The initial consultation begins with a discussion during which the doctor obtains the patient's general medical and gynaecological history. As part of the general medical history, the doctor gathers information about the patient's age, overall well-being, general health, previous surgical procedures, and any medications she is currently taking.
As part of the gynaecological medical history, the doctor will ask about the patient's last menstrual period, its duration, the length of her menstrual cycle, and the age at which she had her first menstrual period. They will also discuss the patient's use of contraception, if applicable.
The consultation is followed by a gynaecological examination, which is performed on a gynaecological examination chair. The doctor first examines the external genitalia and the area around the anus. This is followed by a speculum examination, during which a specialised instrument (a speculum) is gently inserted into the vagina to allow examination of the vaginal walls and the cervix. After the speculum examination, the doctor performs a bimanual pelvic examination to assess the internal reproductive organs, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the supporting ligaments of the uterus.
