Gynecological examination examines the health status of the organs in the reproductive system of women. Gynecological examination can be performed by gynecologists and obstetricians. In this examination; ovaries, uterus, uterine tubes, vagina and labium are checked. Gynecological examination should be done once a year. In this way, if there is a gynecological disease, it is diagnosed.
What is Gynecology?
Gynecology is a branch of medicine that focuses on female reproductive health, diagnosis and treatment in this field. Gynecologists provide services to protect women's sexual health, diagnose gynecological diseases and treat gynecological diseases. It is the department where women apply to obtain information about the issues they complain about and to perform their annual routine examinations. Gynecological examination can be frightening for most women, but gynecological examination is never a form of examination to be feared if it is performed in the appropriate environment, with enough information by your doctor. Gynecological examination is very important to solve problems in organs such as your reproductive health, vagina and uterus. Gynecology examines menstrual irregularities, fertility, pregnancy, the structure of women's reproductive organs, childbirth and menopause. Surgical intervention related to female reproductive organs is also the subject of gynecology.
Which Diseases Do Gynecologists Treat?
Gynecologists deal with every disease related to female reproductive organs. It is necessary to consult a gynecologist in cases such as menstrual irregularity, excessive menstrual pain, vaginal discharge of different colors and odors, itching in the vaginal area. The diseases that gynecologists are interested in can be listed as follows:
- Gynecological oncological diseases (cervical cancer, uterine cancer and similar)
- Ovarian cyst
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,
- Fibroids
- HPV,
- Vaginal fungi
- Diseases seen in pregnancy with pregnancy follow-up,
- Premenstrual syndrome,
- Infertility
- Menopause
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginismus,
- Genital aesthetics
What is a Gynecological Examination?
Gynecological examination is the evaluation of the female reproductive organs by the gynecologist and obstetrician. It is aimed to detect gynecological diseases by providing gynecological examination in women. If there is any complaint in the person, he / she should consult directly with the gynecologist and obstetrician. The gynecologist and obstetrician will listen to your complaints and direct you for the necessary examinations, diagnosis and treatment.
How is Gynecological Examination Performed?
In gynecological examination, the patient is first listened to with which complaint the patient comes. After the complaint is understood, the patient is laid down with her legs open. The external genital area is examined and checked for any visible differences. By holding the inner lips; the urine outlet hole, clitoris and hymen are opened to be seen. After the instrument used for the examination called speculum is inserted into the vagina, the cervix is made visible. It is checked for any discharge or lesions. If there is a difference in the cervix, it is noted. A speculum is not inserted for people who have not had sexual intercourse before.
After the visual assessment, a smear test is performed. For the smear test, a sample is taken from the cervix with a stick-like instrument with a brush-shaped tip. It is then sent to the pathology laboratory for evaluation. After taking the sample for the smear test, a manual examination is performed from below. The doctor puts one hand on the patient's abdomen and presses it, using the middle and index finger of the other hand, holding it inside the vagina to evaluate the internal genital organs. After these stages, the doctor uses ultrasonography for a more detailed examination.
Importance of Gynecological Examination
Gynecological examination is an examination that should be performed regularly for women to lead a healthy life. The gynecological examination evaluates the reproductive system, cancers, infections, pregnancy and childbirth. Many women are motivated to avoid gynecological examinations. Allowing an unknown person to evaluate a private area is the main reason for avoidance behavior. However, it is very important to perform gynecological examinations to improve women's health.
Regular gynecological examinations and gynecologist check-ups are also valuable for the prevention and early diagnosis of possible diseases. Cervical cancer is one of the most common diseases in women and is often diagnosed very late. Generally, women do not go to a gynecological examination without any symptoms, but every woman should go to a gynecological examination once a year.
What to do before a gynecological examination
When you consult a gynecologist for a gynecological examination, the doctor will ask you about your complaints, symptoms and answer your questions. You can prepare to ask your doctor what you are curious about and answer your symptoms completely.
Since there is a possibility that a smear test may be performed during the gynecological examination, it is useful to coincide your examination time with the period after the end of menstrual bleeding, unless there is another situation recommended by the doctor. On average 2 days before the obstetric examination, the use of tampons, sexual intercourse, any liquid, foam or gel substance sprayed into the vagina, the use of therapeutic cream or cleansing liquid should be completely stopped.
For people who have never had sexual intercourse before, the doctor will choose the appropriate examination method. In these people, vaginal examination is not performed except in some cases, rectal examination can be performed or abdominal ultrasonography can be completed.
After Gynecological Examination
After a gynecological examination, it may be necessary to rest and avoid strenuous activity. It is important to follow your doctor's advice and pay attention to your vaginal hygiene.
Light bleeding or spotting after gynecological examination is a normal condition that can be seen frequently. It will go away on its own within a few days. You may also experience mild abdominal and groin pain. If you experience severe pain, foul-smelling discharge or heavy bleeding after the examination, you should consult a doctor. This may indicate a complication such as infection.
Gynecological Examination Prices
Gynecological examination prices may vary according to many factors. It varies according to the experience of the doctor who will perform the examination, the content of the examination, the location of the gynecology clinic. If a smear test, blood test, biopsy, etc. are performed together with the gynecological examination, the total fee can be calculated. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Abide performs gynecological examinations and diagnoses and treats gynecological diseases. You can contact her for information about gynecological examination.
