Let’s be real—how many of us actually go to the gynecologist regularly?
If your answer is “Err… never?” or “Only when something feels wrong,” then, girl, we need to talk!!
I recently went for a check-up, partly because, well…I’m getting older (yeah, reality check! 😅) and also, because I just wanted to be sure everything was okay. Now, I won’t go into too much detail, but what I found out during my visit made me realize just how important these check-ups are—especially for women in their 30s, married or not, sexually active or not.
The Wake-Up Call I Didn’t See Coming
During my appointment, the doctor did a scan and found cysts on my ovaries. The first thing she asked me was,
“Do you eat a lot of fast food?”
And I just laughed nervously and said, “Yeah, I used to.”
She gave me that look (you know the one) and warned me that my ovary is giving me a warning—if I’m not careful with my diet, I might have to rely on medication.
Now, I’ve always known that processed foods aren’t great for us, but hearing it directly from a doctor—while staring at cysts on the screen—was a whole different experience. Suddenly, all those late-night fast food runs didn’t seem worth it.
I also got a more detailed check-up because, honestly? I was scared. Now that I’m in my mid-30s—even though I’m not married yet—I knew it was time to take my reproductive health seriously. It turns out I do have an issue (that I’m currently treating), and I’m SO glad I found out early rather than later. Other than that, she told me she was happy with my results. I just need to have a regular check-up every 6 months.
So, Why Are So Many Malaysian Women Avoiding Gynecologists?
Here’s the thing—I realized that many Malaysian women, especially Malay women, tend to avoid seeing a gynecologist. And I get it. There are so many reasons we put it off:
❌ Shyness: “Malu lah nak pergi.” (Too shy to go.)
❌ Fear: “What if they find something bad?”
❌ Misconceptions: “I’m not married yet, so I don’t need to go.”
But let me tell you—there is NOTHING to be ashamed of and NOTHING to be afraid of. Your health is more important than a moment of awkwardness. Trust me, gynecologists have seen it ALL. You are NOT their first patient, and you won’t be their last. They are there to help, not to judge.
Why Regular Check-Ups Are a MUST (Not a Maybe!)
Women should see a gynecologist regularly, ideally annually, for routine check-ups and preventative care, starting around age 16 or when sexually active. These visits help address reproductive health concerns and ensure overall well-being. Even if you feel perfectly fine, regular check-ups can detect hidden issues before they become serious.
Here’s why you need to make that gyno appointment ASAP:
✅ Early Detection Saves Lives – Many conditions like ovarian cysts, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and even cervical cancer have little to NO symptoms at first. Catching them early = easier treatment.
✅ Your Period Isn’t Supposed to Be a Nightmare – If you have severe cramps, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding, don’t ignore it. These can be signs of underlying issues.
✅ Hormonal Health Matters – If you’re feeling extra moody, tired, or dealing with unexplained weight gain/loss, your hormones could be out of balance. A gynecologist can help.
✅ Peace of Mind – Knowing you’re healthy = less stress, less worry, and more confidence in your body.
It’s 2025—Let’s Break the Stigma!
For far too long, women’s health has been a taboo topic in our culture. But it’s time to change that. There is nothing shameful about taking care of your body. If we can go for facials, massages, and hair treatments, why are we so scared of a simple health check-up that could save our lives?
So, ladies, book that appointment. Bring a friend if you need moral support, but just go. Even if you feel perfectly fine, make it a habit to check in with your health. Because prevention is always better than cure.
You deserve to feel good. You deserve to be healthy. And you deserve to take charge of your own body.
Let’s normalize women’s health check-ups. Your health isn’t a luxury—it’s a priority.
No more fear. No more excuses. Just self-care. 💖
P/S: If you’d like to know which gynecologist I’m seeing, feel free to email me! It’s a really good one—because Hani only picks the best! 😋 XOXO.