News published by La Voz de Galicia
- Dr. Francisco Estévez, head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics service at the Ribera Povisa hospital, emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups for early diagnosis.
Women tend to be very strict about their appointments when they decide to become mothers and throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. However, gynecological checkups should extend beyond these life stages.
Early diagnosis is the best strategy to improve the chances of success in the treatment of most pathologies, and scheduled check-ups are the tool to detect problems at an early stage.
"A basic gynecological examination includes a physical examination, cervical cancer screening (Human Papillomavirus -HPV- testing and cytology), the frequency of which will be established based on risk," she explains. Francisco Estévez, head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics service of Ribera Povisa hospital"In addition, a gynecological pelvic ultrasound is performed, usually transvaginally, and any additional tests deemed necessary would be requested according to each patient's individual case."
"If no symptoms are present, clinical guidelines recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 25. This does not preclude our recommendation to begin gynecological checkups upon becoming sexually active," she adds. "If any symptoms appear, it is clear that a consultation should be sought to assess whether there is an underlying condition."
Although menstruation is often uncomfortable for most people, the doctor warns: "Painful or heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily activities should not be considered normal." Both symptoms can indicate an underlying condition that can be treated early. "We are referring here primarily to endometriosis, which can be very complex to diagnose," he points out.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Most are asymptomatic, especially in their early stages, but can cause long-term complications without proper treatment. Checkups are a good opportunity to detect and intervene.
“We continue to recommend medical follow-up,” he insists. “We must change the outdated concept of the ‘mandatory annual check-up’ and begin to consider that the frequency of medical follow-up should be established based on the age and risk factors of each individual patient.”
Clinical guidelines recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 25
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, increases in incidence with age. "Although breast cancer screening from age 50 is a very effective tool for early detection, regular checkups and examinations would help improve diagnosis," she points out.
Checkups in these age ranges could include an additional test, bone densitometry, to assess bone health, especially in women with risk factors for osteoporosis.
There are also other symptoms frequently associated with menopause that, with appropriate treatment, can be improved, with a huge increase in the quality of life for women.
Women's Area
El Women's Area of the Ribera Povisa Hospital, which was launched with the impetus of the center's managing director, Dr. Ángela Guerra, offers specialized care to women at all stages of their lives, with particular attention to pregnancy and menopause.
It is made up of a multidisciplinary team with specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, nurses, midwives, clinical assistants, rehabilitation specialists, pelvic floor physiotherapists and administrative staff.
Here women will find answers to their needs: advice on sexual health issues, therapeutic support for menopausal symptoms that can affect quality of life, check-ups and examinations for the early detection of pathologies, or help with the prevention and treatment of STIs, among other services
The Women's Area also offers care to pregnant women from the moment of confirmation of pregnancy, with the relevant check-ups throughout the process and childbirth preparation courses, follow-up after birth with consultations in the puerperium and postpartum period taking care of the correct recovery of the mother and offering support for breastfeeding and the care of newborns.
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