Women Health Screening

Some women shy away from the gynecological examination. Every woman should make regular screening part of her health program since cervical smears and breast examinations are crucial to early detection of disease. All women are advised to have a full gynaecological examination at least once a year. Women should have their breasts examined by a doctor or specially trained nurse every year, especially if they are taking the pill or are over 35. Pap smears are usually advised once a year. Women on the pill should have their blood pressure monitored regularly. These tests take only a few minutes and they might make the difference between life and death.

The gynaecologist begins a full examination by taking your medical, personal, and gynaecological history. It is helpful if you have handy details of previous tests and problems, dates of your last few periods, any premenstrual symptoms that you experience, and any other facts you think might be relevant, including your method of contraception.

The gynaecologist examines your breasts, and, if necessary, refers you for mammography (X-ray) and gives instruction in breast examination, all with the purpose of detecting abnormalities that can give an early indication of breast cancer.

He will examine your pelvic region for any signs of disease, abnormal growths, or damage or infection in the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Next, he will take a Pap smear (also called cervical smear or Cytotec) – a routine of all gynaecological examinations. The procedure entails lightly scraping off some of the cells of the lining of the cervix (neck of the uterus). The sample is sent to the laboratory to be examined for possible malignancy. Women have taken, or whose mothers took, the steroid DES or whose Pap results are abnormal will have a colposcopy, a painless examination of the cervix with the aid of a specially designed microscope.

Women who have abnormal vaginal discharges are tested for vaginal and cervical infections by taking a sample for laboratory culture. In this way, common infections such as vaginal itching or trichomoniasis and any venereal diseases that might show can be diagnosed and treated.

Additional tests for blood pressure, anemia, urinary infections, diabetes, and rubella, which can damage a fetus or cause miscarriage or stillbirth, will also be taken where appropriate. After the examination, when the doctor discusses his findings, remember to ask any questions you might have; it is useful to make a list of such questions.

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