Gynaecology

Specifically, the center offers the following gynecological services:

1. Papanicolaou test (Pap test)

The center offers a new method to perform the Pap Test.
For more information please visit the website of the ThinPrep Pap Test.

2. Gynecological Ultrasounds

It includes uterus and ovaries monitoring. The shape and contour of the uterus and the endometrial is checked. The existence of fibroids, polyps and/or abnormal uterine shape may be determined and the size, shape and contour of the follicular growth and any presence of cysts are also recorded. In this ultrasound we can control any tubal pathology, such as hydrosalpinx.

This test may be complemented by the color Doppler in the endometrium, the myometrium or the ovaries.

The gynecological ultrasound is an important part of the annual inspection and is recommended to every woman.

3. Colposcope

Colposcopy is an examination that when performed from an experienced physician it constitutes a useful diagnostic tool for any lesion of the cervix, vagina and vulva. It is performed after the pathological Pap Test or if the doctor finds something suspicious during the gynecological examination.

How is it performed?

During such an examination and after her medical history is taken, the woman is placed in the gynecological position. A speculum is used to separate the vaginal walls so that the cervix can be readily apparent.

The colposcope is placed right in the vaginal opening, but out of it. It is a telescopic microscope, which magnify an image up to 40 times.
With the aid of colposcope the physician is able to check the cervix in detail. Special substances are used (acetic acid, Lugol) plus lighting, to separate the abnormal areas that produced the abnormal cells during the Pap Test.

In case of dysplasia (depending on grade) the doctor is possible to make a biopsy.

The doctor gently removes a sample of tissue (which is less than the 1/10 of the size of a pencil eraser). The tissue sample is placed in a bottle along with a preservative and is send to the laboratory for further testing.

Is Colposcopy hurtful?

Colposcopy is an extended gynecological examination in which the doctor checks the cervix, vulva and vagina looking for any signs of damage non-visible to the naked eye during the simple examinations.

The biopsy which is done in some cases during the colposcopy may be disturbing, but it only takes a while.

When the tiny tissue sample is removed, some women do not feel anything while others describe a feeling of ‘sting’. The doctor may recommend a pain reliever an hour before the procedure. Colposcopy lasts from 15 to 25 minutes.

What Happens After the Colposcopy?

The doctor explains what he observed during colposcopy. He informs the woman about any dangerous defects seen in case biopsy was performed for which she should be concerned. The results of a biopsy usually take 1-3 weeks.

In case of biopsy and for the next few days the woman might see a few drops of blood. The woman might see a brown material along with the blood on the next 2-4 days. This is not tissue. It is a liquid used in colposcopy exams to check microhemorrhages caused from the biopsy, and is called ‘Monsel’. In case the material is black it is due to a different liquid used – instead of “Monsel” – that is named “Nitrate”.

Sexual contacts should be avoided for 10-12 days. Do not use tampons, vaginal creams or vaginal suppositories unless this is recommended by the doctor.

When should I be worried?

You should be alarmed and consult your doctor:

• In case of severe bleeding (more than the blood of your regular period cycle)
• In case you see light red blood but you are not on your period
• In case you see vaginal discharge with intense and bad odor
• In case you experience any acute abdominal pain

4. Infertility Observation

What is infertility?

The term infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive.

Humankind has a low reproductive capacity. The chance of a young and fertile couple to conceive within a month is around 25-30% while it takes approximately 2-4 months for the majority of couples to achieve a pregnancy. These percentages are not cumulative, and it is estimated that only the 85% of all normal couples will conceive within a year.

Infertility affects 1 out of 5 to 6 couples in the Western world (about 20%) with an upward trend which is due to various causes such as social causes, maternity delay etc. Furthermore, there are environmental factors (e.g., chemicals, detergents, polluting etc.) that can affect reproduction.

Approximately 30% of infertility cases are due to female causes, 30% due to male factors, and about 20% is a combination of both. Finally, there is a group of about 20% where the cause of infertility is unknown, but this group is gradually reduced, thanks to scientific advancement and diagnostic tools.

Female Fertility

Although women can conceive in any day of their period cycle, the maximum percentage of fertility is identified two days before and two days after ovulation. This fertility window varies among women as well as for the same woman from the one of her cycle to the other.

The ovum can be fertilized for up to 2 days after ovulation. Sperms can survive for 2-3 days in the woman’s genital tract, with a maximum of five days. These fluctuations are important for couples who follow the calendar method of contraception.

Women’s chance of conception is mainly dependent on their age and is shaped as follows:

Generally after one year of efforts, a couple is recommended to visit a specialist on reproduction gynecologist. In case of an overburdened history, such as previous miscarriages, gynecological surgeries etc, as well as women older than 35 years, an earlier visit to such a gynecologist is recommended.

Male Fertility

Men’s advancing age is associated with decreased sperm volume, fewer spermatozoa (low sperm counts), sperm with reduced motility (asthenospermia) and abnormal morphology (teratozoospermia).

• Male Age 20-39 years old: 90% of their liquid removal tubules contain mature spermatozoa
• Male Age 40-69 years old: 50% of their liquid removal tubules contain mature spermatozoa
• Male Age >80 years old: 10% of their liquid removal tubules contain mature spermatozoa

How is Infertility Observation performed?

There is no single test that can calculate or estimate the reproductive ability of a couple. Your physician will recommend a series of tests, which will help the estimation of your reproductive capacity.

The diagnostic tests are useful for the identification of possible infertility causes and must always be evaluated within a boarder Clinical consideration of the couple.

5. VERACITY

New generation non-invasive prenatal test.

During pregnancy, fetal DNA travels from the placenta to the mother’s blood stream and circulates along with her own DNA. VERACITY is a new generation non-invasive prenatal test that accurately measures the fetal cell-free DNA in the maternal blood to detect the presence of fetal aneuploidies. VERACITY has been validated for both single and twin pregnancies.

The doctor or lab collects a blood sample from the mother’s arm and sends it to our state-of-the-art laboratories for analysis. At the laboratory, cell-free DNA is isolated from the mother’s blood and analyzed using our proprietary, new generation analytic and bioinformatic technology. Results are provided to your doctor in a few working days.’