The new cancer screening guideline (KFE-RL)

The early cancer detection examination of the female genital organs is an important pillar of your health. The purpose of the examination is, among other things, to detect cell changes in the cervix, which are usually still harmless and can be treated very well.

In 2020, the German Cancer Early Detection Guideline (KFE-RL) was adapted to international guidelines. All women continue to be examined annually, patients with hormonal oral contraception / IUD continue to be examined every six months.

The fundamental change in the KFE-RL consists in the classification according to age groups and the procedure with regard to the early detection of cervical cancer:

Between the ages of 20 and 34, women receive an annual gynecological examination and a smear from the cervix (Pap smear) for a cytological examination for cell changes, as before.

From the age of 35, in addition to the annual gynecological examination, all women receive a Pap smear as well as a smear for so-called human papillomaviruses (HPV test). These viruses can cause cervical cancer. Statistical studies clearly show that the combination of Pap smear and HPV test significantly increases diagnostic reliability. However, the statutory health insurance companies only pay for this combination test every three years!

Statistics is one thing, but your individual risk of illness is a much more valuable asset. On the one hand, there is the possibility of contracting HPV again within a short period of time and, on the other hand, not all changes to the cervix are caused by these viruses. A lot can change in a period of 3 years.

In order to rule out these uncertainty factors, we recommend that you continue to have an annual Pap smear at your own expense (IGEL), as we have been doing very successfully for many years.

Ovarian cancer only causes symptoms at an advanced stage. This is the reason why about 70% of the patients are in this stage III at the time of diagnosis. No early findings can be made by the palpation examination.

Only with the vaginal ultrasound is there a chance to examine the ovaries precisely in terms of shape, position and structure and thus to make early findings visible. In addition, your uterus will be examined more closely. For example, changes in muscles (myomas, adenomyosis) or in the uterine lining (growths to mucosal cancer) can be better assessed. The contours of the bladder mucous membrane can also be followed and symptom-free early findings can be diagnosed here.

In summary, vaginal ultrasound is the best diagnostic method for finding early findings in the area of the internal genitalia.

Every year around 40,000 women in our country develop breast cancer, i.e. every 8th to 10th woman in the course of their lives. Unfortunately, the exact causes are still largely unclear. Even if there are so-called risk factors, we have to assume that it can affect any woman, even those without particular risks.

As a conclusion, we recommend the following preventive examinations (closer checks in the event of family history):

1. Gynecologist’s palpation examination of the breast every 6-12 months

2. Self-examination by yourself once a month

3. Mammography at regular intervals, depending on the initial findings (usually from 50 years every 2 years)

4. Ultrasound examinations of the breast as a supplement to mammography

None of these tests can prevent breast cancer, but they can diagnose it as early as possible. Mammography can detect the smallest, not yet palpable lumps or microcalcifications. In addition to an X-ray examination that has already taken place, an ultrasound examination of the breast is a useful addition to early detection.

The statutory preventive medical check-up, as paid for by the health insurance company, only includes the palpation of the mammary glands from the age of 30.

For the early detection of breast cancer – the most common cancer in women – in addition to regular breast self-examinations, an ultrasound examination at regular intervals is useful. In order to optimally design your personal preventive care, ultrasound diagnostics should be consulted at the latest from the age of 40 according to the recommendations of the German Society for Senology.

The examination of the stool for occult (hidden) blood is an important and proven cancer early detection measure, because changes in the colon and rectum are among the most common cancers in our culture. Fortunately, the chances of recovery are extremely good if these diseases are diagnosed early, and blood can usually be detected in the stool long before the first symptoms appear.

The immunological stool test responds to small traces of blood, so that a carcinoma can be detected earlier and precursors may also be discovered. Bleeding sources located higher up in the small and large intestine can also be detected. No special diet needs to be observed before stool production.

According to the statutory regulation, colorectal cancer screening starts at the age of 50. We recommend performing immunological stool tests every 2-3 years beforehand. In addition, from 55 years of age, between the colonoscopies that are scheduled every 10 years, you can achieve even more security with the immunological stool test.

