The midwife is entitled to ensure the gynecological follow-up of women who do not have gynecological pathologies. As soon as a pathology is detected by your midwife or your doctor (treating or gynecologist) it is the gynecologist who will take over your follow-up if necessary.

The major times of your gynecological follow-up are:
– From 11 years: as soon as the need to exchange on contraception, STI/ STD screening, sexuality... is present
– Between 20 and 25 years: for STI screening, discussion/ prescription and follow-up of contraception if necessary
– From 25 years: for cervical cancer screening
– From 35 years: clinical breast monitoring
– From 50 years: mammographic screening, prevention and screening of cardiovascular risk factors and osteoporosis

The gynecological examination is not mandatory but can be offered to you especially from 25 years for the realization of the smear. Before age 25, the gynecological examination is carried out if you wish, with your consent.
The midwife is authorized to prescribe and apply contraceptives such as IUD and subcutaneous implant if you wish.

Additional tests may also be prescribed by your midwife: pelvic ultrasound, endometriosis screening, mammography, breast ultrasound, vaginal samples, blood test... and drug treatments can be offered if needed.

For more information on midwifery skills:
https://www.ordre-sages-femmes.fr/votre-sage-femme/competences/suivi-gynecologique-et-contraception/

The contraceptive consultation is a consultation dedicated to the discussion, prescription and monitoring of the contraception you want to adopt knowing the different effects of it.
First of all, this consultation is a privileged moment of exchange with your midwife in order to give you all the useful information for a free and informed choice.
There is no minimum age to talk about contraception, this consultation can take place as soon as you feel the need!

This consultation usually includes:
– an interview on personal and family health problems
– a clinical examination (but no systematic gynecological examination!)
– the realization of a cervical-uterine smear (if necessary and from 25 years).
– the prescription of biological tests for monitoring the good tolerance of certain hormonal contraceptives
– the prescription of your contraception and its implementation
– the prescription of STI/STD screenings and appropriate treatments if necessary

A cervical smear (also called a cervical smear) is a sample taken from the part of the uterus that leads into the vagina (called the cervix) to remove cells for analysis. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that there are no cancerous lesions or lesions that may become cancerous or to monitor the presence of the DNA of the virus responsible for these lesions.
It is a major screening examination for cervical cancer, which is a silent cancer.
This screening begins from the age of 25 and is not annual, it takes place at:
– 25 years
– 26 years old
– 29 years old
– then every 5 years until the age of 65

Screenings can be carried out more closely in the event of abnormalities found.

The post-natal consultation can be done by your midwife, gynecologist or doctor and takes place 6 to 8 weeks after you give birth.

This consultation provides an update on:
– the experience of your birth
– your healing
– your sexuality
– the contraception you want for the future
– update your cervical cancer screening if it is
– implement the rehabilitation of your perineum (strongly recommended after each pregnancy)!

The midwife will not be able to perform your postnatal consultation if the birth took place by cesarean or if you have a known pathology impacting your gynecological follow-up.