- 1. Pelvic ultrasound
- 2. Pap smear
- 3. Infectious screening
- 4. Colposcopy
- 5. Hysterosalpingography
- 6. Magnetic resonance
- 7. Diagnostic laparoscopy
- 8. Ultrasound of the breast
The gynecological exams requested by the gynecologist annually, aim to guarantee the well-being and health of the woman and to diagnose or treat some diseases such as endometriosis, HPV, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding outside the menstrual period.
It is recommended to go to the gynecologist at least once a year, especially after the first menstruation, even if there are no symptoms, because there are gynecological diseases that can be asymptomatic, especially in the initial phase, and which, if diagnosed early, can save lives.
Through certain exams, the gynecologist can evaluate the woman's pelvic region (ovaries and uterus) and the breasts, being able to detect some diseases early. Some examples of tests that can be ordered in the gynecological routine are:
1. Pelvic ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound is an image exam that allows you to observe the ovaries and uterus, helping in the early detection of some diseases, such as polycystic ovaries, enlarged uterus, endometriosis, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
This examination is performed by inserting a transducer in the belly or inside the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound), which provides clear and detailed images of the female reproductive system. Know what it is and when to do the transvaginal ultrasound.
2. Pap smear
The pap smear is made by scraping with a kind of cotton swab inside the cervix, to remove a small sample of cells, which is then analyzed in the laboratory, allowing to identify vaginal infections and changes in the vagina and uterus that can be indicative of cancer. The test does not hurt, but there may be discomfort when the doctor scrapes cells from the uterus.
The exam must be performed at least once a year and is indicated for all women who have already started sexual life or who are over 25 years old. See how to understand Pap smear results.
3. Infectious screening
Infectious screening is done through a blood test and aims to identify infectious diseases such as: herpes, HIV and syphilis. To do the blood test, it is not necessary to go to the gynecologist.
4. Colposcopy
Colposcopy allows direct observation of the cervix and other genital structures, such as the vulva and vagina, and can identify benign cellular changes, vaginal tumors and signs of infection or inflammation.
Colposcopy is usually requested by the gynecologist in a routine exam, but it is also indicated when the Pap test has abnormal results. This test does not hurt, but it can cause some discomfort, usually burning, when the gynecologist applies a substance to visualize possible changes in the woman's uterus, vagina or vulva. Find out how colposcopy is done.
5. Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is an X-ray examination in which contrast is used to observe the cervix and fallopian tubes, identifying possible causes of infertility, in addition to salpingitis, which is inflammation of the uterine tubes. See how salpingitis is treated.
This test does not hurt, but it can cause discomfort, so the doctor may recommend painkillers or anti-inflammatories before and after the test. Understand how hysterosalpingography is done.
6. Magnetic resonance
Magnetic resonance imaging allows to observe, with good resolution, images of the genital structures for the detection of malignant changes, such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, cancer of the uterus and vagina. In addition, it is also used to monitor changes that may arise in the female reproductive system, to check whether or not there was a response to treatment, or whether surgery should be performed or not.
This is a test that does not use radiation and gadolinium can be used to perform the test with contrast. Know what it is for and how the MRI is done.
7. Diagnostic laparoscopy
Diagnostic laparoscopy or videolaparoscopy is an exam that, through the use of a thin and light tube, allows the visualization of the reproductive organs inside the abdomen, allowing to identify an endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain or causes of infertility.
Although this test is considered the best technique to diagnose endometriosis, it is not the first option, as it is an invasive technique that requires general anesthesia, and transvaginal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging is more recommended. Find out how diagnostic and surgical videolaparoscopy is performed.
8. Ultrasound of the breast
Usually, the breast ultrasound exam is performed after feeling a lump during palpation of the breast or if the mammogram is inconclusive, especially in the woman who has large breasts and has cases of breast cancer in the family.
Ultrasonography should not be confused with mammography, nor is it a substitute for this exam, being only able to complement breast assessment. Although this test can also identify nodules that may indicate breast cancer, mammography is the most suitable test to be performed on women with suspected breast cancer.
To perform the exam, the woman must remain lying on a stretcher, without a blouse and a bra, so that the doctor rubs a gel over the breasts and then passes the device, simultaneously observing on the computer screen if there are changes.
