One of the basic examinations in a gynecological check-up is the Pap smear, and this cannot be performed if you are menstruating.
There is no problem performing the breast exam and vaginal ultrasound even if you are bleeding, but the Pap smear would have to be scheduled for another day. To avoid having to schedule the check-up over two days and to save you travel, we usually recommend that you reschedule your appointment.

The main objective of a gynecological exam is the prevention of cervical cancer through a Pap smear. This test can detect precancerous lesions that are treatable.
However, the exam also includes a medical history component, where the patient can ask questions about her menstrual cycle and gynecological health. A breast exam and a gynecological ultrasound are also performed to assess the uterus and ovaries.

If it’s been more than a year since your last gynecological check-up, you should start by going to your annual appointment. Make sure your Pap smear is up to date, and discuss with your doctor whether you have any risk factors that might require treatment before or during pregnancy. If it’s been a while since your last general blood test, a complete blood count is usually ordered, and you’ll receive advice on taking vitamins and folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. The risks associated with pregnancy in older women are also explained, taking into account maternal age.

The first prenatal visit is usually scheduled between 7 and 9 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. We recommend contacting us by phone or email once you have a positive pregnancy test so we can schedule an appointment at the most convenient time.
Until your first visit, you should take a prenatal multivitamin containing folic acid.

It’s not certain, although it’s the most likely cause. The most frequent cause of vaginal itching is a yeast infection, which is usually accompanied by a thick, white discharge. But there are many other gynecological causes, such as bacterial vaginosis or vulvovaginal dryness. Skin conditions like dermatitis or lichen should also be considered.
Therefore, it’s always best to consult a specialist, if possible, before self-medicating.

If you’ve received the HPV vaccine, especially if it was before becoming sexually active, you have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer, but it’s not zero. The current vaccine contains nine of the most dangerous HPV strains, but not all of them, and therefore the risk of developing cervical cancer decreases by 80%, but it’s never zero. Therefore, you should continue to have regular checkups with your gynecologist.

Before menopause, during perimenopause, periods are often more irregular and sometimes heavier than usual. During this stage, women may begin to experience more hot flashes, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. Once menstruation ceases, hot flashes are the most common symptom, but many women also report vaginal dryness that can lead to painful intercourse, insomnia, frequent forgetfulness, low mood, increased abdominal fat, and joint pain, among other symptoms.

Each case should always be assessed individually, but in the absence of risk factors, mammograms are generally recommended annually starting at age 40. Before this age, and especially if there is a family history of risk factors, mammograms may be started in some patients, but ultrasounds are more commonly performed in women under 40, as they provide better image definition.

Many women ask us how to know if they are fertile, or even more difficult, if they will be fertile later when they want to have children. It is very difficult to answer this question since many factors influence fertility. Ovarian reserve can be assessed, and fertility preservation can be determined based on the results of blood tests. Some women do not conceive naturally, even when all the tests are normal. Therefore, we can never guarantee with complete certainty that a woman will be able to conceive naturally.

Menopause treatment is not always necessary. Each case must be individualized; based on the patient’s age, medical history, symptoms, and risk factors, personalized recommendations are made.
Some women will only need lifestyle changes, others will benefit from dietary supplements and natural therapies, and still others will require hormone therapy in one of its various forms of administration and dosage.