Aesthetic gynaecology
As a woman ages, her intimate body parts also change. Vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic and dry, and so, more prone to irritation, infections and itching. The labia may begin to lose their volume. Childbirth is another contributing factor to increasing discomfort in the intimate area due to the loss of elasticity of the vaginal tissue. Fortunately, all these issues can be treated using gentle, non-surgical methods. Our clients can benefit from several types of effective treatments which rely on the rejuvenating effect of blood plasma or hyaluronic acid. Plasma therapy and hyaluronic acid therapy promote tissue regeneration and help improve the aesthetic appearance of the genital area and treat scars associated with childbirth. Our clinics perform the following procedures:
- Injection of platelet-rich plasma created from the patient’s own blood using BCT technology to stimulate regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects,
- Cellular Matrix (a product which combines 20 mg/l hyaluronic acid and autologous plasma in a closed-system device) injections to assist natural skin regeneration and hydration,
- DESIRIAL® hyaluronic acid injection treatments of vaginal itching and painful intercourse associated with vulvovaginal atrophy,
- DESIRIAL® PLUS filler injections to restore the labia majora volume and improve the aesthetic appearance of the vulvovaginal area.
GynGen® – genetic analysis
GynGen® is a genetic analysis specifically designed for women. It is based on the latest findings in molecular genetics.
The aim of GynGen® is to assess risks of genetic-dependent diseases and set up targeted prevention tailored to each patient’s needs. Many serious diseases or health complications can thus be avoided or identified when they are easier to treat.
GynGen® can detect your predisposition for the following diseases:
GynGen® can detect your predisposition for the following diseases:
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES:
- thrombosis,
- atherosclerosis,
- hypertension (high blood pressure),
- myocardial infarction,
- stroke,
CANCER:
- breast and ovarian cancer (based on BRCA test),
METABOLIC DISEASES:
- type 2 diabetes,
- obesity,
- osteoporosis.
GynGen® can help you determine if taking a HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION or HORMONAL SUBSTITUTE is appropriate for you. It can be used to assess your predisposition to inflammatory diseases as well.
What to expect during your genetic analysis consultation?
The doctor will first discuss your medical and family history with you. If genetic analysis is recommended, a simple blood or saliva sample will be collected for DNA testing. Once the test is completed, the doctor will explain you the findings and discuss next steps with you (prevention plan with recommendations for lifestyle, necessary check-ups, or treatment).
Gynaecological surgery
In our clinics we perform the following gynaecological procedures. We preferably choose minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Artificial termination of pregnancy in the first trimester
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. It is performed through the vaginal approach. The contents of the uterine cavity are removed by suction or curettage. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes. We do not recommend any sexual intercourse for about 2 weeks after the procedure. The menstrual cycle should return within 4-6 weeks after the operation.
Revision of uterine cavity after spontaneous or missed abortion, postpartum revision of uterine cavity
The procedure is performed from the vaginal approach, where the cervix is dilated and, using a curette and suction cannula, the contents of the uterine cavity are completely removed. The material obtained is subjected to histological examination. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. It is done under general anaesthesia. The usual hospital stay is 1 day.
After the procedure, you may experience a transient soreness in the lower abdomen similar to menstrual pain and light bleeding. Mild tenderness of the lower abdomen may persist for several days after discharge, as well as light bleeding or brownish discharge that may last up to 3-4 weeks.
Hysteroscopy with curettage
The most common reasons that require hysteroscopy are menstrual cycle disorders related to hormonal changes, excessive uterine bleeding, suspicion of pathological changes in the uterine cavity, suspicion of malignant tumour, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, etc.
Hysteroscopy is an examination in which the uterine cavity is completely examined using thin optics, focusing on deviations from the norm regarding the uterine lining or the shape of the uterine cavity itself. During the examination, samples are taken from the uterine cavity for microscopic histological analysis. The procedure is performed from the vaginal approach by inserting an optical probe – hysteroscope into the uterine cavity. Subsequently, samples of the uterine cavity mucosa and cervical canal are taken by curette for examination.
