In-room gynaecological screening and procedures include the following
Pap smears
Pap smears are routinely carried out to screen for cervical precancers. A tiny brush gently scrapes cells from the cervical surface. These cells are then examined beneath a microscope to check for changes to the cells or tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV), with the aim of preventing cervical cancer.
HPV testing
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an infectious disease that spreads through sexual contact. There exist over 100 forms of HPV. Some strains of HPV can cause warts on the hands, feet and face. Other strains of HPV can affect the genital region, such as the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix and anal area which can cause warts or precancerous lesions. An HPV test is conducted to check for a cervical HPV infection. The test can detect high-risk forms of HPV which increases the risk of cancer.
Fortunately, the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of over 70-90% of anal, cervical and vulval cancer that arise from HPV and prevent over 99% of genital warts.
Fortunately, the HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of over 70-90% of anal, cervical and vulval cancer that arise from HPV and prevent over 99% of genital warts.
Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound
A transabdominal ultrasound involves moving the transducer (tiny, handheld device) slowly over the abdomen above the gel that’s applied directly over it. This helps to view the pelvic structures.
A transvaginal ultrasound is painless and involves placing a long narrow transducer into the vagina. This allows the healthcare practitioner to view the inside of the pelvic cavity and the organs (cervix, uterus, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries) in greater detail.
A transvaginal ultrasound is painless and involves placing a long narrow transducer into the vagina. This allows the healthcare practitioner to view the inside of the pelvic cavity and the organs (cervix, uterus, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries) in greater detail.
Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a diagnostic medical procedure that enables a full examination of the cervix (the lower half of the uterus) and the vaginal wall to check for abnormal tissue. During the medical procedure, a miniaturised lighted scope (colposcope) is used to magnify and examine the tissue that coats the cervix and vagina.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) is performed to treat unusual cervical cell changes. LEEP/LLETZ could be done under local anaesthetic or under a general anaesthetic. It involves the use of a wire loop that’s extensively kept warm by electric current. The wire is used to remove abnormal tissue in the cervix. LEEP/LLETZ is used to investigate and treat abnormal regions in the genital tract and diagnose and treat cancer.
Biopsies of the vulva, cervix, vagina and endometrium
Biopsies of the cervix, endometrium and vulva are safe, in-office medical procedures that allow women to return to their day-to-day activities on the day of the scheduled procedures.
These types of biopsies involve the following:
These types of biopsies involve the following:
- Endometrial biopsy: This is a procedure that entails the removal of a small portion of tissue from the uterine lining to check whether cancer is present.
- Cervical biopsy: This particular biopsy entails the resection of a small piece of tissue from the cervix to check for abnormalities or precancerous conditions.
- Vaginal/vulval biopsy: These are procedures that are done under local anaesthetic and involve the removal of small tissue samples from the vagina or vulva.
Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD/ IUCD) placement and removal
The intrauterine device (IUD) is a widely used contraceptive device that prevents unplanned pregnancies for five years or longer. An IUD is placed into the uterus and can be removed at any time once you decide you're ready to fall pregnant.
Placement and removal of the contraceptive implant
The contraceptive implant is a +/- 3cm flexible, plastic rod that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a low, steady dose of the hormone, progestin, which prevents pregnancy by pausing ovulation and thickening of the cervical mucus. The implant lasts for about 3 years but can be removed at any time under local anaesthetic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS