Why doctors think women should have regular ultrasound scans

Menstrual pain, ideal age for conception, periodic ultrasound scans, pap smears and breast examinations were some of the issues addressed by a group of doctors who discussed women’s health issues and offered workable solutions.

The panel of experts heard women of all ages and backgrounds share health concerns at an event organised by DH-PV and Manipal Hospitals to mark International Women’s Day.

Dr Hemanandini Jayaraman from the Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics at Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, suggested that swimming, yoga and exercise helps in easing period pain.

“Anxious mothers walking in with young girls aged nine getting their first period is common these days. Among our challenges are to make a child as young as that understand what is happening with her body,” she said.

Speaking on reproduction, Dr Arthi Rama Rao, an IVF specialist with Manipal Whitefield, said oocyte (immature egg) freezing has become the current trend. “If there is a medically indicated reason like a woman’s mother having reached early menopause, they have a reason to check their fertility potential and freeze their eggs to conceive at a later stage,” she said.

Dr Gayathri Karthik, HOD, Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, stressed on women getting periodic ultrasound scans, pap smears and breast examinations.

“Early detection of cancers affecting the cervix paves the way for better chances of treatment,” she said.

Weighing in on the ideal conception age, Dr Meena Muthaiah from Manipal Jayanagar said women should try conceiving between 25 and 35 years.

“There is a risk of mothers developing BP in later-age pregnancies,” she said, warning that the offspring of such mothers could have Down’s Syndrome or mental retardation.

BJP state spokesperson Malavika Avinash said postponing childbirth may not be wise.

“Finish responsibilities early in life,” she said, adding that parents may not have the energy to cater to children, especially those with special needs.