You are also very welcome to take a test with you for your partner – we will evaluate it for us.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are still a common cause of inflammation in the genital tract. In addition to the “classic” pathogens for syphilis or gonorrhea, various pathogens come into question: chlamydia, herpes viruses, ureaplasma, trichomonads, etc. It is not uncommon for several pathogens to be transmitted at the same time (multiple infections).

The diseases can run with the typical symptoms (inflammation of the urethra, skin changes in the genital area, itching, discharge, fever) but also without specific symptoms and are accordingly only recognized through targeted examinations.

If you have the above symptoms or if you yourself suspect that you may have an STD (e.g. unprotected intercourse / unknown infection status of the sexual partner, etc.), you should speak to us.

The diagnosis of syphilis, HIV infection and hepatitis infection (HBV, HCV) is carried out through blood tests and detection of antigens and antibodies. Serological diagnostics are clearly superior to PCR for these pathogens. However, it must be taken into account that some STDs can only be detected in the blood some time after infection.

A smear test is useful in order to quickly and reliably diagnose the above. To enable pathogens. Therefore we offer an STD-PCR.

The freedom from complaints is a self-payer service.

For women who want to have children:

You are no longer 25 years old, you definitely want to get pregnant, but the general conditions are not quite right yet and you are worried that it will still work out later? We offer you the opportunity to check your fertility – please do not hesitate to contact us. We would also be happy to provide you with information on social freezing.

We are happy to offer you this service as an IGEL.

For women all around the change:

There is a close relationship between the estrogen level in postmenopausal women and the risk of developing osteoporosis (bone loss), arteriosclerosis (vascular calcification) or Alzheimer’s disease (memory loss). Changes in the skin and hair can often be observed as a result of hormonal imbalances. This can be due to the increasing effectiveness of male hormones and manifest itself in skin imperfections and hair loss.

During the menopause, the ovarian function gradually ceases (climacteric). The ovaries produce fewer and fewer female hormones, resulting in a hormone deficiency. As a result, the menstrual period will later fail. With the help of a differentiated hormone test from the blood, an individual diagnosis is possible. If the need arises from this and you have the wish, an optimal setting of the hormone replacement therapy is possible. It can also be clarified whether you need to take measures to prevent pregnancy.

The early detection of hormonal disorders through a precise hormone analysis can also enable targeted therapy here. We offer this blood analysis to you as IGEL.

Together with calcium, vitamin D has a decisive influence on bone metabolism. It

• increases the absorption of calcium from the intestines into the bloodstream
• reduces the excretion of calcium via the kidneys
• increases the formation, maturation and activity of bone cells
• activated the Osteoclats and thus keeps the extracellular calcium level in the normal range and increases the incorporation of calcium into the bones (mineralization).

Vitamin D deficiency leads to an increasing number of hip joint and femoral neck fractures, especially in women over the age of 60. An insufficient supply leads to a mineralization disorder of the bones, insufficient calcium is incorporated, the bone mass is reduced.

According to a new study, the lack of vitamin D also means that mineralized bone tissue that surrounds the bones cannot develop a protective effect. The bone ages prematurely and becomes less resistant to fractures.

According to this, a lack of vitamin D not only reduces bone density, but also affects the quality of the bones.

In addition, vitamin D also has a beneficial effect on the muscles. It occupies receptors in muscle cells, which, through biochemical processes in the contraction of muscle fibers, helps reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.

Other advantages of an adequate supply of vitamin D include:

• Increase in muscle mass
• Reducing the risk of falling
• Improve coordination
• Lowering systolic blood pressure and improving heart failure
• Lowering the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Effects on sugar and fat metabolism (high vitamin D levels reduce the risk of diabetes)

anti-inflammatory effect, especially in immunological and allergic diseases (the susceptibility to infections of the upper respiratory tract is increased in the deficiency, in allergic diseases vitamin D increases the production of anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory messenger substances of the immune cells).

As part of the test, it is possible to analyze a person’s intestinal microbiome in a simple and easily reproducible manner. With the help of a stool sample, all groups of bacteria colonizing the intestine are recorded, identified and quantified with the help of a state-of-the-art next-generation sequencing process. In addition to determining the diversity of species (α-diversity), the respective colonization variant (enterotype), the person-specific composition of the microbiome and the proportion of important bacterial groups in the overall microbiome are determined. In addition, the structure of the individual microbiome is broken down on the genus / species level. Scientifically founded statements are made about the composition of the individual intestinal microbiome and valuable information is given for stabilization or improvement.