After the procedure, you may experience a transient soreness in the lower abdomen similar to menstrual pain and light bleeding. Slight bleeding or brownish discharge may last up to 3-4 weeks. After the procedure, we do not recommend physical exertion for about 1 week, bathing and sexual intercourse for about 3-4 weeks. The total length of hospital stay depends on your health condition.
Cervical conisation
The aim of the cervical conisation is to remove the part of the cervix with cellular abnormalities detected during cytological examination. During the procedure, performed from the vaginal approach, the cervix is cut, and if indicated, samples are taken from the uterine cavity for microscopic histological analysis to clarify the diagnosis. The cervical conisation is performed under short-term general anaesthesia. If the evaluation of the removed tissue shows that cellular abnormalities could persist in the unremoved part of the cervix, a repeat procedure (and, in some cases, removal of the entire uterus) is sometimes necessary.
Biopsies from the vagina, cervix or vulva
The purpose of the procedure is the collection of tissue samples from a designated area and their subsequent histological examination. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Surgical removal of genital warts
The aim of the procedure is to remove genital warts from the external genital area, possibly from the vagina or the surface of the cervix. The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia.
Hysteroctomy – removal of the uterus
The most common reasons for hysteroctomy include myomatosis (the presence of muscle knots on the uterus), often associated with excessive bleeding during menstruation. Other reasons are conditions of uterine mucosa pathology also accompanied by heavy and/or irregular bleeding (mucosal hyperplasia). The discovery of serious precancer on the cervix is another reason for uterine removal. Removal of the affected uterus itself may be associated with removal of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The principle of the operation is the gradual release of the uterus from its suspensive apparatus to the pelvic wall and from the vagina. At the same time, the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries are removed, if indicated. Then the separated organs are removed from the abdominal cavity according to the chosen surgical approach. The choice of the surgical approach depends on the nature and extent of the disease, the size of the uterus, etc. Approach to the operation might be combined (laparoscopically assisted vaginal), laparoscopic, laparotomic (from abdominal incision), and vaginal.
Operative hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is recommended to the patients with disorders of the menstrual cycle, related to hormonal changes, or in case of excessive bleeding, suspicion of pathological changes in the uterine cavity, suspicion of malignancy, or diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
During the hysteroscopic surgery polyps, myoms, intrauterine lining, adhesions and possible uterine septum are removed with endoscopic instruments and tissue samples are taken. The operation is performed from the vaginal approach and requires general anaesthesia of the patient.
After major procedures in the uterine cavity, we usually discharge patients on the second post-operative day.
Diagnosis and treatment of fertility disorders
We provide care for female patients with fertility disorders. The initial consultation at our clinic is followed by a proposal of a diagnostic and treatment procedure. Depending on the type of disorder detected, appropriate treatment for ovulation stimulation is recommended. In case of failure of this treatment, an appointment is arranged at a centre for assisted reproduction.
Birth control consultancy
We help patients to choose a contraceptive that works best for them. They can choose between suitable oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, IMPLANON (subcutaneous implants), injectable contraceptives, etc.
Prenatal care
We approach pregnancy and childbirth in a comprehensive way using modern methods and procedures. A regular pregnancy check-up includes urinalysis, assessment of the weight gain in the pregnant women, blood pressure measurement, manual examination of the cervix and ultrasound examination of the fetus.
In prenatal care, ultrasound is an indispensable examination method used not only for the examination of the fetus but also for the examination of the pregnant woman.
Ultrasound prenatal examinations are performed in the 1st trimester, specifically at week 11 to week 14 of pregnancy, then in the 2nd trimester at week 19 to week 22 and in the 3rd trimester around week 30. If necessary, the examination can be performed at any other time.
