3 reasons to continue gynecological follow-up after 60

Evelyne Daniellot, midwife, will participate on Wednesday November 6 in the Health Prevention Forum “aging well after sixty” organized by the multi-professional health center (MSP) of Solliès-Pont.

She provides three good reasons to continue regular gynecological monitoring after age 60.

1. Avoid cancers

Breast, endometrial and vulvar cancer become more common after menopause. “Screening for cervical cancer by smear is recommended up to the age of 65 and women are invited to participate in organized breast cancer screening every two years between the ages of 50 and 74.”

Regarding endometrial cancer“certain clinical signs, such as bleeding after menopause or tissue atrophy, which can be detected on ultrasound, should be a warning. It is then essential to refer the patient to a gynecologist.”

You also have to worry “growths or abnormalities on the surface of the mucous membrane that may be symptoms of vulvar cancer”.

2. Treat post-menopausal genitourinary syndrome

This syndrome combines urinary discomfort and vaginal dryness, with repercussions on sexual life. “Treatments exist, underlines the midwife. We can also offer perineal rehabilitation for problems with urinary leakage or after a prolapse.”

Manual or with a probe, perineal rehabilitation, prescribed by the doctor, requires between ten and twenty sessions.

3. Manage the effects of menopause

“Menopause treatments have been demonized, notes Évelyne Daniellot. However, the symptoms are not limited to hot flashes and they can be invasive. Genital atrophy, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness: in certain cases, treatment is necessary but it must be initiated by the gynecologist within the year following the cessation of periods. “