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Getting married? Gynecologists share sexual health and wellness tips before starting your new phase!
Bridal Fashion and Beauty - Apr 29, 2024
Planning for your wedding is one of the most exciting periods in your life. However, as you count down to your big day, it is equally important to prepare for life after your wedding, an undeniable part of which is physical intimacy. From ensuring sexual hygiene and health to planning for kids, there is a lot to be discussed so you can be on the same page before stepping into your new life together.
To help you ask the right questions and get essential answers, we spoke to renowned gynecologists who shared their tips on ensuring optimal sexual wellness for you and your partner. Read on to know more.
Photo courtesy: Pexels
Dr. Manjula Anagani
Sexual health and expectations are an integral part of any marriage. What are the things you must discuss with your partner before tying the knot?
“While often sensitive, discussions about sexual health and reproductive expectations before marriage are crucial, as your choices in these aspects are bound to affect both your lives. Sexual history, current medical concerns, future kids, etc, are just a few of the important topics to touch base upon. It is always a good idea to visit trained medical professionals like Gynecologists for pre-marital counseling and guidance and educate yourselves about sexual wellness and reproductive health.”
What tests and precautions would you advise for to-be-weds to ensure good sexual hygiene, health, and experiences?
“Often dormant for years, sexually transmitted diseases like HPV must be checked for as, if found, both partners must receive proper treatment to safeguard your health and any plans of pregnancy. Also, while modern medicine has allowed us to manage a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, there is no denying that prevention is always better than cure.
To best equip yourself with all the relevant information, it is essential to get yourself screened with a physical examination by your Gynecologist, regular pap smears, swabs for cultures, and scrapings in case of any lesions. If there are no immediate plans for pregnancy, it is also prudent to get yourself vaccinated for safety against HPV and Cervical Cancer.”
What do I need to know about HPV and Cervical Cancer? What steps do I need to take to prevent and plan for the same?
“HPV or the Human Papillomavirus is the most common infection caused by skin-on skin or sexual contact. Largely dormant in most people, it exists with over 100 strains, most of which don’t show symptoms and go away by themselves with good immunity and lifestyle. However, some manifest in warts on different parts of the body, while the repeated recurrence of a few other strains can lead to certain types of cancers including Cervical cancer, which is the second-most common type among women.
While several lifestyle and health choices can help boost your immunity to prevent and manage HPV, getting vaccinated is always the best course of action, followed by regular checks to stay on top of it!”
What is the HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine and why is it essential to get one? Is there any age or time limit to get it and how long does the vaccine keep me safe? Lastly, what effects can vaccines have on my future reproductive plans?
“HPV vaccines help you develop antibodies to boost your immunity against several types of HPV and HPV-related cancers and reduce your risk by up to 80-90%. When teamed with regular screenings, it is also known to reduce lifetime cervical cancer risks by 63%, making it essential for all women to get it to ensure a healthy life.
It is believed most people contract and live with some form of HPV at some point in their life, which their immune system keeps at bay and sheds on its own. Most global and Indian medical bodies such as WHO, CDC, FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India), etc, for kids above the age of 9 to avoid contracting any strain of HPV in the future. Early vaccination increases the protection and hence it is essential to get HPV Vaccines as soon as possible, no matter the age.
Finally, HPV vaccines do not affect fertility, and help keep you safe from certain strains of HPV that can affect your reproductive system. Getting vaccinated before or soon after your wedding is a good idea if you aren’t planning for kids right away, but you can also choose to do it after giving birth, as it isn’t administered during pregnancy.”
What checks do I need to get in the future, and how often do I need them?
“The use of just contraceptives does not guarantee an HPV-free life, which makes proactive steps like vaccinations essential to avoid future infections. To always be in control of your health, ensure six-monthly body check-ups that include blood panels and physical screenings, as well as annual pap smears. Most importantly, always pay attention to what your body says, and get professional help when needed without delay!”
Disclaimer: “Issued in public interest in partnership with MSD Pharmaceuticals. This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information.”