Additional information regarding different examinations:
- In the first trimester of pregnancy, specifically between week 11 to week 14, the fetus, as well as the fetal egg and the uterus can be examined in detail. The examination performed at this stage of pregnancy is usually carried out transabdominally. It includes the measurement of the so-called nuchal transluency (NT), which is the fluid at the back of the fetal neck. Measurement of NT together with the assessment of results of biochemical examinations (maternal blood tests) performed previously may indicate the risk of certain genetic or anatomical birth defects.
- In April 2013, we obtained the FMF certification which enables us to provide a complete first trimester screening of fetal birth defects and chromosomal aberrations. This certification is an essential guarantee of the quality of testing and ensures that the risk of inaccurate results is minimised.
- In the second trimester of pregnancy, specifically between week 19 to week 22, another specialised fetal examination is carried out, particularly to detect or exclude congenital defects. This is also the time for a detailed examination of the fetal heart.
- In the third trimester of pregnancy, around week 30 week, we focus on the fetal position and the placenta function.
More information can be found in this leaflet.
Gynaecological endocrinology
Our clinic offers care to patients with gynaecological diseases caused by hormonal disorders. Using the available range of modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods, we provide diagnosis and treatment of hormone-dependent diseases and pathologies such as:
- menstrual cycle disorders,
- dysmenorrhoea (painful periods),
- ovarian insufficiency,
- hyperprolactinaemia,
- hyperandrogenic conditions,
- polycystic ovary syndrome,
- endometriosis.
We also provide diagnosis and treatment for diseases and conditions caused by the loss of oestrogen at menopause, hormone replacement therapy, phytoestrogen therapy, etc.
Ultrasound diagnostics in gynaecology and obstetrics
Diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and soft tissues in real time. In gynaecology and obstetrics, this method is used, among other reasons, because there are no risks or side effects associated with it. Ultrasound is used to examine the organs of the small pelvis and their vascular supply. In gynaecology, we generally use a so-called vaginal probe. A transabdominal probe is mainly used in obstetrics.
Preventive gynaecological examination
The gynaecological exam includes an inspection of the external genitalia and a speculum exam to inspect the vagina and cervix. Moreover, a colposcopic examination of the cervix is performed (similar to a microscopic examination) followed by a cervical smear examination (i.e. cytological test which patients undergo once a year). This examination is carried out as a basic cervical cancer screening.
On top of this, our clients may opt for a more modern method of cervical screening referred to as liquid-based cytology (LBC). The sample is collected in the conventional manner with one of the brush instruments but, instead of being spread onto a glass slide, it is transferred to a vial of transport liquid medium. This new method significantly improves the quality of the examination and increases the possibility of early detection of serious cellular changes in the cervix. In addition, it allows for the detection of HPV virus (from the same swab taken for cytological test) which is a primary cause of cervical cancer.
In the laboratory, the samples are then evaluated in two ways: first by microscopic examination performed by a cytopathologist and then by electron microscopy, which can identify even a single abnormal cell. This procedure significantly reduces the risk of overlooking serious changes in the collected cells.
The efficiency of the conventional glass-slide method, almost 50-year-old, is around 60-70%, which may result in underestimation of the findings. Whereas the efficiency of the new computerised analysis of LBC smears exceeds 90%.
The preventive examination also includes a bimanual exam to assess the uterus and adnexa by palpation. A rectal examination may be also used as a part of routine gynaecological check-ups. The patients usually undergo a vaginal or abdominal ultrasound during the check-ups.
Another prevention measure is vaccination. Vaccinations developed specifically for women should protect them against the most aggressive types of HPV. It is intended not only for adolescent patients who have not yet started their sexual life, but also for women who are already sexually active. It will prevent re-infection and reduce the likelihood of cancer. HPV VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR CLINICS.
An integral part of preventive care is breast examination, as well as dispensation in case of need. We provide referrals for mammography and breast ultrasound, which involves close cooperation with a mammologist.