​Patricia Mokoena
In observing the International Gynaecological Health Day, Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Bandile Masuku spent the morning at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's Gynaenacological ward, to fulfill his commitment of spending one day a month performing unpaid clinical work.
International Gynaecological Health Day is aimed at raising awareness and educating women about gynaecological and sexual health issues that may affect them as well as to continue to share knowledge and experiences with the community in an effort to remove cultural and sexual taboos.
Speaking at the hospital which sees 3000 gynae patients per month, MEC Masuku said: "Younger people need to be encouraged to train as gynaelocologists as the country needs more specialists in the Obstetrics and gynaecological field."
He encouraged women to undergo regular tests such annual pap smear procedure; not stay long with uncomfortable symptoms such as excessive bleeding and any other discomfort that they might have.
"Women should seek medical attention at their nearest health care facilities whenever they suspect something is wrong.  Early diagnosis and treatment is best," he added.
Emphasising early diagnosis and treatment, Sister Dorothy Mokoena, a Professional Nurse in the Gynaecology unit at Leratong hospital said that in most cases, women present at their unit with severe and complicated conditions.
"Women should learn to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention as soon as they feel persisting discomfort in their bodies.  Some of the signs and symptoms include bleeding between menstrual cycle, frequent urgent need to urinate or burning sensation during urinating, abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after intercourse, pain or pressure in the pelvis, itching, swelling, redness, burning of the vaginal area as well as vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell or unusual colour," said Sr Mokoena.
Advising women about general vaginal hygiene, Sr Mokoena said: "General ways of keeping your vagina free from infections and fresh include non-usage of soaps and just plain water when bathing. The vagina has a way of cleaning itself so applying of creams or any other substances in the vagina is not recommended at all to avoid auto infection."