General gynaec checkup and routine investigations adviced during checkup

Nowadays because of increased awareness of gynecological problems women are approaching gynecologist early for different complaints. Tests advised during gynecological checkup depends on symptoms of the patient. For those women who come for general gynaec checkup: 
-General examination is performed to access the weight, height, BMI(Body mass index), anemia, thyroid swellings, blood pressure recording etc. 
-For women with age above 35 years or for women having problems related to breast, breast examination and mammography are adviced to rule out pathological conditions like benign or malignant lumps in the breast, fibrocystic changes etc. 
-Abdomen palpation will be done after emptying the bladder to rule out any abdominal lumps, to observe any scars over abdomen etc. 
-External genitalia is examined to find out any discoloration, ulcers, bumps, vaginal discharge etc. 
Perspeculum examination is done to observe the condition of cervix, to rule out erosion, polyps etc. 
Pap smear test is regular screening test to detect changes of cervical cancer, which is advised to all women above the age of 21 years. Yearly once examination is advised for first three years, if all three tests gives negative results, then three years once pap smear test is enough. If unhealthy cervix is noted or frank growth is noticed at the level of cervix, cervical biopsy will be taken. Depending on the reports further management can be planned. 
-Per vaginal examination will be done to observe the size of the uterus, position, mobility and to palate adnexal masses. This helps in finding out uterine pathology and adnexal pathology. 
Depending on the clinical findings if needed specific investigations like blood tests to detect hemoglobin levels, blood sugar levels, thyroid profile, gonadal hormonal profile, prolactin levels estimation, ultrasound etc are advised. 
In case of uterine tumors or ovarian cysts or tumors etc sometimes CT scan or MRI may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and plan the management. 
In case of ovarian cysts or tumors blood CA125 levels estimation is advised to find out the malignant nature of cyst or tumor.