Frequently asked questions

A standard consultation includes:

• Your full medical history
• A clinical examination
• A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound (when needed)
• Review of any test results you bring
• A discussion of the diagnosis and treatment options
• A personal treatment plan
• Recommendations for further tests (if needed)

A consultation takes 30–45 minutes on average, depending on how complex the case is. The first consultation usually takes longer (up to 60 minutes) to allow a complete assessment.

For a standard gynaecological consultation, we recommend that you:

• Avoid intercourse for 24–48 hours before, especially if you are having a Pap smear
• Avoid vaginal douches or vaginal treatments for 2–3 days before
• Bring the results of previous tests (blood tests, scans, etc.)
• Note the date of your last period
• Bring a list of questions or concerns so you don't forget anything important

The examination can cause slight discomfort but should not be painful. Appropriately sized instruments and gentle techniques are used to keep any discomfort to a minimum. Please say if anything hurts during the examination, as this can be relevant for the diagnosis. For anxious patients or a first consultation, extra time is taken to explain each step and help you relax.

Depending on your age and risk factors, the annual gynaecological check-up usually includes:

• A full clinical examination
• A Pap smear (every 1–3 years, according to current guidelines)
• A transvaginal ultrasound
• An HPV test (depending on age and history)
• Hormone tests (when indicated)
• A mammogram or breast ultrasound (depending on age)
• Tests for sexually transmitted infections (when indicated)

Recommendations are tailored to each patient's needs.

The first scan is recommended at 7–8 weeks of pregnancy (counted from the first day of your last period). At this stage it can:

• Confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus
• Check the embryo's heartbeat
• Assess early development
• Detect a multiple pregnancy
• Estimate how far along the pregnancy is

If you have had complications before or your pregnancy is high-risk, an earlier scan may be recommended.

Recommended tests during pregnancy include:

First trimester:

• Full blood count
• Blood group and Rh factor
• Infection screening (TORCH, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis)
• Blood glucose and HbA1c
• Urine test and urine culture
• Combined screening for chromosomal anomalies (at 11–13 weeks)

Second trimester:

• Full blood count
• Blood glucose and glucose tolerance test (at 24–28 weeks)
• Urine test
• Detailed anomaly scan (at 20–24 weeks)

Third trimester:

• Full blood count
• Liver and kidney tests
• Urine test
• Group B streptococcus (at 35–37 weeks)
• Ultrasound to check the baby's growth

Recommendations may vary with individual factors and medical history.

For an uncomplicated pregnancy, the recommended frequency is:

• Weeks 1–28: every 4 weeks
• Weeks 28–36: every 2–3 weeks
• Week 36 to birth: weekly

High-risk pregnancies or pregnancies with complications get a personal schedule, which may mean more frequent visits. Keeping to the recommended schedule is important for proper monitoring.

Contact the doctor immediately if you have:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Leaking amniotic fluid
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• Noticeably reduced baby movements
• Severe or persistent headaches
• Vision problems
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
• A fever above 38°C
• Symptoms of a urinary infection

In an emergency, go directly to the maternity unit's emergency room.

Birth options include:

• Natural birth: without medical intervention, with natural pain management
• Vaginal birth with an epidural: pain relief for a more comfortable experience
• Assisted birth: with forceps or vacuum in specific situations
• Planned caesarean section: for certain medical reasons or on request, after a full discussion of benefits and risks
• Emergency caesarean section: when complications arise during labour

The available options are discussed together, and a birth plan is drawn up that respects your preferences while taking the medical factors into account.

You can book in these ways:

• Directly with Dr. Dumitrescu: by phone or WhatsApp on the phone number, or by email at the email address
• Through a clinic: phone numbers and opening hours are on the Locations page
• In person: at the reception of the partner clinics

To help us book you efficiently, please mention the reason for the consultation and whether you are a new patient or coming for a routine check-up.

