Intimate examinations
Intimate examinations
Intimate examinations is a fundamental set of diagnostic and laboratory procedures for assessing the health of the reproductive and genitourinary systems and for the early detection of infection, inflammation and cancerous lesions. A component of intimate examinations performed in men as well as women is blood diagnostics. Regular prophylaxis is required to preservation of fertility and prevention of serious diseases, which are often asymptomatic.
Basic set of intimate examinations
Most health risks in the intimate sphere revolve around the risk of viral and bacterial infections and the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, the diagnosis focuses on the following pillars:
Oncology diagnosis (women)
| Study | Frequency (recommended) | Importance of |
| Cytology (classic or liquid LBC) | Every 3 years | Primary screening for early detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. |
| HPV test | Every 5 years | Detects the presence of HPV virus (high-risk strains, e.g. 16 and 18), which is the main cause of cervical cancer. The HPV test is characterised by higher sensitivity than cytology alone. |
Basic gynaecological and imaging examination (women)
A gynaecological examination should take place at least once a year. It consists of:
- Speculum examination - visual assessment of the vaginal walls and cervical disc, enabling the collection of material for cytology.
- Two-handed test set - palpation of the uterus and adnexa (ovaries and fallopian tubes) through the abdominal layers to detect abnormalities (e.g. cysts, tumours).
- Transvaginal ultrasound (transvaginal) - the most important imaging examination that allows an accurate assessment of the organs of the lower pelvis (e.g. endometrium, ovaries), early detection of cysts, myomas and tumours.
Urology prophylaxis (for men over 40)
| Study | Material to be analysed | Importance of |
| PSA (specific steroidal antigen) | Blood | Screening toward prostate cancer and for monitoring prostatic hyperplasia. An increase in PSA may indicate a disease process. |
| Per rectum examination | Physical examination | Assessment of the size and shape of the prostate by a urologist. |
Diagnosis of intimate infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - women and men
Sexually transmitted infections are often asymptomatic, so regular testing is essential, especially after changing partners or with risky behaviour.
| Study | Material to be analysed | Pathogens detected (examples) |
| STD panel (by PCR/vase) | Urethral/vaginal swab, urine | Chlamydia trachomatis, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, ureaplasma and gonorrhoea. |
| Blood serology (antibodies) | Blood | Syphilis, HIV (antigen/antibodies), hepatitis B (HBsAg) and hepatitis C (anti-HCV). |
| Herpes | Blood or swab | Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). |
When should intimate examinations be performed?
Regular follow-up is essential for all sexually active people.
| Category | Research in men | Research in women |
| Prevention | Urological examination and PSA - recommended once a year in men over 40-50 years of age (or sooner with family strain) | Gynaecological examination, ultrasound of the reproductive organs and breast examination - recommended once a year. |
| Diagnostic indications | Immediately after risky sexual contact. | Immediately after risky sexual contact. |
| Symptoms requiring an immediate visit | Pain or burning during urination, abnormal urethral leakage, ulcers, nodules, changes in urinary frequency or pain in the pelvic area. | Urination with unpleasant odour, itching, burning, pain during intercourse, genital ulcers or abnormal genital bleeding outside of menstruation. |
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