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Go to the gynecologist

Proposed by Comité de la Démarche Accessible Updated on il y a un an

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women's health. He or she deals with health problems related to:

  • The menstruations, i.e. periods
  • Sexuality
  • Pregnancy
  • Diseases of the female organs, such as breast cancer
  • Female genital mutilation (excision).
Midwives, who specialize in women's health (including pregnancy monitoring), can also be consulted instead of a gynecologist. Some general practitioners also specialize in gynecology.
You can choose to make an appointment with a female gynecologist if that makes you feel more comfortable.

There is no minimum age for a first gynecological consultation: you can make an appointment even if you are a minor (under 18).

It is urgent to consult in case of problems:
- loss of an unusual color ,
- severe pain in the lower abdomen,
- itching,
- unusual bleeding during or outside of periods…

How to do it?

To see a gynecologist, you can make an appointment on Doctolib.

Read: the Réfugiés.info file "Make an appointment on Doctolib"

Gynecologist appointments are reimbursed 70% by Social Security. To be reimbursed, you must bring your Vitale card to the appointment, and your mutual insurance coverage company if you have one.

If you are under 18 (a minor), you do not have to be accompanied by your parents to go to a gynecologist.
Your parents will not be informed of your medical visit; this remains "confidential."

You can also make an appointment at a Family Planning Center. Consultations are free for minors.

A gynecologist appointment is primarily a discussion. It's a time to ask any questions you may have about your body or sexuality, or to discuss any health issues you may have.

The gynecologist may then perform a medical examination. This examination is used to check whether you are in good health or to screen for certain diseases.

There is not always an exam: it depends on your age, your situation and your needs.
The gynecologist always explains what they are doing before starting.
You can say yes or no. You have the right to refuse an exam.

Breast examination

  • Often from the age of 25 on, the gynecologist looks at and palpates (gently touches) your breasts and armpits.
  • This is done first sitting, then lying on a table.
  • This allows you to feel if there is a lump or a bump.

Gynecological examination

  • This test is offered after the start of your sexual life, only if necessary.
  • You need to lie on a table and put your feet on a special support.
  • The gynecologist may use a speculum (a small instrument that gently opens the vagina) to see inside.
  • With the speculum, the doctor can take a smear.

The smear

  • It is a sample of a few cells from the entrance to the uterus with a small cotton swab.
  • This is to check whether the cells are normal.
  • The smear test is used to screen for cervical cancer (cancer is a serious disease, but it is easily treated if diagnosed early)
  • The first smear test is offered from the age of 25 (not necessary if you have never had sexual intercourse).
  • If the result is normal, it is recommended to repeat a smear test every 5 years.

What happens next?

Even if you don't have any particular problems, it is important to go to the gynecologist regularly for screening for uterine and breast cancers. This depends on your age:

  • From the age of 25, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist every year. This allows you to check that you do not have cervical cancer.
  • From the age of 50, it is recommended to have a mammogram every 2 years . This is a medical examination of the breasts, to check that you do not have breast cancer . To have a mammogram, you must make an appointment at a radiology center. A radiologist will perform the examination.

If you feel you have been given bad advice or that no one has taken the time to listen to you, you have the right to change health professionals.

It is important to find a gynecologist you are comfortable with.

Do not hesitate to ask for advice from people around you (general practitioner, friends, etc.) to get the address of another health professional.

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