Here are questions from readers that were addressed by leading obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Mini Salunkhe. The identities of the solution-seekers have been withheld to protect their privacy.
How often should a woman above the age of 40 go for a health checkup and what kind of tests should be taken periodically as preventive measures?
Yes, it is important to be pro-active about your health after the age of 40. It would be prudent to do regular health checkups once in every two to three years. However, in case you do have a medical or surgical problem, your doctor would advise special tests and check-ups more frequently. For women a routine health checkup would entail a complete physical examination, BP check, breast & pelvic examination as well as dental and eye checkups. Routine blood tests like Haemogram, Thyroid Function Tests, Serum glucose and Lipid profile is also recommended. More specifically, a pap smear test (cervical cancer screening), ultrasound of abdomen & pelvis, sonography or a sono-mammography of breasts are also important screening tests. If there is a history of cancers in the immediate family, or first degree relatives, then start screening for those cancers five years prior to the age of detection in those family members. The screening must include breast examination and mammography, colonoscopy for colon cancers, pap smears, etc.
How safe is it to use an Intrauterine device (IUD) as a birth control? What are the problems that could affect me in the future due to this?
Intrauterine devices or IUDs are considered a good and relatively safe method of contraception. They are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancies and quite cost effective as well. They are also safe to use during breast feeding. IUDs can be removed whenever you want and the return of fertility is almost immediate. There may be a few minor side effects like menstrual disturbances and /or cramps initially when the uterus is getting accustomed to the IUD. Pre or post-menses spotting and/ or a few initial heavy periods can be treated effectively. Occasional genital infections or the very rare risk of expulsion displacement or ectopic pregnancy cannot be ruled out but that need not be a deterrent as these are very rare side effects. All in all, IUDs are a good and safe method of contraception.
I have a doubt regarding birth control pills. I will be going on a pilgrimage soon and I would like to delay my period till I come back. My doctor has prescribed birth control pills for this but my friend says that taking a pill in such a situation should be avoided, her uncle is a doctor so I am confused. What do I do?
To delay periods for a short time, I would suggest pure progesterone tablets like #Primolut-N or #Deviry as they would have less side effects (nausea, morning sickness) than oral contraceptive pills. These tablets can be started a few days before the expected period and would have to be continued till you want it postponed. No, it would not be harmful to postpone the periods for a short time, once in a while. Moreover, there is no reason to be worried about any long term consequences of doing so.
# Kindly note that these medicines are being mentioned strictly for reader information and all medication must be consumed ONLY under medical advice and prescription from your Doctor.
Dear Doctor, it’s been a few months since I hit menopause. I am 50 years old, should I get a hysterectomy done, please guide me through this.
A hysterectomy is usually advised when there is a serious and valid reason to remove the uterus, like irregular, heavy or prolonged bleeding which is affecting the health of the woman. It is also advised in the case of cancer of the genital tract, large ovarian cysts and/ or huge fibroids causing serious bleeding issues in the patient. If you have attained natural menopause without any gynaecological concerns, I don’t see the need to get a hysterectomy done. If you face any gynaecological problem after having attained menopause, then an evaluation is ideally suggested and can be done by your doctor.
Thank you, readers for your queries. I hope I have been able to answer them and clarify your doubts. I would be more than happy to take time off to answer all your questions week after week. You can reach me via editorial@pune365.com
Dr Mini Salunkhe is a senior gynaecologist practising in Pune for over a decade. Apart from being a private practitioner, she is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist at Inamdar Hospital.
- Doctor, How can one prepare for menopause ? - December 16, 2016
- Is it ok to continue my run during pregnancy ? - November 25, 2016
- Dr Mini Salunkhe: Can I get pregnant just three months after delivery? - November 18, 2016
