Don't hesitate visiting OB/GYN specialists

By Yoon Ja-young

Women know that gynecologists are there to help them regarding their female health. But many Korean women, especially those who are single, still hesitate to visit the clinic due to the conservative culture in Korea. The Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Korean Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists thus started a campaign to encourage them to visit.

Under the “Tok, Talk Campaign,” which stands for the knocking sound on the clinic doors and talking with the doctor, young females under 30 who have never visited a gynecologist's clinic will get free counseling for their first visit. They should fill in an application on the Website, www.toktalkcampaign.com, and can also get information on female health and contraception.

“Due to conservative attitudes on visiting a gynecologist clinic, many women still find it difficult to get counseling at the clinic,” said Chung Ho-jin, vice president of the Korean Association of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. According to a survey on 1,504 Korean females aged between 15 and 45, one out of three have never visited gynecologists. When asked why, 18 percent said they were “ashamed” and 11 percent said they don't think it’s necessary.

As they shun gynecologists, however, they have a poor understanding of female health issues including contraception. Regarding hypermenorrhea, or abnormally heavy menstruation, for instance, half of the respondents regarded the symptom normal while gynecologists warn that it might have to do with hormonal problems or other troubles in the womb, leading to anemia.

“Gynecologists are there to help females manage their health from menarche to after menopause, through almost whole their life. Especially, young females should regularly consult gynecologists to know the contraception method that suits them for planned pregnancy and examine symptoms related with menstruation,” Chung said.