What are the gynecological examinations for women

Women's gynecological physical examination mainly includes gynecological routine examination, vaginal discharge routine examination, cervical cancer screening, breast examination, gynecological ultrasound examination and other items. Gynecological examinations can help detect gynecological diseases early and are recommended to be conducted regularly.

1. Gynecological Routine Examination

Gynecological routine examination is the basic item of gynecological physical examination. Doctors examine the external genitalia, vagina, cervix, uterus and adnexa through visual examination and palpation. The examination includes checking for any abnormalities in the external genitalia, vaginal discharge characteristics, cervical erosion or growths, uterine size and position, tenderness or lumps in the adnexa area, etc. This examination can preliminarily determine the presence of common gynecological diseases such as vaginitis, cervicitis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, etc.

2. Routine examination of vaginal discharge

Routine examination of vaginal discharge involves collecting vaginal secretion samples to detect cleanliness, pH value, white blood cell count, and the presence of pathogens such as trichomonas and mold. This examination is helpful to diagnose bacterial vaginosis, trichomonal vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and other common vaginal infectious diseases. Sexual activity, vaginal flushing, and the use of vaginal medication should be avoided within 24 hours before the examination to avoid affecting the results.

3. Cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer screening mainly includes cervical cytology examination and human papillomavirus testing. Cervical cytology examination can detect precancerous lesions of the cervix early by collecting cervical exfoliated cells and observing morphological changes. Human papillomavirus testing can detect high-risk HPV infection, which is the main pathogenic factor of cervical cancer. It is recommended that women over 21 years old or who have sexual activity undergo regular cervical cancer screening, with screening intervals determined by age and risk factors.

4. Breast examination

Breast examination includes breast palpation and breast ultrasound or mammography. Doctors use palpation to check for lumps, nodules, skin changes, and nipple discharge in the breast. Breast ultrasound is suitable for young women or dense breast tissue, and can clearly display structural abnormalities in the breast. Molybdenum target examination is sensitive to micro calcification and is an important means of screening breast cancer for women over 40 years old. Breast examination can detect early breast hyperplasia, breast fibroadenoma, breast cancer and other diseases.

5. Gynecological ultrasound examination

Gynecological ultrasound examination observes the condition of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvic cavity through the abdominal or vaginal route. Ultrasound can clearly display the size, shape, muscle echo, endometrial thickness, ovarian size and follicle development of the uterus, as well as the presence of fluid accumulation or masses in the pelvic cavity. This examination is helpful in diagnosing diseases such as uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, and has important value in evaluating infertility. Before the examination, it is necessary to hold urine or empty the bladder, and prepare according to different examination methods.

Gynecological examination should select appropriate examination items based on factors such as age, marital and reproductive status, and medical history. It is recommended that women over 21 years old or who have sexual activity undergo gynecological examinations once a year, and women over 40 years old should undergo breast specific examinations. Before the physical examination, one should avoid the menstrual period and refrain from sexual activity and vaginal medication for 3 days prior to the examination. Maintaining a regular schedule, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help maintain gynecological health. If any abnormal symptoms are detected, seek medical attention promptly.