Striking the right direction in one's diagnostic search and a positive outcome of treating a gynecologic morbidity are largely dependent on the findings of past history and administered investigations. Patients are examined following a certain system shown in medical records. The systematic approach stems from the need to evaluate the condition of the entire body rather than just the genital department.
When examining women, irrespective of their reason for presenting (preventive check-up or gynecologic exam) one should take past history, perform a clinical examination and a special gynecologic exam. Having analyzed all obtained findings the doctor considers the issue of administering further investigations.
5.1. COMPLAINTS AND PAST HISTORY
Taking past history and revealing the patient's complaints is an extremely important stage of a clinical examination. In most cases, a well taken past history permits making a presumptive diagnosis, determining the nature of reproductive system lesion and making a consecutive plan of diagnostics aimed at differential diagnosis and verification of the clinical diagnosis. Complaints and past history findings are especially important in emergency situations when complicated investigations require time, and putting off the start of therapy involves a threat to the patient's health and even life.
Past medical history is divided into several sections where questions are asked about family history, allergies, gynecologic history, and a separate section is the history of the presenting illness. The objective of asking the patient all these questions is to clear up complaints, obtain information about her previous life, past illnesses, and the specifics of her present condition.