Most people, especially women, feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health. However, avoiding sexual health-related issues can lead to poor gynaecological health and different health issues. Poor gynaecological health can interfere with your sex life, causing dissatisfaction and pain. It could also lead to severe conditions like cancer.
Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix are the most common gynaecological cancers and account for about 10% of new cancer cases. These gynaecological cancers are life-threatening but preventable. Research shows that about 37% of women with these cancers die from them, but this is preventable by taking care of your gynaecological health.
Accepting and valuing your body
Having good gynaecological health starts from understanding and respecting your body. Women need to feel positive about their reproductive system and sex organs, especially when seeking the right care and maintaining their health.
Tips to improve your gynaecological health
The following tips should guarantee good gynaecological health:
- Attend your annual gynaecological check-up and get regular Pap smears. This can help you detect abnormal cervical cells early and get treatment to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
- Engage in safe sex practices: There are several sexually transmitted diseases, with the most common being Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDs). This disease weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection. This makes the infected person susceptible to different diseases and cancers. Gonorrhoea, cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are also common STDs that can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and ectopic pregnancy.
- Eat healthy foods to maintain a healthy weight: Your weight can affect your menstrual cycle. Being overweight or underweight can cause menstrual cycle irregularities such as irregular flow or no periods. Ensure you drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fibre content to prevent constipation and period pains.
- Carry out Kegel exercises to make your pelvic floor strong: Having a weak pelvic floor can cause different problems with the bladder, such as urinating while sneezing or coughing. It could also cause some sexual problems.
- Exercise regularly as this can help reduce pelvic pains
- Plan your pregnancy: Getting pregnant becomes more difficult, and the risk of miscarriages increases as you get to your mid-30s. To ensure you and the baby remain healthy, ensure you get a preconception check-up to know if you have a health problem that can affect your pregnancy. Getting treatment for a medical condition before pregnancy reduces stress during pregnancy and delivery
- Take proper care of your vagina and vulva. Try to avoid douching and using harsh soap to wash your vagina. Also, wear light, breathable clothes to prevent moisture retention.
Tips to prevent gynaecological problems
Having a good personal hygiene routine is an essential aspect of every woman’s healthcare as it can prevent several sexual and reproductive health issues.
Adhering to the following can help prevent most gynaecological problems:
- Practise good hygiene after sex
- Take showers instead of baths
- Do not wear your wet swimsuits for long after swimming
- Always wipe your vagina to your anus
- Reduce use of scented soaps, shower gels, and foams
- Avoid using sponges or washcloths to clean your genital and rectal ending
Signs of gynaecological problems
Most times, signs of gynaecological problems are similar to other conditions, so visiting your healthcare provider for diagnosis is important. Sometimes, these symptoms indicate mild and treatable infections. However, they may lead to severe conditions such as cancer and organ damage.
Common signs of gynaecological problems include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Itching, redness, soreness, or burning in the vagina
- Vaginal discharge with an unusual or unpleasant smell
- Lumps or bumps in the genital area
- Bleeding after menopause
- Urgent and frequent urge to urinate or a burning sensation while urinating
- Increases vaginal discharge
If you are concerned about your gynaecological health or notice signs of a gynaecological problem, talk to a gynaecologist on Harley Street. Our private gynaecologists at Gynaecology Clinic are always available to offer you quality gynaecological care.
Call us now on 020 7183 04355 to schedule an appointment with our experienced gynaecologist.
