You really don’t need to do anything special for your vulva. “There’s a lot of misconception about how to clean one’s genitals,” Lauren Streicher, M.D., an associate professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF. “But don’t use special scrubs or washes—they can be irritating. Mild soap and water are really all you need.”
Your vagina is not a cookie or a flower, so it’s not going to smell like one. Everyone’s vaginal smell varies based on factors like their discharge, their vagina’s bacterial flora, and their hygiene practices, Dr. Shepherd says, and it can also be a sign that something’s wrong. A fishy or foul-smelling odor smell can signal an infection like bacterial vaginosis, but a weird smell down there doesn’t always mean you have some sort of infection. It can even be due to something like leaving a tampon in for too long. In any case, if things smell off down there, that’s a clear sign that you should see your doctor to figure out what’s up.
Sure, itching and burning are hallmark symptoms of a yeast infection. But these could just as easily be signals of bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection, Carrie Coleman, M.D., an ob/gyn at Massachusetts General Hospital, tells SELF. “It can be confusing,” Dr. Coleman says. That’s why she recommends talking to your doctor for an evaluation, especially if you keep self-treating “yeast infections” that don’t seem to go away. That could be a sign you’re dealing with something else entirely.
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. Obstetricians care for women during their pregnancy and just after the baby is born. They also deliver babies. An ob-gyn is trained to do all of these things.
Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle prior to menopause. … Vaginal symptoms may also be a sign of more serious problems, from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to cancers of the reproductive tract. Gynecological symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or urological problems.
Gynaecology or gynecology (see spelling differences) is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive systems (vagina, uterus, and ovaries) and the breasts. … Its counterpart is andrology, which deals with medical issues specific to the male reproductive system.
When should I have my first gynecologic visit?
An obstetrician–gynecologist (ob–gyn) is a doctor who specializes in the health care of women. Girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 years and 15 years.
Is it normal to be nervous before the first visit?
It is normal to feel nervous about your first visit. It may help if you talk about it with your parents or someone else you trust. You may want to let your doctor know you are nervous. He or she can help put you at ease.
What should I expect at the first gynecologic visit?
The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor. You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. You also may have certain exams.
Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex). If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your doctor should talk about it before you answer any questions. Much of the information you share can be kept confidential.
What exams are performed?
You may have certain exams at the first visit. If you choose, a nurse or family member may join you for any part of the exam. Most often, these exams are performed:
– General physical exam
– External genital exam
You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample. You also may have certain vaccinations.
What happens during a general physical exam?
During the general exam, your height, weight, and blood pressure will be checked. You also will be examined for any health problems you may have.
What happens during an external genital exam?
In this exam, the doctor looks at the vulva. He or she may give you a mirror so that you can look at the vulva as well. This exam is a good way to learn about your body and the names for each part.
What are the pelvic exam and Pap test?
Even though you probably will not have a pelvic exam, you should know what one is. Another test that you will have later (at age 21 years) is a Pap test. This test checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.
The pelvic exam has three parts:
– Looking at the vulva
– Looking at the vagina and cervix with a speculum
– Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand
The doctor will use a speculum to look at your vagina and cervix. When you have a Pap test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush.
To check your internal organs, the doctor will place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.
Pelvic Exam and Pap Test
What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations or immunizations protect against certain diseases. The following vaccines are given to all young women aged 11–18 years on a routine basis:
– Tetanus–diphtheria–pertussis (Tdap) booster
– Human papillomavirus vaccine
– Meningococcal vaccine
– Influenza vaccine (yearly)
In addition to routine vaccines, special vaccines may be given to young women who are at an increased risk for certain diseases. Listed are some of these vaccines:
– Hepatitis A virus vaccine
– Pneumococcal vaccine
What special concerns can be discussed with my ob–gyn?
Many young women share the same health concerns. Most of these concerns are a normal part of growing up:
– Cramps and problems with menstrual periods
– Acne
– Weight
– Sex and sexuality
– Birth control
– STIs
– Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
– Emotional ups and downs
What can I do to stay healthy?
Making good lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:
– Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising often.
– Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs.
– Seek help if you have emotional ups and downs or feel depressed.
– Use birth control if you are having sex and do not want to have a baby.
– Protect yourself from STIs by using a latex condom. Know your partners and limit their number.
– Keep up with routine exams, tests, and immunizations.
Glossary of Terms:
Birth Control: Prevention of pregnancy.
Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Condom: A thin sheath used to cover the penis during sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Menstrual Period: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when an egg is not fertilized (also called menstruation).
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob–Gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.
Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.
Pelvic Exam: A manual examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections that are spread by sexual contact.
Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.
Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Vulva: The external female genital area.
Company Information:
WWW: Gynecologist in Vizag
Doctor : Dr. Ramya Sadaram
Address : 57-1-11, Above Andhra Bank, Durga Nagar, Gavara Kanchara Palem, Kancharapalem, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530008
Phone : 09494402848 or book an appointment at https://gynecologistvizag.com/book-an-appointment/.
