What is a Gynecological Examination Turkey?
Gynecological examination is a clinical examination performed to evaluate the general health status of the female reproductive organs. In this examination, the external genital organs, vagina, cervix and uterus position are examined visually by manual examination and, if necessary, by the use of a speculum. Additional evaluations such as cervical smear, HPV test or hormone levels can be performed with the support of easily applied ultrasonography and laboratory tests. Thus, both functional and structural pathologies are revealed with early diagnosis and preventive medical approaches.
Why is a Gynecological Examination Performed?
Gynecological examination is necessary as part of routine screening programs to protect women’s reproductive health and to detect precancerous lesions at an early stage. The basic indications for the examination include menstrual irregularities, lower abdominal pain, suspicion of sexually transmitted diseases, planning of birth control methods and conducting infertility studies. In addition, the causes of clinical complaints such as postmenopausal bleeding, suspicion of pelvic mass or cyst, vaginal discharge or painful intercourse are also clarified with this examination. Thus, personalized treatment and monitoring protocols are created.
When Should the First Gynecological Examination Be Performed?
The first gynecological examination should be planned for girls between the ages of 18 and 21, or within one year of the beginning of sexual intercourse. This examination provides an opportunity to evaluate both the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the developmental trends of the reproductive organs after puberty. If there is a family history of early menopause, uterine cancer, or cervical cancer, screening can be done at an earlier age. Early examination is critical in preventing future health problems and determining the right protection methods by increasing gynecological awareness.
What is done during a gynecological examination?
First, the patient’s history is taken and their menstrual cycle, sexual life, pregnancy history and complaints are listened to. Then, a speculum is placed in the lithotomy position and a visual examination of the cervical tissues is performed, and a smear or swab is taken for the HPV test. After the speculum is removed, the position and size of the uterus are assessed by manual examination and palpation, and the size of the ovaries are assessed. If necessary, the intrauterine structures are examined in detail with vaginal ultrasonography; rapid action is taken when the need for colposcopic examination or biopsy arises.
Can Single Women Have a Gynecological Examination?
Women who are sexually inexperienced or single should also have a gynecological examination for their health. Speculum application should be avoided in these individuals and a comfortable form of evaluation with manual examination, transabdominal ultrasound and hormone tests can be preferred. If a vaginal speculum is required, a small-sized pediatric speculum is used to provide examination without damaging the hymen area. In this way, both privacy and a sense of trust are preserved, and the opportunity for early correct diagnosis and treatment is provided.
Is a Gynecological Examination Painful?
When proper technique and patient comfort are taken into account, gynecological examinations are usually completed without pain or with very little discomfort. When inserting a speculum, the use of a warm water-heated speculum instead of a cold metal one adapts to vaginal sensation. A slight pressure sensation may occur during manual examination; however, with relaxing breathing exercises, explanatory information and the physician’s gentle approach before the procedure, pain and anxiety are minimized. If necessary, comfort can be further increased with local anesthetic gels or sedation support.
Which Complaints Require Gynecological Examination?
In cases such as vaginal bleeding disorders (non-menstrual spotting, postmenopausal bleeding), heavy or foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain and pressure, pain or bleeding during intercourse, burning or urgency during urination, recurrent urinary tract infections, genital itching-rash on the skin, a suspicious mass sensation, infertility (inability to conceive within a year), a history of recurrent miscarriages and HPV positivity, a gynecological examination should definitely be performed. Early diagnosis facilitates the treatment of both simple pathologies such as infection and serious diseases such as myoma, polyp, endometriosis and malignancy.
How Often Should a Gynecological Examination Be Performed?
For healthy women between the ages of 20 and 30, a routine examination once a year is recommended. For women over the age of 30 or those with uncertain smear results such as borderline/ASCUS, it is recommended to be performed twice a year. If there is a family history of gynecological cancer or if the person has risk factors (early sexual intercourse, polygamy, immunosuppressive therapy), the screening interval should be reduced to every six months. For postmenopausal women, an ultrasound and smear check is important at every sign of bleeding or annually.
