2023-08-03 08:40:28
After all the adventures Barbie goes through to become a human being and return to the real world, moviegoers leave her for a pivotal moment in the conclusion of the new film.
And this moment is not the start of an extraordinary career as an astronaut, or winning a Nobel Prize, but an appointment with a gynecologist.
In the film, American businesswoman Ruth Handler, who created the doll in real life, explains that Barbie has no end.
Instead, the movie ends with Barbie beginning to live the full human experience.
Why is the doctor’s visit important enough to be the final scene of the movie?
CNN medical analyst Dr. Lena Wen, MD, MD and visiting professor of health policy and management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, answers a few questions so you can understand why the final scene in Barbie is so important.
Are we paying enough attention to women’s reproductive health?
In terms of reproductive health, there is a lot we need to do, including investment in research and medical care.
Wayne explained that this applies not only to people in their childbearing years, but also to those who are going through menopause and need care during and following this stage.
How important is Barbie’s visit to the gynecologist?
This confirms that reproductive health is an integral part of public health.
“I hope this is one of the main takeaways from the scene, that every girl, every woman, every person with female genitalia should seek regular preventive care for their reproductive health,” Wen said.
What age should teens have their first appointment with a gynecologist?
Your first reproductive health visit should be scheduled between the ages of 13 and 15, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
It is considered a general preventative health visit, where the health care provider establishes a relationship of trust with the patient in an individual and confidential setting.
There will be an opportunity to discuss specific concerns, if any, and the patient’s medical history will be documented and a physical examination performed.
In general, an internal pelvic exam is not done unless there are specific symptoms, such as pelvic pain.
How often should you visit a gynecologist?
Wayne recommends yearly visits for check-ups and preventative care.
There may be more frequent visits when specific concerns arise. For example, women with heavy, irregular menstrual bleeding may need additional tests to find the cause.
What happens during these visits?
First, basic measurements are obtained, such as height, weight, blood pressure and heart rate. The doctor or nurse discusses the patient’s medical history, family history in terms of certain diseases, and the patient’s sexual and reproductive health history.
There will be a general physical examination. Internal examinations depend on age and symptoms reported.
In the event that there are no symptoms, you will not have to undergo any internal examinations, until the time for the Pap test, for cervical cancer.
How important are regular appointments?
Wayne added a personal note regarding the importance of regular appointments.
She said, “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in my late 20s during a routine Pap test… It was an early stage and the cancer was treated with surgery.”
And she continued, “I was lucky because I gave birth to two children following that .. Cancer checks save lives.”
What if it is difficult to make an appointment with a gynecologist? Can patients see another healthcare provider?
“Yes, but he should be comfortable handling all aspects of your reproductive health care,” Wayne said.
For example, Wayne sees a specialist in internal medicine, who is well versed in reproductive health care and cervical cancer, according to CNN.
Many family doctors and primary care providers will be well placed to take care of your reproductive health needs. However, some of them may not perform Pap smears themselves or have no experience with certain aspects of care.
What questions and topic areas should women ask during their visits?
It is important to ask all of your questions during your gynecologist visit. You can focus your questions on reproductive care.
Wayne stresses the need to feel comfortable when asking any question. That’s why your doctor is here, to help you stay healthy!
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