8 Things That A Gynaecologist Wants You To Know On International Women’s Day

Dr. Ido Sirota shares vital women’s health insights on International Women’s Day, advocating for regular screenings and a better understanding of our gynaecological health

When it comes to women’s health, there’s a lot that goes unsaid. From the silent struggles of endometriosis to the complexities of infertility, many conditions remain underdiagnosed if you aren’t receiving expert advice. “Every woman deserves to understand her body better and receive expert care,” says Dr. Ido Sirota, a leading gynaecologist and advocate for women’s health in Dubai, New York and Tel Aviv.

Drawing from his extensive experience in patient care over the last 20 years, his podcast series, public talks, and all-round advocacy for women’s health, Dr. Ido shares key insights that only an experienced gynaecologist can provide—crucial knowledge that can help women take charge of their health and well-being with confidence.

Menstruation Isn’t Supposed to Be Debilitating

“Many women grow up believing that awful pain during menstruation is just a part of life. While mild cramping is normal, severe pain that prevents you from working, exercising, or socialising is not,” explains Dr. Ido. Unsure what counts as severe pain? Take a look at how you’re managing the discomfort. “If you are taking strong painkillers every month, experiencing nausea, vomiting, or feeling like you are passing out from the pain, these could be signs of an underlying condition like endometriosis or adenomyosis,” explains Dr. Ido. “Pain that worsens over time, rather than improving with age, is especially concerning. A gynaecologist can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and offer solutions like hormonal therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or laparoscopic surgery if needed.” Remember – as with most aspects of women’s health – early intervention will avoid long-term complications and chronic pain, so don’t delay in getting checked out.

Infertility Can Strike At Any Age

“Many women are being told that fertility declines sharply after they turn 35, but it’s more nuanced than that,” says Dr. Ido. “Factors like egg quality, ovulation patterns, reproductive health conditions (such as endometriosis or PCOS), lifestyle, and hormonal balance all play a role.” Irregular cycles, debilitating periods or a history of miscarriages can indicate fertility issues whatever your age, and fertility awareness is important regardless of whether you plan to start a family, as it is a key factor in your overall reproductive health. So how can we get a better understanding of our fertility? “A gynaecologist can assess your ovarian reserve through AMH (anti-müllerian hormone) testing and internal ultrasound, giving you better visibility on your egg supply,” he explains. When it comes to fertility problems, knowledge is power.

Your Pelvic Floor Matters

Do you know what your pelvic floor is? Be honest – many women don’t find out until they experience pelvic floor problems. “The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, which can be weakened by stressors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, heavy lifting, obesity, chronic constipation, and high-impact workouts,” explains Dr. Ido. Weakening of these muscles can cause some unpleasant results, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction, and key symptoms include leaking urine when coughing or exercising, pressure in the pelvic area, and even pain during intercourse. “A gynaecologist can assess the strength of these muscles and recommend pelvic floor physiotherapy, biofeedback therapy, or, in severe cases, surgical repair,” he adds. As a woman, it’s important to exercise regularly to maintain your overall health, but your pelvic floor muscles need frequent work-outs too.

Perimenopause Can Start Earlier Than You Think

“Many women assume menopause begins in their 50s, but perimenopause – the transition phase – can start in your late 30s or early 40s,” says Dr. Ido. What are the symptoms we should be looking out for? “Irregular periods, mood swings, night sweats, brain fog, low libido, and unexplained anxiety may not just be stress or lifestyle-related – they could be early signs of hormonal changes,” he explains. This transition can last several years, with major impact on your heart, bone and metabolic health, so it’s important to consult your doctor if you think your hormones may be sliding towards menopause. Don’t lose hope; treatment, lifestyle modifications and nutritional support can help you feel your best during this transition.

Regular Screenings Can Save Lives

With gynaecological health, there is one fundamental truth – regular screenings can detect diseases before symptoms appear. “A Pap smear and HPV (human papillomavirus) test can detect precancerous cervical changes early, making cervical cancer one of the most preventable cancers, while breast exams, ultrasounds, and mammograms help catch abnormalities in the breast before they become serious, explains Dr Ido. While many women shirk screenings out of discomfort or anxiety, a screening schedule based on your age, risk factors, and medical history can detect significant ovarian and uterine conditions like fibroids, cysts, and even cancer. A routine trans-vaginal ultrasound can make the difference between simple treatment, and a life-threatening illness.

Pelvic Pain Isn’t Normal

“If you experience persistent pelvic pain, whether it occurs during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, or randomly throughout the month – it’s not something to ignore,” says Dr. Ido. “Chronic pelvic pain can be a sign of gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), fibroids, ovarian cysts, or even nerve damage.” Ever reported feeling significant pain, only to be dismissed? It’s a common plight. “Unfortunately, many women are told their pain is ‘just stress’ or ‘part of being a woman,'” says Dr. Ido, who urges women to compel their doctor to help determine the cause via pelvic exams, ultrasounds and MRI. From hormonal therapies and pelvic floor physiotherapy, to pain management and surgical interventions, there are options that can help improve your quality of life. Whatever you do, don’t shut up and put up.

PCOS Is More Than Just Irregular Periods

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition that affects up to 10% of women. While irregular cycles are a common symptom, PCOS can also cause acne, excessive hair growth, hair thinning, weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease,” explains Dr. Ido. “It’s not just a reproductive disorder – it impacts metabolism and long-term health.” Once more, the trick is to consult the experts early, as the sooner PCOS is diagnosed, the better it can be managed with changes in lifestyle, medications (such as metformin or birth control) and dietary strategies, which can all help balance your hormones.

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Are Often Underdiagnosed

“Many women endure many years of pain before receiving the diagnosis of endometriosis or adenomyosis,” says Dr. Ido. “These elusive conditions cause intense chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, and even bowel or bladder issues.” While these symptoms can be mistaken for IBS or normal period pain, your gynaecologist will be able to advise on whether there is more going on – early diagnosis can improve both your quality of life and long term fertility.

For more information on women’s health, follow Dr. Ido Sirota on Instagram.

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@totalgymdirect