What Tests Can Be Applied During a Gynecological Examination? (Smear, Ultrasound, Blood Test, etc.)
During the examination, tests such as dysplasia screening in cervical cells with cervical smear (Pap test), high-risk type detection with HPV DNA test; intrauterine structure, ovarian cysts or myoma presence with transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasonography; biopsy of abnormal areas with colposcopy; general health parameters such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein and vitamin D levels; determination of reproductive and thyroid deficiencies with hormone panel (FSH, LH, TSH, prolactin, E2) may be performed. In addition, urine culture, STI panel and metabolic screenings are also added to the evaluation if necessary.
Gynecological Examination Prices 2025
In 2025, the first gynecological examination fee in private clinics will be between ₺1,200 and ₺1,800; routine follow-up examinations will be priced between ₺800 and ₺1,200. Pap smear test packages are offered between ₺600 and ₺900, HPV DNA test between ₺1,500 and ₺2,200, and transvaginal ultrasonographic examination between ₺1,000 and ₺1,500. Combined “smear + ultrasound + blood test” packages may vary between ₺3,000 and ₺4,500. In institutions with SGK agreements, examination and basic smear are free of charge; a co-payment may be charged for advanced examinations and tests based on the use of special devices. Clinics usually offer installment and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the questions asked during the first gynecological examination?
In the first consultation, the doctor is informed about the frequency and duration of your menstrual cycle; the severity of your menstrual pain, the amount and color of your discharge, and whether or not you have spotting or bleeding outside of your period are evaluated in detail. Issues such as the age of onset in your sexual life, the number of partners, your methods of contraception, unwanted pregnancy experiences, and pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse are also discussed. At the same time, information is shared about whether or not you have a family history of gynecological cancer or genetic disease, your previous surgery and infection history, your chronic diseases, and the medications you use. This detailed history forms the basis for directing the examination and, if necessary, for planning additional tests.
Can I be examined during my period?
Because intrauterine examination and speculum application during menstrual bleeding restrict the field of view, routine gynecological examination is usually postponed until three to five days after the end of the menstrual period. However, if there are emergency symptoms such as heavy bleeding, intense pain, or discharge with an unusual color or odor, rapid evaluation with manual examination and transvaginal ultrasound may be necessary while bleeding continues. This allows early detection of structural problems such as precancerous dysplasia, myoma, or polyp.
Is a vaginal ultrasound necessary?
Vaginal ultrasound is the gold standard method that provides detailed visualization of the uterus and ovaries; it is the most sensitive technique for detecting cysts, myomas, endometriosis foci and tube pathologies in the pelvic organs. This examination, which is recommended to almost every patient in routine gynecological examinations, is considered inevitable especially in complaints such as infertility, menstrual irregularities and pelvic pain. In single women who only want to preserve the integrity of the hymen, transabdominal ultrasound may be the first and sometimes the only imaging option; if necessary, a careful transvaginal ultrasound with a pediatric speculum can be planned afterwards.
Is the examination kept confidential?
Privacy and confidentiality form the basis of medical ethical principles. Only the patient and the physician are present in the examination room, and a spouse or companion is admitted upon request. Patient identity and health information are kept encrypted in electronic or physical record systems and are never shared with third parties. Only the patient or legally authorized persons can access images, reports and examination results; thus, the examination process and the findings obtained are carried out in complete confidentiality.
Do you have to be married to go to the gynecologist?
Gynecological examination is a service that all women can apply for periodic health checks, complaints of discomfort or screening, regardless of their sexual experience. All girls and young adults who are unmarried, have not had sexual intercourse or are unaccompanied can also benefit from gynecological evaluation. This first examination is usually planned based on manual examination and transabdominal ultrasound, and is completed with techniques that do not harm the integrity of the hymen, respecting the patient’s privacy. In this way, both post-pubertal development monitoring and early diagnosis of any pathology are possible.