Russians will begin to evaluate the reproductive health of Russians from the age of six

Evaluation of the reproductive health of minors will be held at the age of six, said Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko: boys will inspect andrologists, gynecologists. New rules will enter into force on September 1, 2025. The “Kommersant” surveyed doctors consider this the right step: an early examination will prevent infertility. However, the implementation of the state program may encounter problems, since in Russia there are not enough children’s gynecologists and andrologists.

On Friday, May 30, the head of the Ministry of Health, Mikhail Murashko, announced that all children at the age of six will undergo an initial inspection with an obstetrician-gynecologist or a urologist-endrologist. And from the age of 13, adolescents will begin regular examinations of these specialists. According to the current rules, urologists and gynecologists participated in the medical examination of minors from only 14 years old. Changes are described in the ministry order “On the approval of the procedure for minors of preventive medical examinations”, he will enter into force on September 1, 2025.

The obstetrician-gynecologist, Expert WHO Lyubov Erofeev recalls that doctors for the first time examine the child after birth. Already at this stage, various anatomical features can be found – for example, hermaphroditism. But by the age of six other development abnormalities are also manifested, therefore, an early examination will have time to make correction, plastic or prescribe treatment.

“Boys have such control very important up to six years old, because mother sometimes does not notice the ovice omitted in the scrotum. Only a doctor can indicate this and then correct the reproductive health of the future man. If you do this later, then the risk of infertility is high, ”says Ms. Erofeeva.“ In addition, in childhood there is always a risk of infectious diseases. ” It is very important for boys to know what danger the infectious mumps, a banal pig pose. It can proceed very easily, but at the same time have a negative impact on the reproductive apparatus, it is on the function of the testicles, which will also lead to infertility. Girls are still less obvious, so only an examination of the doctor will identify problems. ”

Obstetrician-gynecologist Alexei Chernikov draws attention to the common problems of a modern lifestyle: reducing motor activity, stressful factors, violation of food behavior, lack of time for raising children, the widespread use of antibiotics.

“All this affects health: we get underdevelopment of muscle tissue, changes in the musculoskeletal system, excess body weight, deficiency of vitamins and trace elements, reduction of immunity, resistance to antibacterial drugs. Everything is interconnected in the body, so any disease will lead to a violation of the function of other systems, ”says Mr. Chernikov. The reproductive system is a kind of litmus pipe of health of the population, he emphasizes, because only healthy people can have children. Therefore, the sooner doctors pay attention to the growing organism and begin to adjust the violations, the better the result will be, Mr. Chernikov is sure.

A decrease in the age of reproductive screening reflects a modern approach to children’s medicine, where the emphasis is shifted to the early detection of disorders, prevention and education, says the obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist Victoria Shustova.

“At the age of six, important stages of the formation of the reproductive system are held in a child. Despite the fact that puberty is still ahead, it is at this stage that hidden or congenital anomalies can be identified, ”she explains.“ Inspections are carried out as delicately, taking into account the psychological characteristics of age, in the atmosphere of safety and trust. It also allows the child to form a respectful attitude to his body and hygiene. ”

She welcomes the second inspection at the age of 13, because at this time the puberty period begins or is already actively. Inspections at this time allow you to control the pace of puberty, identify possible deviations and adjust them in a timely manner. “In addition, this is an opportunity for a doctor to make contact with a teenager, answer exciting questions, give recommendations on sexual education and prevention of sexually transmitted and respectful and respectful language,” says Mrs. Shustova.

The problem may arise with personnel: Love Erofeeva recalls that specialized specialists – children’s gynecologists and children’s urologists – now “worth its weight in gold”.

“On the other hand, the chief freelance gynecologist of children’s and youthful age, the Ministry of Health, Elena Uvarova, is engaged in the training, preparation and retraining of pediatricians to children’s gynecologists. In addition, the equipment of ultrasound apparatuses and endoscopic equipment in the country is quite high, we are here at a very good level. I hope this will contribute to the successful implementation of a new order, ”concludes Ms. Erofeeva.

The new order adds other medical examinations. Children’s vision will be checked at least twice – in one month and one year, with the obligatory conduct of ophthalmoscopy in the context of the extension of the pupil. At the age of one year and six years, children will be examined by Otolaryngologist with the study of the caused otoacoustic emission. In children from risk groups in the age of six and ten years, the level of cholesterol in the blood will explore, as well as determine body weight deviations. At the age of one and a half years, an additional screening will be held to identify the risk group or mental development; The neurologist will have to examine the children in this group.

Natalia Kostarova