Annual preventive check-up is a routine that all women need to include in their schedule. It is a comprehensive gynecological examination that, in addition to the clinical examination, includes a series of individual tests to identify and address potential risks. In addition, creating a history helps the doctor map out points that may need to be subjected for further examination.
Gynecological examination
Simple vaginal examination is particularly effective for detecting lesions, infections and generally unusual conditions that indicate a need for intervention. For example, from the type of vaginal discharge, the doctor may assess if an infection has occurred, such as vaginitis.
Pap test
The simple examination devised by George Papanicolaou that has saved millions of lives around the world is even more effective today, with very high success rates in recognizing a potential injury. The test involves taking cervical cells and laboratory testing of the specimen to detect precancerous lesions. If a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is detected, an examination for the virus as well as colposcopy may be performed.
Colposcopy
It is performed when the Pap test is abnormal, in order to accurately determine the extent and severity of the damage. The cervix is magnified and controlled through the colposcope, and if necessary, a biopsy can be performed at the same time.
Vaginal ultrasound
It is a painless examination that examines through ultrasound a woman’s internal genitals, including the uterus and ovaries. Since imaging equipment is up-to-date and the doctor skilled in handling it, ultrasound is a very reliable method for detecting abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, ovarian cysts or even ovarian and endometrial neoplasms.
Breast check
Necessary for all women, given the high incidence of breast cancer in the developed world. At the age of under 40, the examination includes palpation and perhaps breast ultrasound, at the discretion of the doctor. After the age of 40, your doctor will recommend a mammogram on an annual basis to evaluate the possible changes in the breast from year to year. In any case, as part of the gynecological examination, it is important for the physician to show the patient how the breast self-examination is performed so that she can become familiar with her breasts and be able to detect any changes for which she should inform her gynecologist.
