Women And Self Care: When And Why Should You Start Seeing A Gynaecologist

At 9-11 years of age to get the HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is a Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. Human papillomavirus is the cause behind 98 per cent of cervical cancers. HPV vaccine drastically reduces the risk of getting cervical cancer. It is recommended to take the vaccine at 9-11 years of age but one can take it later also, till 40-45 years, says Dr. Sehgal.

When a girl attains her menarche that is when she gets her first period. A visit to a gynaecologist will help her to understand the basics of periods - what is normal and abnormal and when should she be reporting any symptoms to her parents.

Before marriage to learn about contraception, dos and don'ts regarding sexual health, ways to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

Before planning pregnancy: Along with pre-pregnancy counseling, a woman should take basic health tests to ensure the well-being.

As per Dr. Sehgal, some of the important tests that every woman should take include:

- Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) for pelvic examination to detect any change in the cervical cells that can lead to cervical cancer. Dr. Sehgal recommends a Pap smear once in three years and if an individual is HPV vaccinated, a Pap test can be taken every five years

- Mammograms after 40 years of age to examine human breasts

- Ultrasounds every year to detect any cyst, fibroid or any kind of abnormality in the uterus

- Basic tests to check for Thyroid, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Haemoglobin, and blood sugar level