70% of Indian women face gynecological problems: Doctor shares 7 ways to protect your health

Gynecological problems are way more common than most people realise. Painful periods. Irregular cycles. PCOS. Fibroids. Endometriosis. Recurrent infections. For many women, these are not rare medical conditions. They are everyday struggles. And yet, they’re often brushed off as “normal.” Cramps are normal. Mood swings are normal. Heavy bleeding is normal. Somewhere along the way, discomfort became something women were expected to live with quietly.
But here’s the thing. Constant pain is not normal. Bleeding so heavy that you plan your life around it is not normal. Severe acne, sudden weight gain, hair loss, pelvic pain that makes you miss work or school, none of this should be dismissed.

Part of it is conditioning. Many girls grow up being told not to talk openly about periods or vaginal health. It feels embarrassing. Even shameful. Some women worry they won’t be taken seriously. And honestly, sometimes they aren’t. Symptoms get minimised. Pain gets downplayed. They’re told to “lose weight” or “reduce stress” without deeper evaluation.

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Access is another issue. Not everyone has easy access to a gynaecologist. In smaller towns and rural areas, facilities may be limited. Even in cities, busy schedules and family responsibilities push personal health to the bottom of the list.
There’s also fear. Fear of tests. Fear of a diagnosis. Fear of what treatment might involve.

“From adolescence to menopause, and even after, the female body is subject to various physiological changes, and each change poses its own set of requirements and challenges. However, it does not take rocket science to maintain good gynaecological health; it’s all about making the right choices. Unfortunately, in India, due to social stigma attached and poor awareness of preventive aspects within our population, sometimes potential issues are only recognized endemically,” says Dr.Akhila C, Consultant Gynaecologist, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru.

It is estimated that more than 70% of Indian women are affected by gynecological problems such as menstrual irregularities, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease at some point in their lives, as pointed out by Dr. Akhila C. Sadly, in many cases, these issues are left undiagnosed and untreated because awareness is limited and access to proper care is not always available.
When it comes to menstrual health, PCOS is seen as one of the most common concerns. It is reported in surveys that nearly 70% of women between 18 and 45 years of age are shown to have symptoms of PCOS or related menstrual disorders. Painful periods, irregular cycles, weight struggles, and hormonal imbalance are often experienced, but help is not always sought.

Cervical cancer, too, is considered a serious public health concern in India. It is ranked as the second-most common cancer among women, with thousands of new cases and deaths recorded every year. HPV vaccination is still not widely received, and regular screening is often not done. A lack of information continues to be seen in both rural and urban areas, and because of that, many women are left unprotected.
To clear confusion around gynaecological issues and to ensure overall well-being, Dr. Akhila suggests 7 preventive tips:

Menstruation is a vital sign for any woman. The periods should be regular, predictable, and preferably not painful and heavy. A certain amount of discomfort is normal during periods, but severe pain and periods that result in soaked pads every hour, large clots being passed, and bleeding for longer than seven days are not normal. Conditions such as anaemia, fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal upsets sometimes cause abnormal periods but can be treated effectively.
Good menstrual hygiene practice is equally important. Clean and safe menstrual materials should be chosen, and they must be changed at appropriate intervals. Reusable materials should be changed quickly to avoid any infection.

Vaginas are self-cleaning organs. Excessive hygiene may disrupt the vaginal flora necessary for a healthy vagina. In addition to that, there is an increased risk of vaginal infection. Cleaning the external genital areas with plain water or a mild cleanser is all that is necessary.
Severe itching, strong-smelling discharge, burning, or pain while urinating must not be ignored or self-medicated repeatedly. If vaginal infections come and go, it might be a symptom of diabetes or improper hygiene habits.

The food that women consume plays a critical role in their hormonal well-being. A diet that contains essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins, as well as fruits, vegetables, and fat, promotes regular menstrual cycles, fertility, and strong bones. Iron is, however, still one of the biggest dietary issues among women in India, causing issues like fatigue, hair loss, and heavy menstruation.
Furthermore, it is imperative to have a healthy weight. Being both overweight and underweight may lead to issues with ovulation, irregular menstrual periods, and a variety of disorders that include PCOS, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Engaging in exercises of a minimum of 30 minutes a day helps in stabilizing hormones and improving mental well-being.

Many women only see a gynecologist when they are pregnant, or only when their problem becomes severe. Regular check-ups can catch problems before they start, even before symptoms appear. Sexually active women should have regular screening for cervical cancer, a Pap smear/test, as advised by their doctor.
The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool to ward off cervical cancer. It must be given to adolescent girls and young women. The vaccine is safe and effective. It reduces the chances of cervical cancer during adulthood.
However, breast health must also be addressed. Women must be aware of their own breast structure and make any new lump or pain in the breast, discharge, or skin changes known.

Safe sex protects against sexually transmitted infections, most of which are silent yet can cause long-term complications such as infertility or chronic pelvic pain. It is essential and normal to have open discussions with healthcare providers about contraception, sexual discomfort, or libido concerns.
For women of childbearing age who desire to conceive, preconception counseling can help optimize health outcomes. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and anemia need to be optimized prior to pregnancy for the patient to have a healthier pregnancy.

Stress, anxiety, and inadequate sleep can significantly disrupt the regularity and balance of both menstrual and hormonal conditions. While modern lifestyles normalize chronic stress, it is very real in its impact on reproductive health. Regular exercise, mindfulness, quality sleep, and boundary setting in personal and professional life will go a long way in attending to mental and gynaecological health.

Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and bone loss. Women are expected to "just live" with these changes. However, with appropriate medical support and lifestyle modifications, the quality of life can be significantly enhanced. Post-menopausal bleeding is never normal.

“In conclusion, gynaecological health is not just the absence of disease, but awareness, prevention, and timely treatment. Tuning in to what a body is saying, letting go of the stigma, and getting advice when something is off can make a huge difference. Being healthy does not just put a woman in a better place to fulfill her life with family and work, but also to live life in all its terms,” urges Dr. Akhila C.