Gynecology — questions and answers

The response time depends on the sample type and the capacity of the laboratories we send the samples to:

Deviations in waiting times may occur, depending on the capacity of the laboratory analyzing the sample.

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A consultation with an ultrasound examination and inspection of the cervix, vagina and external parts of the woman's genitals will usually take 20 minutes.

An adult woman should have a pelvic examination when she feels the need to, or feels a discomfort. If she does not take a cervical smear as recommended, she will receive a reminder from the Cancer Registry and be encouraged to see her GP or gynecologist to take such a test.

A gynecological examination should not normally be painful, but can still be experienced as uncomfortable, mostly because the woman finds it uncomfortable to expose herself as is necessary for this type of examination, but also because the gynecologist usually has to insert an instrument into the vagina to perform the examination or take samples.

The cost of seeing a gynecologist will vary somewhat depending on the type of examination you have and how long it takes. The cost usually consists of a basic price for the consultation and some additional charges for additional tests and materials. For a good overview, see our price list.

A check-up with a gynecologist often includes a Pap smear, but also other examinations. You can go as often as you feel comfortable with. In many countries, women go for an annual check-up with a gynecologist. Norwegian women do not go as often, which may be because there were previously few gynecologists available. We often recommend every other year, but make individual recommendations.

The gynecologist checks medical history and medication use, performs an ultrasound scan and gynecological examination, and takes samples if necessary. The gynecologist can also investigate the cause of infertility and examine the uterine cavity and ovaries with a contrast study.

Women who have problems in the vagina will normally notice it themselves, in the form of burning, itching, discharge or soreness.

A gynecologist can find disease, whether there are risk factors for disease or whether everything is completely normal. The gynecologist can take cytology, bacterial tests, hormone tests and tissue samples to confirm or rule out disease or imbalances.

The gynecologist examines the woman's uterus and ovaries with ultrasound. The woman's vagina, cervix and pelvic organs are checked during a gynecological examination.

We may order more tests or examinations, we may take the woman back for a check-up or refer her to hospital, depending on what is found. The woman will be explained why more tests, referral or check-up are necessary.

When the woman herself or her GP believes it is necessary due to symptoms, complaints or findings, when the woman feels uneasy and wants a check-up or when it is time for a routine check-up.

In the event of vaginal bleeding in women after menopause, discharge and pain, and an increase in abdominal size without an explainable reason, the woman should always consult a gynecologist.

Yes, we can.

There are two different types of IUDs, the copper IUD and the hormonal IUD. The IUD is an effective contraceptive that is inserted into the uterine cavity and is guaranteed to be effective for five years.

The copper coil protects against pregnancy by making it difficult for a fertilized egg that enters the uterine cavity to attach. In addition, the copper ions reduce the ability of sperm cells to fertilize the egg. Some people experience heavier bleeding than usual when using a copper coil.

The hormonal IUD protects against pregnancy by making it difficult for the fertilized egg that enters the uterine cavity to attach. In addition to acting as a foreign body like the copper IUD, it makes the uterine lining thin and impervious to the fertilized egg, while making the cervical mucus difficult for sperm to penetrate. Women who use the hormonal IUD will often experience lighter periods than normal. Many will experience that their periods stop. This is because the uterine lining is shrunk so much by the IUD hormone that nothing is going to come out of the uterus. Recently, two new hormonal IUDs have been introduced that are specifically designed for women who have not been pregnant or given birth. One lasts three years, the other lasts five years.

Birth control pills are rarely dangerous to use, except in cases of increased familial risk of blood clots or estrogen-dependent cancer. For women who are on medication for epilepsy, metabolism or other diseases, the pill may in some cases make it necessary to adjust the dose of these medications or change medication. This is stated in the package insert that comes with the pills.

If you forget to take the pill, the chance of unwanted pregnancy and bleeding problems increases. You should take the missed pill as soon as possible, or if it has been too long, take the emergency pill.

In the case of a family history of increased risk of blood clots, the doctor should investigate whether the woman requesting birth control pills also has such a risk. This can be done by taking a set of blood tests or a genetic test that will reveal whether she herself has an increased risk. If she has an increased risk, she can choose a different type of contraceptive or choose a birth control pill that only contains the progestogen hormone.

Birth control pills with only progestin (a progesterone-like hormone) do not increase the risk of blood clots.

Birth control pills with the estrogen ethinyl estradiol (most birth control pills) increase the risk of blood clots in both arteries and veins. Birth control pills with the estrogen estradiol increase the risk of blood clots in veins. Birth control pills with only progestin (a hormone similar to progesterone) do not increase the risk of blood clots.

That the pill is a safe contraceptive, that one must remember to take the pill regularly, that the pill can reduce the amount of bleeding and menstrual pain, that older pills are often less expensive and just as safe as newer pills. Newer pills can also be lower-dose than older pills, which some people experience as positive. It can often make sense to start with a low-dose pill.

The pill should be used from the time you start until you plan to become pregnant. There is no reason to take breaks. This will usually cause more problems than benefits.

Implant and depot injection are also progestogen-only products that protect against pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. The implant is guaranteed to be equally effective for three years. It can then be replaced or removed. It is inserted with a needle just under the skin of the upper arm. The depot injection is given as a syringe and is renewed every 3 months.

All progestin-only products have a greater tendency to cause bleeding problems than preparations that consist of both estrogen and progestin (progesterone).

Birth control pills are rarely dangerous to use, except in cases of increased familial risk of blood clots or estrogen-dependent cancer. For women who are on medication for epilepsy, metabolism or other diseases, the pill may in some cases make it necessary to adjust the dose of these medications or change medication. This is stated in the package insert that comes with the pills.

The mini-pill is an alternative to the combined pill. It contains only progesterone (gestagens). The mini-pill must be taken at a specific time each day and will not be safe from pregnancy if you forget to take the pill one day.

The most commonly used hormonal contraceptive among younger women is the pill. There are several different types of pill. They are mainly combination pills, which contain both estrogen and progesterone. This type of pill inhibits ovulation, regulates menstruation and protects against unwanted pregnancy when used correctly.

Combination pills are taken for 21 days a month, followed by seven tablet-free days or seven days of placebo tablets. During this period, menstrual-like bleeding will normally occur. Some people may experience irregular bleeding in the first few days after starting. Women who have previously had blood clots or have an increased family risk of blood clots should not choose the combination pill. The same applies to the contraceptive patch or contraceptive ring.

Women who are at increased risk of blood clots should choose a contraceptive that does not contain estrogen. Examples of this are the copper coil, hormonal coil, progestogen-only pill, minipill or condom. The progestogen-only pill that has recently come on the market protects against pregnancy in the same way as the combination pills. The risk of blood clots is primarily linked to the estrogen hormone and is therefore not present to the same extent with the progestogen-only pill.