Gynecologist Kopar Khairane

According to most specialists, the time for a first gynecological visit falls between age 13 and age 15, or before that when periods have begun already or there is some worry about menstruation. This first meeting usually involves talking, not an examination, and so it need not be delayed. When the relationship with your doctor begins early, all the visits that follow become easier.

For most women a once-yearly visit takes in a general review of health, preventive screening, a breast examination and, whenever it falls due, a Pap smear. More frequent visits are typically called for in pregnancy, with PCOD, in perimenopause and while fertility treatment is under way. The schedule your doctor recommends will be matched to your particular situation.

PCOS or PCOD is a hormonal condition, and a common one. Periods, skin, weight and fertility can be affected, as can metabolic health over the long term. Management is tailored to the person. It usually pairs lifestyle changes (sleep, movement and balanced nutrition) with targeted medication where that is helpful and with continued tracking. Most women manage very well once care is consistent and based on evidence.

Under the age of 35, the usual guidance is to consult a specialist when 12 months of trying for a pregnancy have not brought success. At 35 or above, the wait is 6 months. Consulting earlier is reasonable if you already know about a condition such as PCOS, endometriosis or irregular periods, if you have had surgery before, or if there is a concern related to your partner.

IUI (intrauterine insemination) is less invasive and simpler than IVF: sperm is prepared and then placed directly in the uterus close to ovulation. In IVF (in vitro fertilisation), the ovaries are first stimulated and the eggs retrieved; fertilisation takes place in a laboratory, after which an embryo is transferred back. The choice between IUI and IVF rests on the diagnosis, on how old you are and on any treatment already tried. The doctor will take you through both options before any choice is made.

Not necessarily. Irregular cycles that last a short while can follow travel, stress, a shift in weight or exercise, or hormonal contraception. However, irregularity that persists, bleeding that is very heavy, pain that is severe, and cycles that are consistently less than 21 days or more than 35 days long all merit investigation. After the underlying cause is found, treatment is usually possible.

A typical first prenatal visit covers several things. The doctor records your medical history in detail and examines you physically. Samples of blood and urine are taken for baseline tests, and an early ultrasound is done to confirm both the pregnancy and its due date. Supplements, nutrition and lifestyle are discussed too. This is also the right occasion to bring up whatever you have been wondering about, because in pregnancy no question counts as silly.

Seek help at the point where symptoms begin to disturb your day-to-day routine. Mood changes, hot flashes, disturbed sleep, heavy or unpredictable periods and painful intercourse all deserve to be discussed. Nobody should feel she must bear menopause quietly. Options that are safe and supported by evidence are available, and they ease most symptoms.