In 2021, the NGO Plan International Brasil launched the “For being a girl” survey, carried out with young people aged 14 to 19. The results showed that two out of three teenagers have never been to a gynecologist and that, among girls who have already had their first period, 70% have never been to a specialist.
A Dr. Helena Beliquea gynecologist at the Brazilian Association of Women, Science and Human Reproduction, assesses that several reasons can contribute to these alarming numbers, including taboos, socioeconomic issues, shame and lack of confidence.
“A teenager needs a connection with a doctor other than a pediatrician and, when looking for a gynecologist, she will receive guidance on body changes, menstruation, intimate hygiene and sexuality. In addition, she will also have a specialist to trust and develop optimal health”, she emphasizes.
From menarche to beyond menopause, this healthcare professional is able to help women better understand their reproductive system. It is up to him to carry out early diagnosis of diseases such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Next, understand 5 reasons why it is so important for teenagers to keep their gynecological consultations in day.
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Monitoring menstrual cycles
According to Dr. Helena, in the first 3 years after menarche, it is normal for teenagers to have totally irregular menstrual cyclesas long as they do not cause problems such as anemia or other serious symptoms.
A help from a gynecologist It is essential for teenagers to learn to monitor their cycles from the beginning, making it easier to understand their own bodies and identify any changes that may indicate health conditions.
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Understanding bodily changes
To the puberty changes They are considered normal when they begin after 8 years of age, with the appearance of a breast bud, followed by hair, increased growth in height, new distribution of fat and, finally, the first menstruation.
Gynecological monitoring is essential to ensure adequate guidance and clarification on these transformations, providing a healthy transition to adult life.
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Endometriosis detection
A endometriosis It is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women in Brazil, according to the Ministry of Health, and which can develop as soon as the girl begins to menstruate. Its symptoms include severe cramps, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), irregular bleeding, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Consulting a gynecologist ensures that the diagnosis occurs as quickly as possible, contributing to symptom management and more effective treatment.
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STI prevention
Adolescence is the stage in which many women begin their sexual activities and, at this moment, it is even more important that they have access to information related to reproductive health.
Going to the gynecologist is necessary so that they have knowledge about how to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections, using beds and the HPV vaccine, and about contraceptive methods.
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Guidance on contraceptive methods
Given the variety of contraceptive methods available, a gynecologist can help teenagers find the best one for them, explaining how each one works, effectiveness and side effects.
“Contraception can and should be started as soon as the teenager begins her sexual life. The choice of contraceptive method must be made together with the girl and there is no need for authorization from a guardian, as long as there is no suspicion of sexual violence or risk to her life”, concludes Dr. Helena.
Tags: reasons teenagers gynecologist
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