no less safe if used correctly. You can hold the tampon inside for no longer than 3-6 hours with strong discharge and no longer than 6-8 hours for weak, because blood is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria that can cause inflammation of the vaginal mucosa - vaginitis (colpitis). The swab must be removed very slowly, with smooth swaying movements: while absorbing blood, it swells and increases in volume. There are tampons for different days of menstruation: super, normal, mini.Very young girls who have just begun their periods can use small tampons.
What are vaginal discharge talking about?
It all depends on their volume and nature. A small amount of light, odorless discharge is the norm and does not cause discomfort. Curdled discharge against a background of severe itching and burning are characteristic of thrush. Yellowish mucopurulent discharge, accompanied by pulling pain in the lower abdomen, can signal cervical inflammation - cervicitis. With bacterial vaginosis (vaginal dysbiosis), the discharge is plentiful, foamy, similar to milk and has the smell of rotten fish. In any case, it is better not to guess, but to consult a gynecologist. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment so that there are no complications.
Should I worry about pain in the lower abdomen?
Drawing pains before menstruation and in the early days are characteristic of dysmenorrhea - a condition of an unpleasant, but not dangerous for life. It occurs in 30-50% of women of childbearing age. Another thing is pain that occurs regardless of menstruation. It can be cramping, aching, stitching, cutting, it can give into the anus - this is a typical symptom of gynecological diseases, and not hemorrhoids, as many people think. This happens with an ectopic pregnancy and other dangerous disorders - you can’t hesitate here, you must immediately consult a doctor! Endometriosis can also be a cause of pain - a common disease in which cells of the inner layer of the uterine wall grow, "migrate" to other parts of the female reproductive system and even beyond, leading to inflammation and pain.They intensify before menstruation, during fitness, sex and weight lifting. Every tenth woman suffers from endometriosis, and most of them do not suspect this for a long time.
Is cervical erosion dangerous and how is it treated?
Two terms are hidden under this term - true erosion and pseudo-erosion, or ectopia. In the second case, cells that are usually located only on the inner surface of the cervical canal also appear on the outer surface of the cervix, in particular in the area of the vaginal opening. Many experts believe that pseudo-erosion caused by physiological changes in the body is not a disease and without signs of inflammation does not require any treatment. The main reason for the development of this erosion is genital tract infections (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, etc.), as a result of which the epithelium of the cervical mucosa is rearranged, as well as inflammation and destruction of its tissues. This increases the risk of cervical cancer, so all women with erosion and the presence of the human papillomavirus (especially its oncogenic types) should be regularly examined by a gynecologist and have a smear done for cytology. Erosion (active or transferred in the past) does not reduce the chances of conception and the birth of a healthy baby, however, infections that provoke erosion can cause infertility. Erosion treatment is necessary in the presence of inflammation, as well as with the development of dysplasia - changes in the structure and functioning of the cells of the cervical mucosa.In this case, use such an effective method as cauterization of the affected areas. Instead of electrocoagulation, which was widespread earlier, came more gentle methods: cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen), cauterization by a laser and a radio wave. These procedures do not leave scars on the cervix and therefore are suitable for the treatment of women who are planning a future baby.
Text: Ivan Belokrylov. Photo: PR
Material prepared by Julia Dekanova

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