ABU DHABI // A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet are as important as regular medical check-ups in preventing gynaecological diseases, experts say.
“Avoid foods that have high calories. Eat a healthy balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and fatty food,” said Dr Bashar Abdo, a specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician at Al Noor Hospital. “It is very important for foods to be rich in fibre, and try to avoid juices, fizzy drinks and pastries.”
It is also important to check for immunity against rubella, especially for girls aged between nine and 14. They should also check for blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.
Women should undergo annual or biannual medical check-ups for their breasts and abdomen, said Dr Gowri Ramanathan, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the soon-to-open Danat Al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital.
“An ultrasound of the pelvis is then performed to visualise the uterus, cervix and ovaries,” she said. “A wide range of gynaecological specific tests can be carried out when required, such as blood tests for hormonal studies, urine tests, cervical swabs and a pap smear.”
Dr Fady Hachem, an obstetrics and gynaecology consultant at Burjeel Hospital, said it was important for schools to make girls aware that they would require medical check-ups as they became older.
Dr Hachem said visiting a gynaecologist remained a taboo for most Arabs or Emiratis in the UAE, adding that there was a lack of awareness about the need for medical exams.
But vaccinations for the human papillomavirus that were now being provided in schools were helping to raise awareness among younger women, he said.
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