Gynecologists stand guard over women’s health, and this is the beginning of a healthy nation. July 15 is the All-Russian Gynecologist’s Day.

A gynecologist is a doctor who is engaged in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female genital area, taking into account the woman’s age and her individual characteristics. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of these specialists, because the life and health of mother and child often depends on their experience, knowledge and skills. A special role is assigned to obstetricians-gynecologists, who help women to become mothers, being nearby at the most important moment – the moment of birth of a new person.

In addition to professional qualities, an obstetrician-gynecologist must be responsive, patient and kind, able to compassion and empathize. The main functions of the doctor are the acceptance of patients and childbirth management, psychological support of pregnant women and their preparation for childbirth. Not only physical, but also the psychological health of a mother and child depends on the people of this profession, and therefore the entire future generation.

Oksana Yurievna Ivanova, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of KSMU, Doctor of Medical Sciences, talks about the peculiarities of modern gynecology:

– The steady decrease in the population of Russia is becoming today’s realities. According to the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, the population size is 145 million people. The birth rate in our country is 1.7-1.4, which is clearly not enough even to maintain a stable population. Kursk region is no exception. The number of births in our region is decreasing by about 300 newborns annually. In addition, medical reasons contribute to the decline in fertility.

The role of obstetricians and gynecologists is to preserve the reproductive potential of the country. First of all, this is the popularization of preventive examinations by obstetricians-gynecologists for the early detection of the reproductive system diseases and their timely treatment. At the stage of preparation for pregnancy – the identification of risk groups for the development of gestation complications and competent preparation for pregnancy, lifestyle modification (cessation of smoking and alcohol, normalization of eating behavior), diagnosis of inflammatory and sexually transmitted infections and their treatment. The role of micronutrient support is important: for example, taking 400 mg of folic acid 4 months before pregnancy and during the laying of organs and systems (the first three months of pregnancy) can prevent malformations of the neural tube and the cardiovascular system of the fetus. I especially want to emphasize the importance of vaccination against the new coronavirus infection at the pregravid stage, which will help to avoid fetal malformations and pregnancy losses.

We must not forget about women of elegant age – annual visits to a gynecologist with a planned assessment of the state of the female genital area (ultrasound diagnostics, mammography, cytological examination of the cervix) are important here. Timely appointment of menopausal hormone therapy can not only preserve the youth and beauty of a woman, but also delay the development of diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular pathology, bowel cancer, as well as dementia.

Therefore, in this difficult time for everyone, I wish all my colleagues, first of all, health, strength and patience in hard work.

Happy holiday!