Screening transvaginal ultrasonography of postmenopausal women in a private office setting.
The objective of this study was to determine the value of screening transvaginal ultrasonography for the evaluation of endometrial or ovarian abnormalities in asymptomatic postmenopausal women in a private gynecology office at the time of yearly examination. All postmenopausal women who were seen for yearly examination between June 1, 1991, and June 1, 1993, underwent screening transvaginal ultrasonographic examinations that I performed. Women who had any pelvic symptoms or who were premenopausal were excluded from the study group. During the 24 months of this study 478 women were screened. One case of early ovarian carcinoma was diagnosed, one case of superficial adenocarcinoma of the endometrium was discovered, and 28 other ovarian cysts were seen. All women with cysticsuffered insurmountable career setbacks. In general, Hewlett's data show that, for too many women, the demands of ambitious careers, the asymmetries of male-female relationships, and the difficulties of conceiving later in life undermine the possibility of combining high-level work with family. By contrast, Hewlett's research reveals that high-achieving men continue to "have it all." Of the men she surveyed, 79% report wanting children, and 75% have them. Indeed, the more successful the man, the more likely he is to have a spouse and children. The opposite holds true for women. Hewlett urges lawmakers and corporations to establish policies that support working parents. But recognizing that changes won't happen overnight, she exhorts young women to be more deliberate about their career and family choices.

learning objective:

To appreciate the harm that