[Emergencies in gynecology--what must I not forget?]

Emergency consultations happen frequently in gynaecology and may be due to abdominal pain, itching, utero-vaginal bleeding, rape, emergency contraception, insertion of foreign bodies, prolapse and urinary tract infection. Considering pregnancy in patients with child bearing potential is essential. Vaginal bleeding may be due to atrophy, infection, carcinoma or pregnancy. In the latter it is crucial to differentiate between ectopic, pathologic or physiologic pregnancy. In postmenopausal women further investigations by the gynaecologist are mandatory to exclude malignancy. Patients who have been raped need psychological, forensic and gynaecological support. Sexually transmitted disease including HIV must be considered and prophylactic drugs should be administered. If unprotected intercourse has occurred the "morning after pill" can be considered within 72 hours after intercourse or an IUD up to five days. Prolapse occurs rarely as an acute problem but may induce urinary retention. Urinary tract infection is a common complaint and should be treated with antibiotics.