The composition of the vaginal flora – also known as the vaginoma – plays an important role in a woman’s health. If they are out of balance, inflammation, pregnancy complications and fertility disorders can result. With the VaginomCheck, a newly developed molecular genetic test, the vaginal microbiome can be analyzed precisely and reliably.

New diagnostic options for the individual therapy of vaginal infections

The vaginal mucous membrane is naturally colonized by a large number of microorganisms or germs. The entirety of these microorganisms is known as the vaginal microbiome or vaginoma. The composition of the vaginoma has a major impact on the risk of developing vaginal infections.

Inflammation of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis)

Bacterial vaginoses are an extremely annoying clinical picture that is noticeable by itching, burning and sometimes unpleasant smell of the vaginal secretions. Such vaginal infections can lead to fertility disorders or complications during pregnancy.

With the usual “standard smear tests” up to now, only certain germs could be detected in bacterial vaginosis. In contrast to this, the VaginomCheck can detect all germs that are on the mucous membrane and that may be the cause of bacterial vaginosis.

The VaginomCheck therefore enables a therapy recommendation that is individually tailored to the respective patient.

Eat according to your metabolic type and declare war on the yo-yo effect!

Virtually all metabolic aspects of diet are genetic

In the course of evolution, changes have formed in the genetic make-up that have different effects on the processing of macronutrients and the calorie consumption during physical activity. This is a natural process. With the genactive slim test, you receive valuable information based on your metabolic type, which can support you in your desire to lose weight.

The genactive slim test examines the different genetically determined metabolic types that play an important role in the utilization of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids for weight loss.

The often frustrating yo-yo effect is also associated with genes. Most diets do not lead to permanent weight loss, but often only to an influence on the metabolism.

Vitamins and minerals supplied from food may then not be available to the body in sufficient quantities. In connection with external environmental factors (e.g. weather) and an unhealthy lifestyle (too little sleep and / or too little exercise), the body often lacks energy and strength. We feel uncomfortable. The reason for this is the individual digestion of humans. Each of us digests carbohydrates, fats and proteins differently. Our digestive rate has an impact on the conversion into energy and ultimately on the burning of calories.

The laboratory analyzes listed are not part of the reimbursement of costs by the statutory health insurance companies. We would be happy to provide you with further information on this.

We would be happy to check your vaccination status, e.g. before a planned pregnancy. For this we need your yellow vaccination book. Before you become pregnant you should have been vaccinated twice against measles / mumps / rubella.

We would be happy to freshen up your chickenpox vaccination before conception.

As part of the maternity guideline, following the recommendations of the STIKO, a triple vaccine (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) is recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy.

We are happy to offer you the latest flu vaccine during the vaccination season. Even during pregnancy, in the 3rd trimester. This is a cash benefit.

It has long been known that human papilloma viruses cause a number of diseases: In addition to cervical cancer, these can be genital warts, but also cancers of the vagina and the external genital area, the anal region, the penis and the nasal and throat areas.

An infection with the human papilloma virus usually heals without consequences. However, one fifth of infections are chronic, i.e. the virus remains in the mucous membrane and can cause changes from degeneracy to uncontrolled cell growth.

Papilloma viruses are widespread. They are usually transmitted during sexual intercourse. In the course of their lives, around 70% of the sexually active population become infected with papilloma viruses. There are no special risk groups. Therefore, every woman and every man should effectively prevent these diseases.

The vaccination protects against cervical cancer and its precursors, but also against genital warts caused by papilloma viruses of types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. That’s about 75% of these cancers.

The best protection is the vaccination before the first sexual intercourse; the statutory health insurance companies pay for this vaccination for girls and boys up to their 18th birthday. However, vaccination should not be restricted to this period, since by far not all adolescents are infected with HPV when they enter sexuality. Older women, or women who have already had contact with one type of HPV, also benefit from the vaccination.

