Gynaecology Examinations

Annual examinations usually include screening, laboratory tests, evaluation, counselling and immunisation.

Ages <25 years

Establish doctor-patient relationship

Age-appropriate education on anatomy, body image, weight management and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

• Screening checks for your and your family’s medical history, menstrual and reproductive health, sexual development and history of sexual activities
• Pelvic examination (includes examining the external genitalia, cervix and vagina), is generally not included unless there is related medical history or presenting symptoms that require further evaluation.
• Regular laboratory tests for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and Hepatitis B and C virus ONLY IF AT RISK

Dr Turner will advise you on your sexual health, sexual behaviour, preventing unintended pregnancies and contraceptive use.

You will be recommended immunisation for human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis A and B vaccine and COVID.

Ages 25 To 39 Years

Screening checks for your medical history, menstrual and reproductive health, including sexual practices

• Offered a clinical breast examination every 2 to 3 years from the age of 25-39
• a pelvic examination from 19 to 20 years if sexually active or if there is any related medical history and periodically if you are above the age of 25 and sexually active,
• cervical cytology (pap test) after 25 years of age, then every five years if low risk. This test detects precancerous or cancerous cells of the cervix and the presence of high-risk HPV infection. laboratory test for sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV if there are risk factors.
• colorectal cancer screening and mammography tests in high-risk groups

Dr Turner may discuss sexuality, sexual behaviour, reproductive planning and contraceptives. Your visit will also include the option of preconception genetic testing and counselling about protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Dr Turner will also inform you about the importance of breast self-examination. You will be advised to vaccinate against rubella, chickenpox, human papillomavirus, Hepatitis A and B, and Covid.

Ages 40 To 64 Years

Screening checks for your medical history, menstrual and reproductive history, sexual practices and menopausal symptoms.

• Biennial examination for pelvic prolapse (internal pelvic organ protrudes into the vagina), clinical breast examination and pelvic examination
• Pap test + HPV every five years
• Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer screening) from age 50 or earlier if strong family history
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone test, if clinically indicated
• Yearly to biennial mammography

Dr Turner will advise you regarding sexually transmitted diseases, avoiding unwanted pregnancies, genetic counselling, preconception, hormone therapy, breast self-awareness and prophylaxis for breast cancer.

You will be advised to vaccinate yourself against Hepatitis A and B and Covid.

Ages 65 Years And Older

• Screening checks for your medical history, reproductive health and menopausal symptoms.
• Bone density scan, especially with a family history of osteoporosis
• Biennial examination for pelvic prolapse, breast examination and pelvic examination
• Cervical cytology (can be stopped if prior tests have been negative or you are 75 ]
• Colonoscopy every five years or more frequently if family history.
• Mammography every two years
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone testing every year

You will be advised and shown how to perform self-breast examination tests and have the opportunity to can discuss sexual intercourse problems with Dr Turner.

Regardless of your age, Dr Turner will also examine your health with respect to nutrition, tobacco, alcohol and drug usage, physical activity and sexual practices.

Pap Smears

What Is A Pap Test?

The Pap test, also known as Pap smear, detects high-risk HPV, which if present, increases the risk of precancerous changes to the cervix.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina (birth canal). The Pap test can indicate if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer.

During a Pap smear, Dr Turner takes a sample of cells from your cervix to be tested and examined. A Pap test is safe with no known medical risks.

Why Is A Pap Test Performed?

A Pap test can save your life. Pap tests can

1. Detect infections and
2. Detects abnormal cervical cells that can turn into cancer cells.
3. Find the earliest signs of cervical cancer.

If diagnosed early, the chance of curing cervical cancer is very high, as treatments can prevent most cases of cervical cancer from developing. Getting regular Pap tests is the best thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests have led to a major decline in cervical cancer cases and deaths.

Do All Women Need Pap Tests?

All women need regular Pap tests and pelvic examinations as part of their routine health care. You need a Pap test if you are:

• 25 years or older, and
• Women under 25 years of age who have been sexually active for three years or more

There is no age limit for the Pap test. Even women who have gone through menopause need regular Pap tests. Women aged 65 to 70 can talk to their doctor about stopping after at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal results in the last ten years.

How To Prepare For A Pap Test?

Make sure to empty your bladder just before your examination. Dr Turner may suggest you schedule a Pap test when you do not have your period. The best time to be tested is 10 to 20 days after the first day of your last period, but it can be done during your period.

How Is A Pap Test Done?

Dr Turner can do a Pap test during a pelvic examination. It is a simple and quick test. While lying on an examination table, Dr Turner puts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, which allows the cervix to be visualised—using a brush or soft-bristled "broom" to remove cells from the entrance to the canal that connects the cervix with the uterus.

• Puts the cell sample into a fluid-filled container which the pathology laboratory analyses.

When Dr Turner performs the procedure, he also examines for

• lumps, sores, inflammation, or other abnormalities of the external genitals..
• Inserting a metal or plastic instrument called a speculum into the vagina

While usually painless, a Pap test may be uncomfortable for some women.

What Do Abnormal Pap Test Results Mean?

Abnormal Pap test results usually do not mean you have cancer. Most often, there is a small problem with the cervix. Some abnormal cells will become cancer if left untreated for a long period, but early cell changes can revert to normal in most cases.

Treating these unhealthy cells can prevent almost all cases of cervical cancer. If you have abnormal results, consult Dr Turner about their meaning.

Every effort is made to educate you on PAP TEST to give you informed knowledge however if you have any concerns or queries, please ask Dr Turner.