Popularization of gynecological health knowledge

Most of the statements you hear that "gynecological problems = personal indiscretions" are all rumors. 90% of common gynecological discomforts can be avoided through scientific daily care. Don't be shy about seeking medical treatment if you have symptoms, let alone search Baidu to scare yourself.

I have been working as a clinician in the gynecology clinic of a tertiary hospital for 8 years. I have seen too many young girls who have little knowledge of gynecology. They either drag small problems into chronic inflammation, or they are so self-deniald by rumors on the Internet that they dare not even enter the hospital. Last week, I met a girl who was just in her junior year. After wearing tight high-waisted jeans and two layers of safety pants to match a skirt for half a month, she developed vulvitis. She was itchy for a week and did not dare to come to the hospital. She secretly bought the so-called "herbal medicine" on an e-commerce platform. After three days of washing with "Private Parts Care Solution", my vulva was sore from burning. When I came, my eyes were swollen from crying. As soon as I walked in, I clutched my clothes and said, "Doctor, do I have an unclean disease? I haven't been in love yet." This made me feel distressed and funny at the same time.

Speaking of which, I have to mention the pitfalls of private parts care that everyone is most likely to step into. Many care solution merchants on the market always promote "antibacterial, anti-itching, and removal of odors." Many people think that daily use of lotion is hygienic. In fact, there is no absolute right or wrong in this matter: if you do not have any discomfort, and the leucorrhea is normal and it is not itchy or painful, then it is enough to rinse the vulva with warm water every day. The vagina itself has a stable bacterial flora environment, and random washing will upset the balance, making it more likely to cause vaginitis. ； But if inflammation has been diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe medicated lotion according to your type of infection. At this time, just follow the doctor's advice, and there is no need to blindly resist all lotion products.

Oh, by the way, there is another detail that no one is embarrassed to mention: Don’t buy those lace or chemical fiber materials that are good-looking. Pure cotton is the most reliable for close-fitting items. It is breathable and does not make you sweaty. It is a natural anti-bacterial barrier. My own cupboard is full of plain cotton underwear. After washing, I try to put them in the sun. When it is hard to dry on cloudy and rainy days, I scald them in boiling water for 5 minutes before drying them. I never save a bunch of underwear to be washed on the weekend, let alone throw them into the washing machine with socks and coats. It’s not that I’m a germophobe. I’ve seen too many patients infected with mold due to mixed washing. Sometimes just being lazy for two minutes will cause itching for days afterwards. It’s not worth the gain.

After talking about daily care, let’s talk about the menstrual problem that every girl can’t escape. The older generation always say, "The dysmenorrhea will be over if you tolerate it, and it will be better after giving birth." This statement really depends on the situation: if it is primary dysmenorrhea that is painful since menarche, and there is no organic disease, the cervix will become loose after giving birth, and the menstrual blood will be discharged more smoothly. Indeed, many people will have relief from dysmenorrhea. ； But if it didn’t hurt before but then started to hurt, and the pain becomes more and more severe, and it even hurts so much that you can’t straighten your waist during menstruation, then you should be alert to whether it is endometriosis, adenomyosis or other problems. There are also many people who are afraid that taking ibuprofen will harm their health. I always tell my patients: as long as you don’t have underlying gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcers, take it 1-2 days a month when you have pain, and no more than 4 pills a day. After metabolism, there will be no side effects at all, let alone addiction. It is much better than if you are in cold sweat or vomiting due to pain. There is really no need to endure it.

The most frequently asked question recently is about HPV, and I really have to explain it ten times every time I go to the clinic. Many people feel that the sky is falling as soon as they find out that they are HPV positive. They either think that they are about to get cervical cancer, or they directly suspect that their partner is cheating. In fact, it’s really not the case: First of all, HPV is not only sexually transmitted. People who use public bath towels in hotels, soak in public hot springs, or even come into contact with contaminated public toilets may be infected. Data shows that 80% of women will be infected with HPV at least once in their lives, and most of them can be cleared naturally by their own immunity within 1-2 years. Only persistent infection with high-risk HPV is likely to develop into cervical cancer. There are also different academic opinions on the frequency of screening: some scholars recommend that sexually active women over 25 years old should have a TCT test every year and an HPV test every 3 years. ； There is also a view that if your immunity is strong before the age of 30, you don’t need frequent screenings. If you are over 30 years old, you can do joint screenings. In fact, you don’t have to worry too much about this time. As long as you have sex, there is nothing wrong with regular gynecological screenings. It is much more useful than just thinking at home.

There was a 32-year-old patient who was found to be HPV16 positive. She and her husband were divorced at home for almost a month. They insisted that the infection was caused by the other party going around outside. Finally, the two of them came together for a checkup and found that the husband was not infected at all. After careful questioning, he found out that she was working on projects during that time for two consecutive months. I stayed up until two or three o'clock and relied on takeout for all my meals. My immune system was very weak. Later, I listened to my advice and adjusted my schedule. I took half an hour to run every day and ate more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement my vitamins. After half a year, my reexamination turned negative. I was even given a cup of milk tea to express my gratitude, saying that I almost tore down my home because of a rumor.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone, don’t believe in the IQ tax of “private parts whitening”, “firming gel” and “vaginal detox pills”. Last month, I received an emergency call from a 28-year-old girl who used the so-called “imported firming gel” bought on WeChat Moments. After three days of use, the mucous membrane of her vulva was burned and ulcerated, and she was in so much pain that she couldn’t walk. Dark color in the private parts is normal pigmentation and has nothing to do with whether you have sex or have children. Don’t be fooled by those anxious merchants. Using things blindly will harm your body.

In fact, after working in this industry for so long, my biggest feeling is that many girls have gynecological problems. Half of them are really unwell, and the other half are frightened by random rumors. There is really nothing to be ashamed of in a gynecological examination. It is just like going to the respiratory department when you have a cold or the gastroenterology department when you have a stomachache. It is just a minor problem with an ordinary body part. Don't label yourself as "dirty". Pay more attention to your physical condition and go to a doctor from a regular hospital if you have any questions. It is 10,000 times more reliable than searching Baidu, asking netizens, and buying random products.