When it comes to vaginal health, we tend to avoid the topic for fear of embarrassment. This should not be the case. Your vaginal health is just as important as the rest of your health. Dr Caylin Apollos, a board-certified specialist obstetrician gynaecologist, spoke to BONA to answer a few questions about reproductive health.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal (where she studied Medicine) and practicing in Cape Town, Dr Apollos has a deep desire for women’s health with particular interests in pregnancy (high and low risk), contraception and managing patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“As a mother and wife myself, I understand the multiple challenges involved in these aspects and I would like to help guide women on their journeys,” says the doctor.
Dr Apollos answered four common reproductive health questions.
What is a pelvic exam and what is its importance?
A pelvic exam is a bimanual exam done by a medical practitioner (after verbal consent). This involves gently inserting two fingers into the vagina and one hand placed onto the pelvis/lower abdomen simultaneously. It is important to assess for any pelvic masses, any tenderness or assess the extent of gynaecological pathology.
How often should women go for a pelvic exam?
This depends on age and medical history or presence of gynaecological symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge. Usually a bimanual examination is performed when getting a pap smear (also as a screening tool), or upon visiting a gynaecologist as part of the examination.
What should women do if they experience painful periods?
Painful menstruation (periods) is not normal. It could be a sign of underlying pathology and should be addressed by a gynaecologist. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can offer some relief but long term, it is not a way to live. There are specific medications available to manage these disorders but best done by a specialist. I would advise visiting your gynaecologist.
Should women be worried about vaginal odours? What causes this?
Your vaginal odour often depends on your pH level, or how acidic your vagina is. Vaginal odours can be normal or abnormal (pathological). Certain smells can point to a cause, allowing further investigation and management. The truth is, your vagina is home to billions of bacteria, and the precise makeup of this bacteria changes on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. Change is natural. These smell variations (such as tangy, fermented, coppery or sour) are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or just you being you.
Each vagina is unique and should be treated with respect. Certain smells that are not normal include: A fishy-like odour, foul smell, strong alkaline or acidic smell. When these are identified, and especially if accompanied by other symptoms (such as abnormal vaginal discharge), a medical exam may be necessary. Besides natural causes, abnormal causes could include infections, foreign bodies and cervical cancer.
Also see: Menstrual cups may improve vaginal health and prevent infections
