A gynecological check-up is a series of tests performed by a gynecologist to study the state of health of the female reproductive system. Nowadays, it is vital to have a regular check-up to make sure that the woman is in good health and to prevent or diagnose any pathology in time.
Why is it important to undergo a gynecological check-up?
Cervical cancer is one of the main pathologies that can be diagnosed by gynecological screening. Moreover, since the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause for developing this type of cancer, in recent years the possibility of introducing the HPV test as a screening test has been considered. Other gynecological cancers such as uterine corpus uteri can be evaluated on the basis of abnormal bleeding. However, the only method of early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is ultrasound examination, which is systematically performed during the regular check-up in the doctor’s office.
On the other hand, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, so it is very important to undergo regular screening mammograms. Any sign of suspicion in the breasts such as nodules, secretion or retractions should be studied in consultation.
In addition to the early diagnosis of cancer, the gynecological check-up of the healthy patient will address other aspects of the different stages of the woman’s life. Contraceptive advice, the preconception period and the climacteric or postmenopausal period are key objectives in which the evaluation and advice of the gynecologist are essential to improve the patient’s quality of life.
How often is it recommended to undergo a gynecological check-up?
The guidelines of the Spanish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, in line with European and American guidelines on health programs, recommend starting cytologic screening at 25 years of age in women who have already begun sexual relations. It is generally established that after two consecutive annual cytologies, the intervals between cytologies can be established between 2 and 3 years until the age of 65 years.
In order to detect and advise on other cancers and on the various aspects of a woman’s life on which we can have an impact, the intervals should be determined on an individual basis according to age and risk factors. In this sense, the recommendation of annual or biannual screening that has classically been considered could be maintained.
What does gynecological screening consist of?
The gynecological check-up usually focuses on the following aspects:
- Patient’s medical history
- Examination of the internal and external genital tract
- Cytology (if necessary, also a sample to determine if there is presence of high-risk HPV)
- Vaginal ultrasound
- Breast examination
- Abdominal ultrasound (in women who have not had sexual intercourse and in other specific cases).
- Other analytical or complementary tests such as breast ultrasound, vaginal culture or mammography.