Gynaecological prophylaxis
Every woman who is 16 years of age or older, has begun menstruation, or has sexual intercourse should be examined regularly for diseases of the reproductive system, at least once a year. A gynecological consultation includes an extensive diagnostic workup, including a history of the patient’s health, past illnesses, lifestyle, nutrition, stimulants, and genetic burden, especially cancers in women in the family. It is advisable to choose an examination date that, without writing it down in a notebook, will allow the patient to remember when to sign up for another visit after a year – in the case of prevention. It can be the month of a birthday, a vacation, the period before a vacation, the month of some important date. This will make it easier to remember preventive health care.
Gynaecological prophylaxis is the cornerstone of a woman’s health. For many of them, gynecological examination is embarrassing, shameful. For this reason, in our clinic we focus on the mental comfort of patients. We take care of full comfort, both during the conversation and the examination. The basic one is a manual vaginal and breast examination, which can be expanded if necessary with further examinations. The most common is an ultrasound of the genital tract, which the doctor performs vaginally or through the abdominal shell, the latter especially during the patient’s pregnancy. By far the most important gynecological examination is cytology, which should be performed regularly once a year – this is the taking of a smear of cellular material from the cervix and examining it under a microscope. If the result is abnormal, the gynecologist will recommend colposcopy, which, using an optical apparatus called a colposcope, will verify the results of the cytological examination. If there is any doubt during the breast examination, the doctor will order an ultrasound, or mammography. If the results are worrisome, a biopsy – that is, taking a slice to determine the type of lesion and its nature – will be performed.
Gynaecological prophylaxis – Examination
A gynecological examination includes both external and internal female reproductive organs – the labia minor and major, clitoris, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and breasts. The first stage is a fairly detailed interview with the patient, i.e. a medical history of her health, nutrition, both physical and sexual activity. The second stage is an examination in the gynecological chair – first the gynecologist assesses the condition of the external organs, and then with the help of a speculum views the cervical orifice. This is followed by a manual examination to assess the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Finally, the patient’s breasts are examined. If the visit is combined with a cytology procedure, a smear of cellular material from the disc and cervix is taken at the time of the manual examination. If the doctor notices any worrisome symptoms during the examination, he will recommend detailed tests, such as an ultrasound.
An alternative to traditional testing
What about the situation when a patient who has not yet started her sex life and is a virgin comes to the doctor’s office? Should she be afraid of such an examination? Or should she postpone it until later? Absolutely in such a situation there is no reason for concern. First of all, the doctor should be informed about it. He will then use a speculum of smaller size, or dispense with this element of the examination at all, or conduct it through the anus. This is possible due to the direct proximity of the organs. They are separated only by a thin layer of peritoneal membrane – the sinus of Douglas. During such an examination, it is possible to evaluate not only the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, but also the large intestine and the sinus of Douglas itself.
Gynecological examination in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in every woman’s life, the expectation of a little one is a great joy, but also requires special care for health. Therefore, regular visits to the doctor and examinations, including cytology and ultrasound to monitor the development of the baby, are so important. A detailed schedule of visits is determined by the doctor in charge of the pregnancy.
Summary
Gynecological prophylaxis is an extremely important part of taking care of one’s health. Regular examinations will allow you to detect possible abnormalities and start early treatment, especially important in the case of oncological diseases.
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