The advice, assessment and certain types of screening carried out at the annual visit to the gynaecologist can help to: Improve quality of life; Avoid the likelihood of disease in the future. When should your first gynaecological check-up take place? In the area of gynaecology and obstetrics, we are moving increasingly towards preventive medicine . According to the recommendations of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the first gynaecological check-up should take place between the ages of 13 and 15 . Information on methods of contraception and risk behaviour is an important part of this check-up, which should preferably take place prior to the onset of sexual activity . The use of barrier contraceptives , such as condoms, should be encouraged as they prevent sexually-transmitted diseases including: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; Hepatitis B; Syphilis; Gonorrhoea; Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection; Chlamydia infection. All of these infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can in turn cause infertility. Is the HPV vaccine recommended? The HPV vaccine , which can be administered from the age of 9 , is already available. This vaccine prevents infection by the most aggressive serotypes of the virus , which is transmitted sexually and is involved in the development of cellular changes leading to cervical cancer. How often should gynaecological check-ups take place after the onset of sexual activity? Once sexual activity has begun, it is recommended that a cervical cytology (Pap or smear test) be performed once a year , and then every 2 years after 3 consecutive negative results have been received. Cytology consists of the microscopic evaluation of cells that are collected from the cervix and tested for pre-malignant changes . Gynaecological check-ups and pregnancy: what are the recommendations? When a woman decides to become pregnant , she should ideally attend a preconception check-up , where she can obtain answers to all of her questions about pregnancy and childbirth. Before becoming pregnant, a woman may start taking folic acid supplements (this lowers the incidence of neural tube defects in the foetus). If she has not been immunised against rubella, the vaccine may be administered, this should be done at least 3 months before she becomes pregnant. In the case of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure , kidney failure or other conditions, any medication being taken should be adjusted to obtain the best possible control of the condition, thus determining the best timing for the pregnancy . It should also be noted that after the age of 40 , mammography is recommended at intervals of 1 to 2 years for breast cancer screening. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, you can find specialists in gynaecology and obstetrics who will carry out any tests that may be necessary. Author : Manuela Costa Meet the Obstetrics-Gynecology team of Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