If you expect to be late:

• Please let us know by phone as soon as possible
• Delays of up to 15 minutes can usually be accommodated
• For longer delays, depending on the day's schedule, the consultation may be shortened or need to be rescheduled

Keeping to appointment times helps us give every patient good care and avoid long waits.

For your first consultation, please bring:

• An identity document (ID card or passport)
• Your health insurance card and a referral from your family doctor (if you want the cost covered by the state insurance)
• Results of previous tests (blood tests, scans, medical letters)
• A list of the medicines you currently take
• Relevant medical history (discharge summaries, medical reports)

To cancel or reschedule:

• Let Dr. Dumitrescu know (by phone or WhatsApp on the phone number) or contact the clinic where you are booked, at least 24 hours in advance
• Give your name, the original appointment date and the reason for cancelling or rescheduling
• If you want to reschedule, suggest a few time slots that would suit you

Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may incur a rescheduling fee, except in emergencies. Thank you for understanding: that time could have been offered to another patient.

Yes, online consultations are available for certain situations:

• Interpreting test or scan results
• Monitoring ongoing treatment
• Follow-up questions after an in-person consultation
• General advice and recommendations

Online consultations take place over secure telemedicine platforms. Examinations, scans and procedures need an in-person visit. After an online consultation we can assess whether an in-person appointment is needed.

The Pap smear is a simple procedure in which cells are collected from the cervix. It takes only a few minutes and involves:

• Inserting a speculum to see the cervix
• Gently collecting cells with a small brush
• Placing the cells on a slide or in a special liquid for analysis

Most patients feel minimal discomfort and rarely pain. You may feel slight pressure or a brief mild cramp. Relaxing during the procedure reduces discomfort considerably.

Colposcopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows a detailed examination of the cervix, vagina and vulva using a special microscope called a colposcope. The procedure:

• Gives a magnified, illuminated view of the tissue
• May include applying special solutions to highlight abnormal areas
• Allows targeted biopsies from suspicious areas

Colposcopy is recommended for:

• An abnormal Pap smear
• A positive test for high-risk HPV
• Abnormal bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
• Visible or suspicious lesions on the cervix
• Monitoring known cervical conditions

The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes and may cause minor discomfort, similar to a standard gynaecological examination.

No special preparation is needed for a transvaginal ultrasound, but we recommend that you:

• Have an empty bladder (unlike an abdominal ultrasound)
• Tell the doctor if you are on your period
• Avoid vaginal products for 24 hours before

A thin ultrasound probe, covered with a medical sheath and gel, is gently inserted into the vagina and causes only minimal discomfort. The images give a detailed view of the uterus, ovaries and nearby pelvic structures.

Fitting an IUD (intrauterine device) is a relatively simple procedure done in the clinic under local anaesthetic. The steps are:

• A gynaecological examination to check the position of the uterus
• Cleaning the cervix with an antiseptic solution
• Measuring the uterine cavity with a special instrument (uterine sound)
• Inserting the IUD through the cervical canal into the uterus with a sterile applicator
• Checking its position by ultrasound afterwards

The procedure takes about 5–10 minutes and may cause moderate cramps or discomfort. Taking an anti-inflammatory beforehand is recommended. A copper IUD protects against pregnancy for up to 10 years, a hormonal IUD for 3–7 years depending on the type.

For effective prevention of cervical cancer, we recommend:

• Pap smear: the most important screening test, every 1–3 years depending on age and risk factors
• HPV testing: for women over 25, to detect high-risk strains
• Colposcopy: if earlier tests are abnormal
• HPV vaccination: ideal for girls and young women (9–26 years), and also beneficial up to 45

Regular screening can prevent up to 93% of cervical cancers by finding and treating precancerous changes before they progress. How often you should be tested depends on age, medical history and previous results.

