Preventive Medicine in Gynaecology

The practice of preventive medicine determines the health condition of a person. The sex, age, family history and health problems if any, will indicate the way and extend of preventive medicine practice.

The Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer prevention. Mammography and colposcopy are also part of preventive measures, which however cannot provide proper and efficient prevention alone. The discovery of human genome provides tremendous amount of information regarding the person at high risk to develop a certain disease or a health problem. The laboratory tests and imaging techniques offer additional information in identifying patients at risk while providing preventive treatment options at the same time. Similarly gynaecological endoscopy provides the direct visualization of the uro-genital organs, direct biopsies for accurate diagnosis and efficient preventive and permanent treatments where needed.

The efficiency of preventive medicine is evident from the long term good health of the person that is under care of a specific program for good health and disease prevention. Usually these programs include a series of structured questionnaires and lab tests in order to evaluate the various health risk factors. It is essential to take detailed history of health status as well as family history from the patient. The first questions are opting to examine the general health status. The second series of questions will be more specific focusing on the health problem identified. In young women, under 39 years old, general laboratory examinations are different from those needed for older ladies. Post -menopausal women, older than 60, need specific laboratory tests as indicated by international protocol. In young women HPV vaccination is important for cervical cancer prevention, preservation of normal weight, hormonal function, fertility potential and obstetrical risks must all be considered when preventive medicine is implemented. In the middle-aged women, 40-45, the thyroid function, risks of premature ovarian failure and uterine/ bladder prolapse, vaginal dryness, urinary stress incontinence, urinary frequency, breast cancer risk and aging progress are evaluated. During menopause preventive medical care, focus on osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The identification of the patients at risk for the aforementioned diseases, prevention and early diagnosis and therapy will determine the course of life longevity, quality of life, and happiness for both women and their families. We follow specific protocols for disease investigation and preventive measures based on international and scientifically proven successful programs. These preventive measures, possible treatments, laboratory tests and imaging examinations are primarily determined from patients age and the results of the medical interview. The knowledge level of the gynaecologist, his /her experience and skills, the level of patient’s cooperation and her obedience to the program, have a major impact on the efficiency of a medical prevention program.