Introduction- Most women in our country have their first visit to a gynaecologist during pregnancy when they are much older or if they have issues relating to delayed or painful periods, but not when everything is going well. While this mindset is common and cannot be changed that easily (who wants to go to a doctor unless there is an issue or an emergency? No one.), it is important to understand that being proactive about teen and adult health is not a bad thing. So, if you would like to visit one even if everything seems normal, you should just do it and NOT overthink it. 

Who Is A Gynaecologist?

A gynaecologist is a medical specialist who helps diagnose and treat all symptoms and conditions that relate to the female reproductive system. This means they can examine the uterus, the vagina or your breasts to check for any problems you may be having and to treat them appropriately. They can also perform surgeries when needed. Since they provide generalised care from puberty till after menopause, it makes sense to check in with them every so often. 

Gynaecologists can help you plan your pregnancies, prescribe different modes of birth control, diagnose and treat any issues that may arise in the uterus, vagina, breasts or other parts of the reproductive system and administer pelvic exams when needed. They can also help you with preventive screening tests and vaccinate you. Lastly, they can also test and treat you if you suffer from any sexually transmitted infections. 

Age Wise Guide of When To Visit A Gynaecologist

Doctors in the field will tell you when to get a check up done. 

• Ideally, the first visit should be when you are a teen or if you have a teenager at home. This way, they can learn more about what puberty is, understand why the body changes so much and learn more about how to stay safe later on in the future. 
• Next, if you suffer from painful periods, heavy bleeding or if it is a painful monthly ordeal, then you should go in for a consultation. Painful periods are NOT normal and are caused due to underlying issues. 
• If there is any strange smelling or looking discharge, itchiness or redness, then it may be some kind of infection. Timely treatment is necessary, so that it does not get worse. 
• You will obviously need a gynaecologist to help you during pregnancy, as they are the ones who will check your scans and update you about your health and how your little one is doing. 
• The other instances you should go in for a check up include-Painful intercourse, presence of lumps or bumps in the vagina, if you are not able to conceive, have severe menopausal symptoms and low libido, among other issues, then getting a consultation in a women’s clinic nearby is essential.

The general thumb rule has been given below, with age groups, for easier understanding- 

• Ages 13-25 - Hormonal changes, period related problems like heavy or infrequent ones can be diagnosed and treated effectively. Even if you are normal, go in once a year, for a check up. 
• From ages 25-35- Get annual check ups with screening tests added in- like the Pap smear, HPV tests and breast exams. Since many of you will be sexually active, get contraception advice and STI tests too. 
• Ages 36-50- Once a year for preventive screening and for any other treatments you may require. This will include STI screening, HPV tests, Pap smear etc. 
• Ages 50 and above- once you are menopausal, the chances of getting certain cancers is much higher. So, screening can be beneficial. Pelvic exams and bone density scans need to be done once a year, along with Pap smears. 

Conclusion- From getting the best PCOS treatment in Hyderabad to cutting edge fertility clinics in the city, we at Feminova Clinics provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for all sorts of conditions that ail women at different stages of their life. Our doctors will help you from the time you are a teenager to when you have become menopausal and want to live extra care-free. So, if you have been searching for “best gynaecologist near me”, then you don’t have to go too far. Feminova Clinics is conveniently located in different parts of the city. Walk in for a consultation, today! 

Can't find an answer? Book a clinic visit or Call us  at +91 9966888702 or +91 8125860069

Introduction- Vaginal infections of different kinds always command a bad rep- it is spoken about in very hush hush tones, as it is thought to be embarrassing and as a very private matter. This need to keep quiet can also mean that women ignore symptoms until they get much worse. The vagina is a very crucial part - not because it is present as an entity of the reproductive system, but because it serves a major function with respect to its protection too. It contains large amounts of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms - called the vaginal flora, that is made of very specific populations of both the good types and the bad ones. Majority of the time, the good guys prevail and don’t allow the indiscriminate growth of the pathogenic ones, thus maintaining the pH in a reasonable range of 3.8-4.5. When the pH is higher, it means the bad guys have succeeded in invading the vagina and have caused an unwanted infection. 

Symptoms of Vaginal Infections-

The vagina can get infected by any number of microorganisms which are bacterial, fungal or viral in nature. The problem is diagnosing the right condition,because the symptoms for most of them will start off with vaginal itching, some redness and probably some abnormal looking discharge. Once you notice any change, it is time to look at each symptom in greater detail- like the colour and odour of the discharge or the consistency, the intensity of redness and itching or similar signs. 

Understanding the different pH changes they bring about can help a doctor diagnose the condition quickly. Treatment for most of these conditions is pretty straightforward- you may either be prescribed antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. 

What Is The Difference Between Yeast Infection, BV and UTI? 

Let us look at what each of these infections are, so that you can learn to differentiate between them, based on the different symptoms- 

• Yeast infections are caused when the number of fungi present in the vagina is more than normal. It is normally caused by Candida albicans- which in small numbers is harmless and is kept in check by the other good flora in the region. When this fungus proliferates in the vagina due to prolonged antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes or pregnancy- then it can cause symptoms like itching, redness, soreness and a vaginal discharge that will not smell different, but will look white, thick and curd-like in nature. 

• Bacterial vaginosis, shortened to BV commonly, is when there are too many bacteria growing in the vagina, and they are NOT good or benign like the normal Lactobacillus ones. E. coli bacterium is normally not a problem if it is present in small enough numbers, but larger numbers are what can become problematic. It is not infectious, but can still cause green, grey or whitish coloured discharge which smells very fishy. You may also notice pain during urination, intercourse, irritation and even soreness at times. 

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by pathogens that infect the bladder, ureters, urethra or the kidneys, though the painful urination and burning sensation while relieving oneself are often felt in the urethra alone. You may feel like peeing very often or may even notice blood in the urine. But, there are no other changes that can be observed.

Treatment of Various Vaginal Infections- 

The treatment for most of these infections is thankfully pretty easy to deal with- you will be asked to use either medicated gels or you can take medications. If it is a fungal infection, then anti-fungal drugs like Miconazole or Fluconazole are used. Antibiotics like Clindamycin, Tinidazole or Metronidazole are prescribed when it is bacterial vaginosis or a UTI(provided your culture results show that it is a bacterial infection). Also, since these infections are caused by different entities, it is possible to have more than one affecting you at the same time. 

Preventive Measures To Follow- 

One good thing to know is that most of these infections are highly preventable, if you follow a few important precautions, like the following- 

• Follow good hygiene practices daily. Wash your hands after using the loo, every single time. 
• Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear, so that moisture can be wicked away. 
• Don’t use scented products or soap in your vagina. The vagina keeps itself clean, so use water ONLY. 
• Practice safe sex always and use unflavoured condoms and lubricants. 
• You can focus on including probiotic rich foods like fermented curd, batter, pickles, etc. on a daily basis, to help your vaginal pH stay in a healthy range. 

Conclusion

So, is it PCOS or just a hormonal imbalance? The answer lies in observation, testing and listening. With the right tools, the right team, and the right mindset, you can navigate it beautifully. Hormonal imbalance may be easier to manage, but it’s still your body's way of getting your attention. In either case, you don’t have to guess or suffer in silence. Find a good lady gynaecologist near you, someone who takes your concerns seriously. Because you deserve more than guesswork. You deserve answers, solutions and a future where you feel fully in sync with yourself again.

Can't find an answer? Book a clinic visit or Call us  at +91 9966888702 or +91 8125860069