Pelvic exam and Preventive gynecological examination

The examination begins with medical history review (beginning of menstruation and the menstrual cycle, bleeding outside the cycle, pain, inflammation and discharge from the vagina, as well as pregnancies, births, miscarriages and abortions (termination of pregnancy), review of family history, gynecological operations and procedures). Information about sexual life, use of contraception, urinary incontinence is important.

Examinations include:

• General physical examination, breast examination (lumps, skin changes or nipple discharge).
• Pelvic examination (inspection of the vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum and pelvis for any unusual changes), speculum exam.
• Pap test (Pap smear) - a collection of cells from cervix of the uterus is taken with a special small brush. These cells are sent to a laboratory and a pathologist checks for precancerous or cancerous cells. (Between age 21 - 65, every 3 years).
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing - provided often together with Pap test.
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening - testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV. Additionaly trichomoniasis or herpes.
• Bone density test - performed for women at risk of osteoporosis.

Subsequently, the following are added:

• Mammography of the breasts from 40 - 69 years once every two years.
• Sonography (USG) of the uterus and ovaries using abdominal and vaginal ultrasound probes.

A preventive gynecological examination is carried out once a year from the age of 18.

An appointment for a regular check-up at the gynecologist should be made within the first 14 days of menstruation.

The bladder should be empty - so you have to go to the toilet before the examination (except for some specialized examinations) and the most suitable clothing is a skirt.

During pregnancy, the check-up takes place once a month until childbirth and then at the 6th week after delivery.

Also a preventive check-up at the dentist should be done at the beginning of the 1st and 3rd trimesters (i.e. twice during one pregnancy).