Taking care of your gynecologic health is not only about treating problems when they appear. Prevention and early diagnosis greatly reduce the risk of serious disease and help you stay well over time.
During a preventive consultation, the goal is to understand your history, identify risk factors and detect any changes early. This includes cervical cancer screening, breast evaluation and screening for other diseases of the female reproductive tract when indicated.
In Lisbon, Dra. Joana Faria offers prevention focused consultations for women at different ages and life stages, in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish.
What it is
Prevention of women’s diseases means using medical history, examination and screening tests to detect problems before they cause symptoms.
A preventive gynecology visit may include:
- Discussion about your menstrual cycle, contraception, sexual health and family history
- Cervical cancer screening with Pap smear and HPV testing when indicated
- Evaluation of the uterus and ovaries with pelvic exam and ultrasound
- Breast examination and advice about imaging such as mammography or ultrasound, according to age and risk
On this website you will also find dedicated pages with more detail about specific screening exams:
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear)
- Screening for female reproductive tract diseases
- Breast diseases screening
These pages are linked from this section so that you can go deeper into each topic.
Main symptoms and when to worry
Prevention aims to detect disease even before symptoms appear. However, some signs should prompt you to book a consultation sooner, even if your next check up is not yet due.
You should seek medical advice if you notice:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially between periods or after menopause
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Persistent pelvic pain or pressure
- Changes in vaginal discharge that are unusual for you
- Breast lumps, nipple discharge or changes in the skin of the breast
- Unintended weight loss, marked tiredness or persistent bloating
Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have a serious disease. But it is a reason to be seen so that the cause can be clarified and, if needed, treated early.
In emergencies, such as very heavy bleeding, sudden severe pain or suspicion of pregnancy complications, you should contact emergency services or go directly to the nearest emergency department.
Diagnosis: exams and what to expect
A prevention consultation is usually calm and structured. The objective is to give you time to talk and to perform only the exams that make sense for your age and risk.
Depending on your situation, the visit may include:
- Clinical interview
Conversation about your periods, contraception, pregnancies, family history of cancer and other medical conditions. - Gynecologic examination
Visual examination and speculum exam of the vagina and cervix. Many women feel nervous about this. The exam is usually quick, and you can always ask for a pause. - Cervical cancer screening
Pap smear and HPV testing with collection of cells from the cervix using a small brush. This may cause short discomfort but should not be painful. Frequency of screening depends on your age, history and national guidelines. - Pelvic ultrasound
Often performed during the same visit to evaluate uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures. - Breast examination and imaging
Clinical breast exam and, when indicated, prescription of mammography or breast ultrasound according to your age and risk factors.
Not every exam is performed at every visit. The plan is personalised and discussed with you, including the benefits and limitations of each test.
Treatment options and prevention strategies
When changes are detected early, there are more options and often simpler treatments. In some cases, only observation and lifestyle adjustments are needed.
Prevention and treatment strategies can include:
- Vaccination, for example against HPV when appropriate
- Lifestyle measures such as stopping smoking, weight management and regular physical activity
- Medication to regulate the menstrual cycle, protect bone health or reduce risk factors
- Local or minimally invasive treatments for cervical or uterine changes
- Referral for surgery or oncology evaluation in selected cases
The goal is not only to treat disease but to reduce risk over time and protect your quality of life.
All recommendations are based on the best available evidence and adapted to national and international guidelines. The exact choices always depend on your age, history, preferences and reproductive plans.
How Dra. Joana Faria approaches prevention in practice
In prevention focused consultations, Dra. Joana Faria:
- Listens carefully to your concerns and history before any exam
- Explains what each test is for and whether it is really necessary
- Adapts screening frequency and methods to your personal risk profile
- Pays special attention to comfort during examination, with clear communication at every step
- Offers follow up in several languages so that you fully understand your results and options
She sees prevention as a partnership. You are encouraged to ask questions, bring previous exams and participate actively in decisions about your care.
If something abnormal is detected, she explains the findings in simple language and outlines a clear plan, including when to repeat tests, when to treat and when to involve other specialists.
Related screening pages
This section is the entry point to more detailed pages about screening:
- Cervical cancer screening (Pap smear)
- Screening for female reproductive tract diseases
- Breast diseases screening
You can explore these pages to better understand each exam before your visit.
