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Women's Health Checkups: A Comprehensive Guide
A guide to women's health checkups and screenings throughout different life stages, from adolescence to menopause, including advice on contraception, pregnancy, and infertility.
Italian
Italy
HealthLifestyleGender IssuesPregnancyWomens HealthFertilityMenopause
Università Degli Studi Di MilanoFondazione Irccs Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
Irene CetinChiara Bidoli
- How can women best manage menopause?
- Menopause management involves lifestyle changes such as reducing caloric intake, increasing physical activity, and ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to prevent osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy can improve quality of life but requires medical supervision.
- What are the necessary checkups during pregnancy?
- During pregnancy, schedule a first trimester visit around 6-8 weeks, followed by screenings for chromosomal abnormalities. Modern non-invasive tests, such as the combined test and fetal DNA test, offer accurate risk assessments.
- What are the best practices for couples trying to conceive?
- When trying to conceive, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and take folic acid (0.4mg daily) at least one month before conception. These practices improve egg and sperm quality and reduce birth defect risks.
- When should a couple seek expert advice for suspected infertility?
- For suspected infertility, seek expert help after one year of trying to conceive. A gynecologist or fertility center will conduct investigations for both partners.
- What are the recommended visits and exams for women of fertile age, those trying to conceive, pregnant women, and those in menopause?
- The first gynecological visit should be around 16-17 years old or when sexual activity begins, unless there are problems with the menstrual cycle. Reasons to visit earlier include absent or irregular periods, or excessively painful periods.