femalenetwork.com

Dear Dr. Angela Sison-Aguilar,

I'd like to know the "first steps" in consulting a gyne. I'm 23 years old and haven't consulted a gyne and planning to do so soon. Are there any steps to take prior to the visit? What should I expect during the consultation? Would I need to do some tests during my 1st consultation? Around how much would it cost me? Do I need to bring my partner with me? I found the "need" to consult a gyne when I noticed I've been having discharges for a long time already. I'm not sure if these are still normal discharges. Please help! Thanks!

Jackie

Dear Jackie,

All women are encouraged to see their gynecologists at least once a year. Gynecologists are really primary care physicians for women the same way pediatricians are for children. We don’t need to get pregnant first before we see our gyne.

Many women are encouraged to see their gynecologists most especially if they have symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, irregular periods and unusual vaginal discharge. There might be some conditions that can be investigated and help extended earlier if we go through the check up as promptly as we can. Outside of these symptoms, the gynecologist may have some advice as to how we can maintain healthy habits to avoid disease.

The gynecologist will ask baseline data about your medical and family history. She will also record the onset, duration, amount and character of your menstrual periods. Your obstetric history will also be noted as well as your sexual history and other habits like smoking and alcohol intake. It’s like an annual physical designed for women.

 

'Many women are encouraged to see their gynecologists most especially if they have symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, irregular periods and unusual vaginal discharge'

It is best to have ourselves examined right after our period has ended. If we are sexually active, we can have a pelvic examination done and a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer taken. Some imaging studies such as a pelvic ultrasound may be requested if it is necessary. A clinical breast exam will also be performed to validate your own self breast examination findings.

The cost will depend on the gynecologist you go to. It usually will cost you a couple of hundred pesos but you may avail of a free consultation at many government facilities.

A discharge may be due to a yeast infection if it is itchy. It may be from an overgrowth of regular bacteria in the vagina called bacterial vaginosis if it has a fishy odor. Or it may be from a sexually transmitted infection such as trichomonas or gonorrhea. Whatever the cause, it is best that the discharge is promptly investigated.

It would be helpful if your partner is with you. Not only will he be sensitive to your concerns, he can likewise benefit from counseling and treatment if sexually transmitted infection is diagnosed.

Sincerely yours, Dr. Angela G. Sison-Aguilar

 

Ask our columnists!
Need help when it comes to feminine health? Dr. Angela is willing to share her expertise with you. For questions regarding feminine health, pregnancy and other Gyne-related matters, just send an e-mail to webmaster@femalenetwork.com!