Health

Gynecological follow-up consultations are offered once a year but can be more frequent if necessary. They allow you to take stock of contraception, STI screening (including self-sampling), sexuality, cervical and breast cancer screening, desire for pregnancy, etc.

Gynecological follow-up and prevention consultations can be carried out by a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife.

The major times are:

• Between 20 and 25 years: screening for STIs and recommendations for systematic annual self-sampling (chlamydia gonococcus)
• From 25 years: screening for cervical cancer
• From 35 years: clinical breast monitoring
• From 50 years: mammographic screening, prevention and screening for cardiovascular risk factors and osteoporosis

A gynecological examination may be offered to you during these consultations, if necessary and with your consent. Contraception may be prescribed and/or fitted (IUD, subcutaneous implant), depending on your situation.

Additional examinations may also be prescribed: pelvic ultrasound, mammography, breast ultrasound, vaginal swabs, blood tests, etc. and drug treatments may be offered to you if necessary.

Since 2009, midwives have been able to provide gynecological monitoring for healthy women.

The midwife is a medical professional trained in women's health and at all stages of their lives. "She can support a young girl from the age of 11 with vaccination against the papillomavirus up to monitoring the post-menopausal woman," explains Isabelle Derrendinger. Her skills are varied: education in emotional and sexual life, vaccination, access to contraception and birth control, IVG (voluntary termination of pregnancy) by medication, prevention of gynecological cancers, etc. "

On the other hand, consultation with a midwife is only for women "in good health". In the event of medical problems or if complications appear during gynecological monitoring, the midwife will refer you to a gynecologist.

Sources: ARS and CAF websites