Women's Health Checkup in Korea — A Guide for International Visitors

Who it suits / What to tell us beforehand

A women's checkup looks at the problems that most often affect women — breasts, thyroid, uterus, ovaries and bone health — in one visit. In Korea you can have several tests back to back and hear the results explained quickly, so many people combine a checkup with a trip.

• People who would have to book several separate appointments at home for a breast or gynecological ultrasound
• People who have been told they have ‘dense breasts’ on a mammogram, or who are concerned about a breast lump or pain
• People with irregular periods, painful periods or anemia, or who want to check their health before planning a pregnancy
• People in their 40s and older approaching menopause who are curious about bone density and hormonal changes
• People whose mother or sisters have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer or a thyroid condition

Women's checkup tests at a glance

The package differs by center, but a women's checkup is usually added on top of a basic health checkup and includes the tests below.

Breast screening — why have an ultrasound too

Many Asian women have ‘dense breasts’ with a lot of glandular tissue, especially in their 40s and younger. On a mammogram, dense tissue and lumps both look white, so a small lump can be hidden.

• Mammogram: strong at finding microcalcifications that ultrasound can miss. It is generally recommended as a baseline from age 40.
• Breast ultrasound: helps tell apart lumps within dense breasts and uses no radiation, so it is often recommended alongside a mammogram for women in their 30s or with dense breasts.
• ‘BI-RADS’ on your report: this is the grading system for breast imaging. Depending on the category, you will be told it is normal, to come back for a follow-up in 6 months, or to consider a biopsy.
• Implants and breastfeeding: with implants, the mammogram technique changes or the exam relies mainly on ultrasound. If you are breastfeeding, ultrasound is usually considered first.

Cervical Pap and HPV tests, pelvic ultrasound

The Pap test looks for cell changes at the opening of the uterus, while the HPV test checks for infection with the high-risk viruses that are the main cause of cervical cancer. Having both together helps give a more accurate picture.

• 1–2 days before the test: avoid intercourse, vaginal douching, and vaginal suppositories or creams. They can wash away cells or blur the results.
• Pelvic ultrasound: looks at uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and the state of the endometrium. A transvaginal ultrasound shows the most detail.
• If you have never been sexually active: an abdominal ultrasound (with a full bladder) or a transrectal ultrasound can replace the speculum exam and vaginal ultrasound, so please tell us in advance.
• Even if you have had the HPV vaccine, it does not protect against every type, so regular screening is still recommended.

Thyroid, bone density and blood tests

• Thyroid ultrasound: thyroid nodules are common in women. Most are benign, and depending on size and shape, follow-up observation or a fine-needle aspiration is recommended. Because it can find small, slow-growing nodules, people without symptoms choose it after hearing the benefits and limits.
• Bone density test: bones can weaken quickly after menopause, so it is recommended around menopause, from age 65, and for people who are thin, have taken steroids for a long time, or have had a fracture.
• Anemia and iron: women with heavy periods often have anemia, so hemoglobin and ferritin (stored iron) are sometimes checked together.
• Thyroid function (TSH and others): can be linked to fatigue, weight changes and irregular periods.
• Female hormones and AMH: checked for irregular periods, the timing of menopause, or pregnancy planning. Some hormone levels change with the day of your cycle, so we match the timing at your consultation.

Recommended packages by age

These are general examples that vary with your age, family history and previous results.

Your menstrual cycle and test timing

Choosing the right date affects how accurate a women's checkup is. Please check when your next period is due before you book flights.

Can you request female medical staff?

At Korean checkup centers, mammograms are often performed by a female radiographer, but the gender of the doctor doing ultrasounds or gynecological exams depends on the center and the day.

• Requesting a female doctor: availability differs by center, so your manager checks in advance when booking. Scheduling on a date when one is available is the surest way.
• Having someone present: we also check whether you can request a female nurse to be present when a male doctor examines you.
• Interpreter accompaniment: interpreters in the exam room depend on each center's rules. If you would like a female manager to accompany you, please tell us beforehand.

Checkup day flow and schedule (1–2 days)

1. 1
   Check-in (around 7–8 a.m.)your identity is verified with your passport and you change into a gown. Your manager helps with interpreting.
2. 2
   Basic testsbody measurements, blood pressure, blood draw and urine test come first.
3. 3
   Women's testsmammogram and breast ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound, cervical test, pelvic ultrasound and bone density, in that order.
4. 4
   Results explanationdepending on the center, a doctor explains findings such as the ultrasound results the same day.
5. 5
   Going homeabout 2–4 hours for the women's checkup alone, or around half a day if combined with endoscopy.

• Day 1
  Arrive and check in to your accommodation. Re-confirm your period schedule and medications with your manager.
• Day 2
  Morning checkup followed by a results explanation. If nothing notable is found, you can sightsee and shop from the afternoon.
• Day 3 if needed
  Additional tests (biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, etc.) or a visit to an ob-gyn, breast surgeon or endocrinologist.

Results, follow-up tests and specialist referral

• Same day: some results, such as the ultrasound findings, are often explained to you.
• About 1–2 weeks: the formal report, including the cervical Pap and HPV tests and blood results such as hormones, arrives by email or post. Many centers offer English reports.
• Follow-up tests: if a breast or thyroid lump is unclear, a short-interval follow-up, biopsy or fine-needle aspiration may be recommended; if the cervical result is abnormal, a colposcopy may be advised.
• Specialist referral: if needed we arrange a visit with a breast surgeon, ob-gyn or endocrinologist, during your stay if the schedule allows. If you have already gone home, your manager summarizes the results in your language.

Questions to ask at your consultation

1. Given my age and family history, should I have both a mammogram and a breast ultrasound?
2. Based on when my next period is due, when is the best time for my checkup?
3. I have never been sexually active — how will the gynecological exam be done?
4. Can I request a female doctor or a female nurse to be present?
5. Does it include an HPV test, or only the Pap test?
6. If a lump is found, can a biopsy be done on the spot?
7. When and in what language will I get my report, and will it be compared with my previous images?

How to choose a checkup center

• Reading expertise: check whether breast and thyroid ultrasounds are performed and read directly by a specialist in that field, such as a radiologist.
• Consideration for women: look for women-only routes and changing areas, and whether a female medical staff request is possible.
• Results explanation: check that there is a same-day explanation by a doctor and an English report.
• Follow-up care: check that there is a system that leads straight on to a biopsy or breast surgery or ob-gyn care.
• Support for international visitors: check for language support such as interpreter accompaniment, booking adjusted to your cycle, and a summary of your results.