Many
middle-aged and elderly women have misconceptions about their health after
menopause: they believe that since menstruation has stopped and there is no
need for childbearing, their reproductive system has "retired" and
there is no need for gynecological examinations.
Director Cao Aie, a gynecological expert from Hainan Chengmei Hospital, reminds that menopause is not the end of gynecological screening. Regular gynecological examinations should not be stopped, but rather serve as the most crucial line of defense for health in later years. Do not give up screening based on subjective feelings.
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01 Stopping gynecological examinations after menopause is a fatal misconception among the public
Director Cao Aie stated that clinical data showed that over 70% of postmenopausal women aged 50 and above had given up annual gynecological screenings. The main misconceptions can be divided into three categories:
After menopause, the uterus and ovaries lose their reproductive function and are not prone to diseases;
If there is no discomfort such as pain or abnormal bleeding, no examination is necessary;
Due to concerns about losing face and fearing inconvenience, they deliberately avoid gynecological examinations.
Director Cao Aie explained that menopause merely signifies the decline and cessation of ovarian function, and the termination of reproductive function. However, reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries still pose risks of disease. Post-menopausal tumors, endometrial lesions, and early-stage senile inflammation often present no symptoms, making it impossible to self-diagnose solely based on physical sensations. This is also the core reason for the high incidence of severe gynecological diseases among middle-aged and elderly women.
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02 Postmenopausal women: Three types of gynecological risks are quietly soaring
Director Cao Aie warns that discontinuing gynecological examinations after menopause will expose individuals to three major high-risk gynecological health issues.
The first is occult gynecological malignancies. Director Cao Aie pointed out that postmenopausal women aged 50-65 are at high risk of developing cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. Among these, early-stage endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer often present no obvious symptoms and can only be detected through imaging and tumor marker screening. By the time most patients present with abnormal secretions and severe lower abdominal pain, the disease has progressed to the middle or late stages, significantly increasing the difficulty of treatment and the cost of recovery.
The second is menopausal-specific gynecological inflammation. A sharp decrease in estrogen can lead to vaginal mucosal atrophy and reduced resistance. The hot and humid climate in Hainan accelerates the growth of harmful bacteria, making women prone to vaginitis, especially senile vaginitis. Many women attribute their discomfort to normal aging and refrain from seeking treatment.
The third issue concerns the malignant transformation of old lesions and pelvic floor damage. Many women who have previously suffered from uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometrial polyps mistakenly believe that the lesions will shrink spontaneously after menopause. However, in reality, some lesions may continue to proliferate and even undergo malignant transformation. At the same time, pelvic floor relaxation can easily lead to uterine prolapse, vaginal wall bulging, urinary incontinence, etc., seriously affecting quality of life and normal social interactions. Additionally, overdue retention of an intrauterine device (IUD) without timely removal after menopause can cause severe complications such as IUD incarceration or even perforation, damaging the adjacent rectum and bladder. These issues require medical examination, screening, and intervention.
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03 Exclusive screening program for postmenopausal women, worry-free and suitable for middle-aged and elderly people
Taking into account the medical habits and physical conditions of middle-aged and elderly women, Director Cao Aie has provided a lightweight and customized screening plan, emphasizing the need for regular screenings even in asymptomatic individuals.
Clear screening frequency: For ordinary postmenopausal women without underlying gynecological diseases or chronic conditions, a full set of screenings every 1-2 years is sufficient; for those with a history of cervical disease, uterine fibroids, diabetes, or a family history of cancer, annual follow-up is recommended.
Designate core items that must be checked:
Gynecological combined ultrasound examination is conducted to assess endometrial thickness, pelvic masses, and organ prolapse. For postmenopausal women, the endometrial thickness should be kept within 4mm;
Combined screening with TCT and HPV for the prevention and control of cervical lesions;
Routine vaginal discharge examination and pelvic floor function assessment, targeted improvement of senile inflammation and pelvic floor issues; additional gynecological tumor marker screening for high-risk groups.
Director Cao Aie reminded that gynecological examinations are not exclusive to women of childbearing age, and postmenopausal screenings are even more crucial as a health barrier for elderly women. She urged children to pay more attention to their mothers' reproductive health, dispel outdated health misconceptions, accompany their mothers for regular physical examinations, and achieve early screening and intervention to safeguard their physical health and quality of life in their later years.
Expert Introduction
Cao Aie, Chief Physician
Gynecology Department Director of Hainan Cancer Hospital
Medical expertise
She specializes in surgical treatment of benign and malignant gynecological tumors such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and intrauterine adhesions. She has extensive experience in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy for gynecological malignancies such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and vulvar cancer. She has completed over 10,000 cases of open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopic surgery, vaginal surgery, and other minimally invasive surgeries.