10 basic gynecological exams

Prevent, it is better than regret. This saying is especially true in the case of women's health. Although sometimes it bothers you to go to gynecologist , it is necessary to take care of your genital health to avoid diseases as serious as AIDS or the Cancer .

There are different types of tests and exams, everything depends on your age, if you have any disorder or simply by routine review.

If you are over 18 years old and, above all, if you are sexually active , you must go periodically to the consultation with your gynecologist . This is especially relevant if you notice any abnormality, feel pain in the pelvic or genital area or have had some type of risky sexual contact.

1. Papanicolaou: is an important test because it detects anomalies that can lead to cervical cancer or cervix . Experts recommend becoming the papanicolaou as of the 21 years of age and that continue doing it every two years until the 30 years; subsequently, they should be examined every three years. If the test papanicolaou detects an abnormality, it may be necessary to perform additional tests or administer some treatment.

2. Biopsy: if he gynecologist consider that you have an atypical lesion, extract a small sample of it to analyze its characteristics in the laboratory.

3. Dilation and curettage: a small scraping of the wall of the uterus to diagnose anomalies in the endometrium .

4. Hysterosalpingography: is used to see inside the uterus . A probe of three or four millimeters thick that carries an optical system is introduced. With this test we study the endometrium , the inner layer of uterus . It is done when the woman suffers from changes in the menstrual cycle , problems of fertility or to detect malformations of this cavity.

5. Genital ultrasound: Through this study you can see alterations in the matrix (as myomas, very frequent in women from 40 to 50 years old), cysts in the ovaries , alterations in Fallopian tube , ovarian, uterine tumors, alterations of the endometrium , polyps , or malformations. It is an essential diagnostic test in case of suspicion of pathology in the uterus or the ovaries .

6. Mammograms: They must be carried out compulsorily after 40 or 50 years, approximately every two years. If there is an anomaly, it can be done before. It is important to know that if you have a breast prosthesis, the doctor will determine when and how much should be done, to avoid any problem that may arise.

7. Ecotomography: This exploration is done with a device that emits and collects ultrasounds as if it were a radar, and allows detecting any change in the genitals internal, however small they may be.

8. Colposcopy: is the detailed observation of the neck of the uterus , walls and entrance of the vagina by means of a device - called a colposcope - formed by a lens system. This test should be carried out by women with suspected contagion or with the presence of human papilloma virus .

9. Cytology: is a microscopic study of cells of the Genital apparatus . There are several types of cytology ; the vaginal, the vulva , of endometrium , of ovary or breast. In general, it is a painless test although the discomfort it causes depends to a large extent on the area from which the cells .

10. Bone densitometry: is a diagnostic technique that allows to measure bone mineral density, that is, its content in calcium , by means of X-rays. It constitutes the main diagnostic tool used in the osteoporosis and in this way you can determine the risk of suffering bone fractures .

Remember that you have to visit gynecologist minimum once a year, however, if you detect any anomaly go immediately. Do not forget that prevention improves your quality of life.


Video Medicine: Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Texas Children's Hospital West Campus (March 2024).