When to do an examination or ultrasound?

In response to frequent questions from our patients, we provide recommendations for the best dates of

individual gynaecological examinations and ultrasound.

When is the best time to do the test:

1. Control gynaecological examination – at least once a year, in menstruating women in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.
2. Control cytology (pap smear) – at least once every two years, if the last result was normal. The smear should be taken preferably right after the end of the menstrual bleeding (in menstruating women).
3. Colposcopy – in women with indications for colposcopy evaluation, it is performed in the first phase of the cycle, preferably right after the menstrual period.
4. Insertion of an intrauterine device – the best conditions for the procedure are during menstrual bleeding, after obtaining the correct result of the degree of vaginal cleanliness or a negative bacteriological smear result from the cervical canal.
5. Removal of the IUD – at any time during the cycle.
6. Infection diagnostics (bacteriological, mycological and virological swabs, e.g. HPV) can be collected in any phase of the cycle, except for the period of menstrual bleeding.

When to best perform an ultrasound examination:

1. Gynaecological ultrasound – a minimum of once a year, the best time to have the test is the first days after the end of menstrual bleeding,
2. Breast ultrasound – should be performed during the first phase of your menstrual cycle, at least once a year,
3. Pregnancy ultrasound (in accordance with the recommendations of PTG):
   • First trimester ultrasound (so-called a genetic ultrasound) – between weeks 11th and 13th +6 days of pregnancy. The test can be expanded with a full integrated test with individual assessment of the risk of giving birth to a child with a genetic defect.
   • Second trimester ultrasound (so-called mid-pregnancy ultrasound) – between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. During the examination the normal development of organs and internal structures of the foetus is shown.
   • Third trimester ultrasound – between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. The test is designed to assess the normal growth and development of the foetus.
4. 3D/4D ultrasound – 3D/4D spatial imaging can be performed in two periods:
   • If we want to visualize the entire foetus – to see foetal movements, gestures, behaviour in the womb the best time is between 18 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy, spatial imaging allows visualization of individual foetal body parts, e.g., facial features and facial expressions, grimaces, smiles, etc.