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Answer: Dr. Ayako Shibata, obstetrician, and gynecologist
Table of contents
What is gynecology in the first place? Q. What kind of place is the gynecology department?
Q. What are the differences between gynecology and other departments, and what are the unique characteristics of gynecology?
When should I go to the gynecologist?
Q. At what age should/can I go to a gynecologist? What is the reason?
Q. What should I pay attention to when I first receive treatment?
Q. What should I bring with me when I go to see a gynecologist?
Q. What kind of symptoms should I see a gynecologist for?
What is gynecology in the first place?
Q. What kind of place is the gynecology department?
A. In the gynecology department, we perform tests for abnormalities in menstruation and vaginal discharge, prescription of low-dose pills, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and infertility. Please visit us if you want to have your menstrual symptoms, uterus, or ovaries checked.
Q. What are the differences between gynecology and other departments, and what are the unique characteristics of gynecology?
A. In the gynecology department, pelvic examination and a transvaginal ultrasound may be performed. Therefore, the examination will be easier if you wear shoes and clothes that are easy to take off.
You can have a pelvic examination and an examination during your period. However, cervical cancer tests may not give accurate results if there is blood in the test. You should undergo a cervical cancer examination when you are not on your period.
When should I go to the gynecologist?
Q. At what age should/can I go to a gynecologist? What is the reason?
A. You can visit a gynecologist at any age. If you have any problems with menstrual symptoms, contraception, or pregnancy, please consult a doctor at any time.
Cervical cancer screening is recommended every two years from the age of 20. Even if you have never seen a gynecologist before, please do so once you turn 20.
* If you are 20 years old and have never had sex, we may ask you to take a cervical cancer test after your first time having sex.
Q. What should I pay attention to when I first receive treatment?
A. For your first visit, you may need your health insurance card or identification card (such as a student ID card or driver's license) as we will prepare a medical record and a consultation ticket. If you are unsure about what to bring, please check the facility's website or call the facility before visiting.
Q. What should I bring with me when I go to see a gynecologist?
A. In addition to your insurance card and ID card, it would be helpful to bring a menstrual pad. A small amount of genital bleeding may occur during a vaginal examination or transvaginal ultrasound, so it is recommended that you bring a menstrual pad or a panty liner.
Q. What kind of symptoms should I see a gynecologist for?
A. You may have dysmenorrhea or premenstrual syndrome if you have severe menstrual pain or strong symptoms during or before menstruation.
In addition, when menstruation is irregular or has stopped for more than 3 months, we will check female hormones and ovaries at the obstetrics and gynecology department. If you have irregular bleeding (bleeding outside your period), we will test for sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer.
In addition, if you become pregnant or wish to be tested for infertility, please consult a gynecologist.
Supervisor profile
Dr. Shibata Ayako
An obstetrics and gynecology specialist, a perinatal maternal and fetal specialist at Yodogawa Christian Hospital
After graduating from Gunma University School of Medicine in 2011, he underwent initial training in Okinawa and has been in his current position since 2013. While conducting prenatal checkups and gynecological outpatient care, she is mainly active in disseminating information and holding seminars on women's health.
Publications: "Women's Emergency Outpatient Diagnosis Now" (Chugai Igakusha, 2017), "Obstetrics and Gynecology Pocket Guide" (Kinpodo, 2020). "Women's Medical Treatment Essence 100" (Nippon Medical News, 2021)