A women’s clinic is a health facility or center that specifically caters to the needs and reproductive health of women. A women’s clinic is especially catered to dealing with health issues and problems that are brought about by menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and diseases that affect the reproductive organs of a woman.
Who are the doctors?
In a women’s clinic, the doctors are mostly composed of gynecologists and obstetricians. A gynecologist specializes in gynecology, which is in dealing with the reproductive health of women and are the ones that deal with issues related to menstrual cycles and menopause. They also screen a woman’s body for cancer, do surgical operations on the pelvic area and treat with problems like infections or inflammations of a woman’s reproductive organs.
An obstetrician, on the other hand, specializes in obstetrics, and is a doctor that is trained in caring and providing service for women before, during and after pregnancy. Obstetricians are also trained in baby delivery and can offer different options of delivery for women who may prefer those. There are also many doctors are trained in both obstetrics and gynecology and are called ob-gyns for short.
Ob-gyns are not just trained in providing medical help for women. Many women are hesitant in visiting a women clinic Punggol since there is often a stigma when it comes to personal and sensitive health issues. Some women find it difficult to talk about their personal and intimate problems with their friends, what more with their doctors. Because of this, ob-gyns are also educated in making the consultation as comfortable as possible for the patient.
Because of this, many women often stick with their first ob-gyn for their lifetime. It takes time to build trust with an ob-gyn, and once that is established, there’s very little reason for a woman to see another ob-gyn again in her life.That is why women should take some time to research and ask around about different ob-gyns to find one that is trusted by his/her patients and has a good track record in the field.
How does a regular consultation go?
Women are advised to go to regular consultations to a women’s clinic once they are thirteen (13) to fifteen (15) years of age, which is around the time of their first menstrual period. During this first consultation, the ob-gyn will usually just talk with the patient about her experience and will usually not include diagnostic tests, unless needed.
General health checkup
During regular consultations, the process will usually begin with a general health checkup. Your vital signs will be measured, such as your blood pressure and heart rate. The attending nurse will also record your body’s measurements, such as weight and height for the record. A blood and urine sample may also be taken for testing.
After this, a physical examination will be performed. You will be taken to a secluded examination room and will be asked to undress completely and wear a hospital gown. To make you feel more comfortable, the ob-gyn will start asking some questions about your health history.
Some common topics that the ob-gyn might ask you about include the following:
- Your menstrual cycle and any issues you’ve encountered during it, including heavy flows or irregular cycles
- Your sexual activity, and how active you are
- Any issues you encounter during sex
- The presence of vaginal discharge and its appearance
- Your birth control methods if you have any
- Your sexual and health history, such as allergies and vaccines taken
These questions may seem a bit too personal or intimate for you but are essential for your ob-gyn to get a general overview of your reproductive and sexual health. It is very important to be honest with your doctor when answering his/her questions so that a proper and accurate diagnosis may be given to you.
Once the questions are done, you will then be asked to lie down so that the doctor can start the pelvic exam.
Physical examination
Your ob-gyn will start by examining the external features of your vagina, such as the vulva and vaginal opening, for any problems or abnormalities and record the results. He/she will then examine the inside of your vagina and cervix using a special device called a speculum that keeps your vagina open. This may feel a bit uncomfortable, but there shouldn’t be any pain unless there is a problem.
The ob-gyn may do an internal bimanual exam, which involves placing his/her gloved fingers of one hand in your vagina and placing his/her other hand on top of your abdomen to examine the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Your ob-gyn may also place a gloved finger in your rectum for a rectovaginal exam.
Diagnostic tests
As a precaution for possible cervical cancer, the ob-gyn will also do a pap test if you are over 21 years of age. This is a special diagnostic test that involves collecting cell samples from your cervix, so that it can be examined for the presence of cancer cells. An HPV test may also be done simultaneously, which detects the human papillomavirus (HPV).
For sexually active patients, your ob-gyn may also test for some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. These tests are usually done by getting a tissue and/or blood sample from your internal reproductive organs.
A breast exam may also be done by your ob-gyn to check for the presence of lumps and other abnormalities, which can be symptoms of breast cancer.
After the consultation
Once all the exams are done and the lab tests are underway, your ob-gyn will talk to you about the initial findings. He/she will give you a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs, which may include medication, diet, and exercise. Your ob-gyn will describe to you how the treatment will be done and if you have any questions or want a clarification, do not hesitate to ask. Depending on the results, your ob-gyn may also schedule a future appointment for a follow-up checkup or a surgical treatment.
PK Women’s Specialist Clinic @ The Venue
2 Tai Thong Cres, #01-12 The Venue Shoppes, Singapore 347836
+65 6636 9909
https://www.pkwomensclinic.com
