This is an appointment that has too often tended to postpone. However, a pelvic exam can save lives: the prevention of female cancers in fact largely by regular monitoring.
Cervical Cancer
For Dr. Pascale This, endocrinologist and gynecologist practitioner hospitals and the fight against cancer, this appointment is aimed particularly at the screening of the cervix: 'Too many cervical cancers of the uterus are found late, when it is a cancer that can be detected very early.
The screening test, the cervico-vaginal smears, is to remove cells of the cervix. These cells are spread and fixed on a glass slide to be examined under the microscope in a laboratory. Biologists investigating the possible presence of abnormal cells. This test is recommended at the first sexual intercourse.
Three smears should be performed at one year intervals. If they are normal, the following tests may be performed every 2 to 3 years.
A portion of cervical cancers can be prevented by vaccines against papillomavirus. But this vaccine (recommended for girls as young as 14 years) does not replace in any case not smear 'that review remains a central element in the detection of cancer' is quick to point out Dr.This
Monitoring also allows the pelvic early detection of any anomalies affecting breasts. French women 50 to 74 years benefit from a program of screening mammography every two years. However, as further explained Dr. This, some women will be monitored with greater vigilance, especially if they come from so-called family at risk. This may include individual screening mammograms annually from 40 years.
From the first sexual intercourse and as late as possible
Gynecological monitoring should begin in the first sexual intercourse, and continue at a rate at least annually. But to what age? 'It's a real glue! 'Says Dr. This. However, life expectancy increases, we must continue to be followed even after the last sexual intercourse '. Many women believe that it is no longer necessary to consult the installation after the menopause, which is a mistake: we must continue monitoring as long as possible, as do patients treated with hormone replacement therapy, treatment which requires monitoring very regular (biannual).
And who can perform such monitoring?
Gynecologists course, but also 'general practitioners or other health professionals interested in problems of women "said Dr.This
