How to do gynecological physical examination

Gynecological examinations can be conducted through routine gynecological examinations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, special examinations, and disease screening. Gynecological examinations are usually caused by factors such as disease prevention, early detection of lesions, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness.

1. Routine gynecological examinations

Routine gynecological examinations include external genital visual examination, vaginal speculum examination, and double examination. Visual examination of the external genitalia can observe whether there is redness, swelling, ulceration, or vegetation on the skin and mucosa of the external genitalia. Vaginal speculum examination can visually examine the condition of the vaginal wall and cervix, and detect the characteristics of vaginal secretions. Dual diagnosis evaluates the size, position, and presence of tenderness or lumps in the adnexal area of the uterus through combined palpation of the abdomen and vagina. These examinations help to detect common gynecological diseases such as vulvitis, vaginitis, and cervicitis.

2. Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests mainly include routine vaginal discharge, cervical cytology examination, and sex hormone testing. Routine leucorrhea can identify bacterial vaginosis, trichomonal vaginitis and other infectious diseases. Cervical cytology examination, also known as TCT examination, can screen for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. The six tests for sex hormones are suitable for evaluating endocrine related issues such as menstrual disorders and infertility. These tests are of great value in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, tumor screening and endocrine disorders.

3. Imaging examinations

Commonly used imaging examinations include gynecological ultrasound and breast ultrasound. Gynecological ultrasound can be examined through the abdominal or vaginal route, and can clearly display organic lesions such as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Breast ultrasound is suitable for screening diseases such as breast hyperplasia and breast nodules. For suspected cases of malignant tumors, further CT or MRI examinations may be necessary. Imaging examinations play an irreplaceable role in the diagnosis of uterine, ovarian, and breast diseases.

4. Special examinations

Special examinations include HPV testing, hysteroscopy, and fallopian tube patency testing. HPV testing can screen for high-risk human papillomavirus infections, and when combined with TCT, it can improve the accuracy of cervical cancer screening. Hysteroscopy can directly observe the morphology of the uterine cavity and diagnose diseases such as endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids. Hysterosalpingography or fluid aspiration can evaluate the patency of the fallopian tubes and is suitable for patients with infertility. These examinations provide more accurate basis for the diagnosis of specific gynecological problems.

5. Disease screening

Disease screening mainly includes breast cancer screening and osteoporosis screening. Mammography is recommended for women over 40 years of age. Combined with ultrasound, it can improve the detection rate of breast cancer. Bone density testing is suitable for postmenopausal women and can detect osteoporosis early. Depending on individual circumstances, specialized screening such as genetic testing for hereditary tumors may also be conducted. Regular disease screening is helpful for the early prevention and treatment of gynecological malignancies and degenerative diseases. Three days before the gynecological examination, sexual activity, vaginal flushing, and the use of vaginal medication should be avoided. It is advisable to undergo the examination 3-7 days after menstruation. On the day of the examination, wear loose clothing and undergo the examination after emptying the bladder. After the physical examination, there may be slight discomfort, which usually resolves on its own within 1-2 days. It is recommended to undergo a routine gynecological examination once a year, and high-risk individuals or those with existing gynecological diseases should increase the frequency of examinations according to the doctor's advice. When the physical examination report is abnormal, seek medical attention promptly and do not interpret or delay treatment on your own. Maintaining a regular schedule, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help maintain gynecological health.