Clinical, special, laboratory, and instrumental examination methods are used in current gynecological practice.
When examining women, general and special gynecological history is taken, then physical examination is performed, including a special gynecological examination (on a gynecological examination chair - speculum examination, bimanual vaginal examination, rectal, cervical examination using a colposcope, etc.).
3.1. History
When examining gynecological patients, a detailed history is of great significance, it includes:
► passport data (age);
► main complaints at the time of examination;
► social history;
► family history;
► past somatic diseases;
► gynecologic history;
► obstetric history;
► history of present disease.
The main complaints are the summary of the patient's symptoms, problems, and diseases, the reason the patient visits the doctor. The most frequent complaints of gynecological patients are pain, pathologic vaginal discharge, menstrual disorders, bleeding, infertility, urinary incontinence, impaired bowel function, etc.
Social history includes living conditions and unfavorable working conditions, diet, bad health habits, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.
Diseases diagnosed in the first degree relatives should be recorded in family history. The most significant are: diabetes mellitus and other endocrinopathies, tumors, cardiovascular diseases, blood and connective tissue diseases. Information obtained from a family history may indicate the presence of genetic diseases or a susceptibility to them.
Medical history. It is necessary to clarify the childhood and puberty diseases, the time of menarche and start of sexual activity, gather information about the presence of the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver diseases, endocrine and metabolic disorders, ongoing therapy, features of the disease course (compensation/decompensation, remission/exacerbation, etc.).