7 Things to Know About Gyno Exam: Fees, Precautions & More

Women aged over 20 should have annual gynecological examinations, since regular check-up can help detect asymptomatic gynecological diseases, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and chocolate cyst. In this article, examination procedures, testing items and fees of local gyno exam packages are explained for your better understanding.

Why do you need regular gyno exams?

Gynecological examinations can help women understand their bodies’ conditions and detect early-stage asymptomatic gynecological diseases, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, chocolate cysts, sexually transmitted disease and osteoporosis which is common for aging women.

What does a gynecological examination include?

When choosing a gyno exam plan, you should take a close look at the testing items included. Below are the common items in a gynecological examination.

• Cervical Smear: Women who had sex should conduct this test to check any abnormal cervical cells.
  
  
• Breast Ultrasound: Examine if there are cysts and tumours in the breasts.
  
  
• Mammography: It refers to X-ray or radiography tests on the breasts for detecting cancer cells. This test is suitable for women with a high risk of breast cancer.
  
  
• Bone Density Tests: The tests can diagnose osteoporosis that is prevalent among ageing women.
  
  
• Premarital Check: Examine whether you have any hidden diseases that pose health risk on yourself, your partner and even your child.
  
  
• STD Screening: Test your vaginal discretion and blood for diagnosing if you have Test vaginal secretions and blood draws to diagnose any sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis and genital warts.
  
  
• Fertility Check: Understand your chance of pregnancy and detect if you have any genetic diseases.
  
  
• Pelvic Ultrasound: Examine your uterus and ovaries and detect if there are any cysts or fibromas.

At what age should you have your first gyno exam?

Any women aged 20 can receive gynecological examinations. Ladies at different life stages should be aware of varying examination items according to their conditions.

• 20 to 25 year old: Basic urine and blood checks to understand your physiological conditions.
  
  
• 25 to 40 year old: Cervical screening (Pap smear and HPV), breast and pelvis ultrasound; Women who are about to get married or pregnant should pay more attention to these tests.
  
  
• Aged over 40 years old: Women over 40 are closer to menopause and prone to breast cancer and osteoporosis. Regular gyno exams can help detect related health risks.

How often should you have gyno exams?

• Basic full-body examination: Once a year
  
  
• Cervical smear: All women who ever had sex should have regular cervical cancer screening. If your first cervical smear result is normal, you should have the second smear one year later. If your second and third smear results are also normal, you should repeat smears every three years.
  
  
• Mammography and breast ultrasound: As suggested by your doctor
  
  
• Pelvic ultrasound: As indicated by your doctor
  
  
• Premarital check, STD screening and fertility check: Before planning for marriage and pregnancy

What are the procedures of a gyno exam?

Procedures of gyno exams vary among different examination plans and organisations. A gynecological examination usually takes up to a half-day with the below stand procedures.

1. Fill out a health questionnaire: Understand your gynecological medical history, family history, pregnancy plans and menstrual cycle etc.
   
   
2. Body check: Record and measure your height, weight, blood pressure, BMI and body fat percentage etc.
   
   
3. Clinical examination: Include a vaginal examination (vulva, vagina and palpation examination), breast examination (observation and palpation examination).
   
   
4. Specific items included in your plan, such as ultrasound, radiography, cervical smear etc.

Does the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK) provide gyno exams?

If you are looking for gynecological examinations with lower costs, the exams offered by FPAHK is a good option for consideration. FPAHK’s Women's Health Check-up includes the following tests and assessment items.

*Prices as of 10 Apr 2021

*Prices as of 10 Apr 2021

Women aged below 26 could choose their Youth Health Care service, including reproductive health check-up, Pap test, blood tests, STD screening packages, contraceptive advice, termination of pregnancy referral and counselling, etc.

How much does a gyno exam cost?

Following is the fee and examination references of different private hospitals, medical centres and community institutions.

Private Hospitals

*Prices as of 10 Apr 2021

Medical Centres

*Prices as of 10 Apr 2021

Community Institutions

*Prices as of 10 Apr 2021

How to prepare for a gyno exam?

• Avoid having an examination when you are menstruating, as it may influence the accuracy of the cervical test and leucorrhea test.
• Avoid vaginal douching and use of vaginal medicines before an examination.
• Need not fast or hold up urine.

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Sources:

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