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Gynecology
Just three percent of women surveyed online by the Vagisil Women's Health Center (VWHC) report never having a gynecologic exam. That's the good news. The bad news is that only three-quarters of the almost 20,000 females who responded get the recommended annual gynecologic exam; 14% go every two to three years; and five percent every four to five years. Although more women are visiting the gynecologist regularly, many still avoid dealing head-on with feminine health issues. For example, while the survey showed 16% of women were concerned with urine leakage/incontinence, just half of them were prompted by that symptom to visit a gynecologist. The same was true of vaginal dryness/painful intercourse. "It is unfortunate that women today still refrain from gynecologic exams because they either fear the outcome or they are embarrassed," says Adelaide Nardone, a board certified doctor of obstetrics and gynecology and an advisor to the VWHC. "It is important to visit the gynecologist regularly for a full exam and Pap test, as well as make visits when you think you might have an infection or other medical problems. By having regular exams, you decrease the risk of missing early signs and symptoms of certain diseases that, if caught early, can be successfully treated." I have a co-worker/friend who says she's never had a mammogram and never will have one. If she becomes afflicted with breast cancer, she'll just deal with it and she dies, it's just Gods' will. I respect her feelings but... She's not alone. I know many women of all ages who are too embarrassed to deal with their gynecological health despite the changes aging brings. Women have their own personal reasons for avoidance of female health issues but... I am having difficulty wrapping my brain around the whole idea of avoidance because when the doctor announces you have cancer or other deadly diagnosis that means start getting your affairs in order...I've heard so many say "I don't want to die" or "I thought I had more time left". I used to work in a hospital where access to our time clock required walking through the gynecology unit. The strong odor of cancer was overwhelmingly foul. To each her own, I guess. Read more on female health issues:
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