A gynae explains why regular check-ups are vital for your physical & mental health
It's important to prioritise regular gynaecological (gynae) check-ups before only seeing a gynae when something is wrong - Kasturi Moodley, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist - Mediclinic.
Zain Johnson speaks to doctor Kasturi Moodley, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Mediclinic
Moodley says it's important to prioritise regular gynaecological (gynae) check-ups before only seeing a gynae when something is wrong.
Seeing a gynae from as early as an adolescent to patients going through menopause and beyond, at least once a year is 'extremely important' for women to keep track of and maintain their well-being, adds Moodley.
A gynae can help you prepare for different phases of your life and how your body reacts to those phases, what might happen and what could happen so that you don't get nervous or hear incorrect information from others or on social media which is often how anxieties about women's health starts.
A gynae visit might include taking some tests to make sure that all your organs including breasts, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva and vagina are working as they should be and to exclude cancers and other diseases which can be detected early with regular check ups.
"This is the one specialty where I say to patients you should attempt when you are healthy not necessarily when you are ill to maintain your mental and physical well-being."
- Kasturi Moodley, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist - Mediclinic
Moodley says it's important for women to understand all the hormones which are associated and controls your menstrual cycle.
These hormones are always going to change which might bring about PMS, menstrual irregularities, which most people are not prepared for and can lead most people to overthinking.
This can easily be managed with appropriate interventions for each individual which is based on their specific needs, adds Moodley.
It's time to visit the gynae when any discomfort disrupts your quality of life, advises the doctor.
"Anytime any individual is having a menstrual cycle or accompanying symptoms that's disruptive to their quality of life... that you regard as 'not normal for me' - rather than compare it with someone else's symptoms or Google information... see a gynae for accurate care that's specifically advised for your needs."
- Kasturi Moodley, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist - Mediclinic
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.