Women who attend a gynecological consultation to try and elucidate their fertility problem have to undergo a series of tests. Based on the medical history, also taking into account that of the husband, the doctor determines which of the tests can be carried out at the moment and which of them have to be postponed for a suitable day of the woman's menstrual cycle.
1. Clinical history
A complete questionnaire regarding both the personal and the family clinical history of the patient is made. The doctor asks questions about the age, profession, emotional state of the patient, illnesses suffered during childhood and later, the presence of allergies, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, frequency of intercourse, etc.
2. Pelvic examination of the reproductive organs
The outer part of the genitals, or the vulva, is examined. An internal examination is then performed to analyze the vagina and the uterine cervix. It is performed using a speculum, a device that helps open the walls of the vagina to be able to see the cervix correctly.
A manual tactile examination is also performed to check the morphology of the internal organs.
3. Cytology
Cytology is a test designed to detect abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix and lower part of the womb (uterus), and to detect some infections. It is done by introducing a small brush or stick to obtain cells, which are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
4. Breast examination
A breast examination is a routine part of a complete gynecological workup. It is important for the gynecologist to locate abnormal lumps associated with benign conditions such as fibroadenomas or fibrocystic mastopathy.
Other examinations are scheduled to coincide with the appropriate days of the menstrual cycle (click on the "2D and 3D Ultrasound", "Doppler Ultrasound", "Digital Hysteroscopy" and Hormonal Analysis" buttons on this menu).