In the Armenian culture, many mothers do not take their young daughters to a gynecologist and a majority of the women do not see a gynecologist or GYN until they are married or pregnant.There are many fears and misconceptions that account for this issue, as many believe that the only time a GYN is needed is when the person in question is no longer a girl, but a woman. Withholding a visit to a GYN can lead to undetected diseases or health conditions which if left untreated or unattended to can lead to something as serious as cancer. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that young women have their first visit to the GYN between the ages of 13-15 or once sexually active, whichever comes first. Among other things, a Gynecological exam includes a breast exam which could help detect abnormal lumps in the breast, a pelvic exam which can detect problems associated with reproductive health, as well as a pap smear which could detect cervical cancer. A GYN visit can also detect an STD and can also provide a girl with an HPV vaccine to help prevent the Human Papilloma Virus which can lead to an array of cancers. The purpose of this website is to provide information to parents and girls that will assist in making knowledgeable decisions when it comes to their health.
For Daughters
For my daughter there will be
No shame in womanhood
Her body will not belong to culture or society
My daughter will not succumb to patriarchal binds
And decisions made with the woman in mind
Will actually have the woman in mind
For my daughter words like stigma, taboo, will bear no recognition
Her thoughts will not be muffled, nor her voice stifled
And a woman will no longer need permission
For my daughter there will be
No shame in womanhood
Her body will not belong to culture or society
My daughter will not succumb to patriarchal binds
And decisions made with the woman in mind
Will actually have the woman in mind
For my daughter words like stigma, taboo, will bear no recognition
Her thoughts will not be muffled, nor her voice stifled
And a woman will no longer need permission