See a gynaecologist as soon as possible if you notice:

• Irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Any bleeding after the menopause
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Persistent or recurring pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (change in colour, smell or consistency)
• Persistent vulval itching or irritation
• Visible changes to the vulva or vagina
• Frequent or painful urination
• Breast symptoms: lumps, nipple discharge, skin changes

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a serious condition, but they need a medical assessment for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Gynaecological check-ups are recommended:

• First consultation: at 15–16, or earlier if there are specific problems (severe period pain, irregular periods, delayed first period)
• Full examination: after becoming sexually active, or by 21 at the latest
• First Pap smear: at 21, or three years after becoming sexually active

The first consultation focuses on education, prevention and building trust between doctor and patient. A full physical examination can be postponed if the patient is not sexually active and has no symptoms. Teenagers may come to the consultation on their own; confidentiality is respected as required by law.

To keep your reproductive health in good shape, we recommend:

• Regular check-ups: annual gynaecological visits and the recommended screening tests
• Safer sex: using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections
• Gentle intimate hygiene: mild products with a pH suited to the intimate area
• Suitable contraception: the method that fits your needs
• Balanced nutrition: a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids
• Regular exercise: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week
• Managing stress: chronic stress can affect your cycle and fertility
• Avoiding toxins: less alcohol, no smoking
• A healthy weight: both obesity and being underweight affect fertility

Knowing about reproductive health and talking openly with your gynaecologist are key to prevention and early detection.

Preconception planning is the set of medical and lifestyle steps that optimise your health before conception, to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. It includes:

• A full medical assessment to identify risk factors
• Optimising any existing medical conditions
• Checking vaccinations and completing any that are missing
• Reviewing current medication and adjusting it if needed
• Testing for sexually transmitted infections
• Starting folic acid supplements (at least 400 mcg a day)
• Improving lifestyle: nutrition, exercise, stopping smoking and alcohol

Ideally, planning should start 3–6 months before trying to conceive. It is recommended for every couple planning a pregnancy, and essential for women with chronic conditions, previous pregnancy complications or who are over 35.

Yes. Dr. Dumitrescu sees patients in English as well as Romanian. You can also book in English: call, write on WhatsApp or send an email.

Coverage depends on the type of insurance you have:

• Romanian state insurance (CNAS): covers certain consultations and tests, within the budget the clinic has contracted with the health insurance fund
• Private insurance: depending on your plan, consultations, tests and some procedures may be fully or partly covered

The clinics where Dr. Dumitrescu works have agreements with the main private insurers in Romania. Please check your specific coverage with your insurer before booking and bring the documents needed for reimbursement.

Accepted payment methods are:

• Cash
• Bank card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Bank transfer (for services booked in advance)
• Settlement through private insurance (with the required documents)
• Materna voucher

Full price information is available at the clinic reception or by phone before booking.

The confidentiality of your medical data is an absolute priority. Measures include:

• Strict compliance with the GDPR and medical data regulations
• Access to medical records restricted to the medical staff directly involved in your care
• Secure IT systems with several layers of protection
• Strict procedures for sending medical results (identity checks, passwords, etc.)
• Ongoing staff training on data protection
• Confidentiality agreements with all partners

Medical information is not disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent, except where the law requires it. You have the right to access your medical file and request copies of your medical documents.

Yes, you can bring someone with you if you wish:

• Your partner, a family member or a friend can wait in the waiting room
• If you wish, they can be present in the consultation room with your agreement
• For pregnancy consultations, your partner is encouraged to attend
• Minors under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

The decision is entirely yours and will be respected. What matters is that you feel comfortable and safe throughout the consultation.

Absolutely. Asking for a second opinion is a basic patient right and good practice in complex cases. To help:

• You can receive a detailed medical report with all findings and recommendations
• You can request copies of your test results
• Other specialists' opinions are welcome and will be discussed
• Dr. Dumitrescu can work directly with other doctors at your request

Being well informed and fully confident in your treatment plan matters. A second opinion can bring clarity, confirmation or alternative treatments, helping you reach the best decision for your situation.