Gynaecological screening serves to detect possible diseases at an early stage. The examination includes the assessment of the external and internal genitalia (uterus, ovaries, vagina) and the female breast. A cell smear is taken from the cervix to detect altered cells. The smear is assessed under the microscope by experts in specialised laboratories. The breast is systematically palpated and examined for changes. If the findings are unclear or suspicious, a mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound is necessary.

A vaginal ultrasound can provide a good assessment of the ovaries and the uterus. This is important in the context of fertility treatments, to clarify bleeding disorders, lower abdominal complaints, hormonal problems and for the early detection of benign and malignant changes.

Depending on your current life situation and lifestyle, different contraceptive preparations are best suited. In a consultation, we determine your needs and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the respective preparations. The main focus is on safety and your health.

A distinction is made between hormonal contraception and hormone-free contraception.

Hormonal contraceptives include combined hormone preparations that contain both a progestogen and an oestrogen. These preparations include most pills, the hormone ring and the hormone patch. The progestogen is mainly responsible for the contraceptive effect, i.e. suppressing ovulation. The oestrogen stabilises the bleeding pattern.

The oestrogen-free contraceptive methods (progestogen pill, hormonal IUD, hormonal implant, hormonal injection) only contain a progestogen. This causes the cervical mucus to thicken and prevents the sperm from ascending into the uterine cavity. Progestogen monopreparations also inhibit the development of the uterine lining.

Hormone-free contraception can be used with a copper IUD, condoms or a natural contraceptive method.

A detailed cycle history is taken at the beginning of an evaluation for menstrual problems. A vaginal ultrasound is used to detect changes in the ovaries and uterus. If necessary, a hormonal check-up and a smear test to exclude infections are also carried out.

Most of the time, menstrual cramps can be improved with hormonal preparations. Sometimes endometriosis can be the cause of severe menstrual pain. In endometriosis, the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity (e.g. in the ovary, bladder, uterine wall, cervix, intestine). This lining also undergoes cyclical changes like the normal uterine lining and often causes discomfort.

The menopause is a transitional phase between the fertile and infertile phases in a woman’s life. The cause is the decreasing production of progesterone and oestrogen. The menopause, i.e. the last menstruation, usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, on average at around 51. Many women suffer from the hormonal changes. Common complaints are hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbances, mood swings, depressive moods, nervousness, vaginal dryness, lack of libido and palpitations. Hormone therapies and herbal therapies (e.g. black cohosh, monk’s pepper ) are available to treat menopausal symptoms.

Genital infections could be caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria. The most common symptoms are pain, burning, itching and an altered vaginal discharge.

The majority of pathogens are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Among the most common sexually transmitted bacterial diseases is chlamydial infection. Possible symptoms include bleeding disorders and lower abdominal discomfort. However, affected women often have hardly any complaints and therefore do not notice the infection. Thus, there may be adhesion of the fallopian tubes due to inflammation, which may lead to infertility. It is important that chlamydial infection is detected early and antibiotic therapy is given to the partner as well.

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are viruses that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. There are less dangerous ( low risk) viruses and dangerous ( high risk) viruses. The low-risk HPV viruses are responsible for genital warts, for example. The high risk HPV viruses are responsible for the development of cervical cancer. The majority of women become infected with HPV during their lifetime. The majority of infections can be successfully fought off by the immune system. However, if this is not successful and the infection persists for years, cell changes can occur that can develop into cervical cancer without therapy. These changes can be detected on the basis of the cell smear of the cervix as part of the screening.

There is a vaccination against the most important HPV viruses that can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by about 90%.