We therefore offer you the HPV vaccination as a self-payment service. Most health insurance companies also cover the cost of vaccinations after treatment for dysplasia (changes in cells). It is therefore always worthwhile to contact your health insurance company – even if you are older than 18 years and would still like to be vaccinated.

Mommies watch out:

Since 2019, the HPV vaccination has also been recommended for boys and the costs for the vaccination up to their 18th birthday are borne by the health insurance companies.

A special vaccine with inactivated germs of various lactic acid bacteria can stimulate the immune system to form antibodies against Lactobacillus strains, the frequent causes of vaginal infections, and even to eliminate existing pathogens (“cross-reaction”).

A 3-part basic immunization, supplemented by a booster vaccination after one year, can thus offer protection against vaginal infections for up to three years.

In an observational study in which more than 500 women with recurring vaginal infections took part, the number of new cases fell by 82% after the vaccination.

Studies prove the effectiveness of intramuscular vaccination against fungal diseases, trichomonas and bacterial infections.

Bacterial urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. As a rule, they quickly and permanently eliminate the trigger of the inflammatory reaction – the bacteria. But this treatment has its limits. If such an infection recurs again and again, the success of the therapy is often unsatisfactory.

For some time now, preventive immunization has been a good alternative or supplement to antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will give you a syringe in your upper arm three times within a month, every two weeks. This contains killed forms of those germs that are responsible for urinary tract infections. These give the immune system the signal to form its own antibodies and thus significantly reduce the risk of further urinary tract infections. Treatment can also be started during an acute phase. The advantage of immunization compared to antibiotics lies in the causal treatment of recurring urinary tract infections.

Numerous medical services that are generally recommended, such as prophylaxis for recurring urinary tract infections, are usually not included in the specified catalog of services of the statutory health insurance. As a person with statutory health insurance, you can still receive such therapy by paying the costs yourself. The medical service is regulated according to the official fee schedule (GOÄ).

To be fit means to have found the ideal level of physical and mental activity and to feel good. Personal well-being is significantly influenced by the correctly dosed and regular intake of vitamins and trace elements. This can strengthen immune protection and prevent chronic diseases.

The health and nutritional consultation begins with a determination of your body composition and ends with a nutrition and fitness program tailored to you.

If necessary, a change in your eating habits will be trained on a long-term basis in order to maintain your newly found well-being over the long term.

You will also receive information on individual activity exercises, and relaxation exercises will give you the mental strength to lose weight safely and healthily.

Losing weight starts in the head, small sins can be balanced at any time.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical healing methods.

It can be defined as stimulation therapy on the body surface that acts on the inside of the body. An energy flow – Qi flow – flows on (topographically) defined paths (meridians) under the skin.

Acupuncture has proven to be particularly effective in treating migraines, pain in the entire musculoskeletal system, other chronic pain conditions, neuralgia and tinnitus. Acupuncture is also used successfully for allergies, neurodermatitis, sleep disorders, menopausal symptoms, painful menstrual periods, smoking cessation, weight reduction and general weakness.

The aim of the treatment is to reach and modulate the flow of qi via suitable places under the skin – the acupuncture points. For example, blockages are loosened or the Qi flow is strengthened or pathological Qi is eliminated. Endorphins are released, which alleviate pain, stabilize the immune system and increase well-being.

Acupuncture is practically free of side effects in a trained hand, can be repeated at any time and can also be used alongside other treatment methods.

During pregnancy, when treating with various medications (e.g. cortisone, beta blockers), additional aspects must be taken into account.

We also offer you K-Taping® in our practice. This is an alternative treatment method in which the self-healing powers are activated and supported by different tape systems (adhesive strips).

Application areas

During pregnancy / after childbirth:

• Tension of the neck muscles
• Sciatica and back problems
• Symphysis loosening
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Abdominal support
• Lochialstau
• Regression of the uterus
• Milk congestion / mastitis
• Scar tape after caesarean section
• Diastasis recti

Gynecology:

• Menstrual cramps
• Lymphatic congestion

Feel free to contact us, we will be happy to remove small skin tags or wart with a gentle method. With and without local anesthesia.