Gynecology and obstetrics

The ideal time is in the first phase of the cycle, just after menstruation ends (between day 5 and day 12 from the start of the flow): the endometrium is thin, the examination is more accurate and a Pap test can be performed during the same visit. In case of urgent issues or abnormal bleeding, the visit can take place at any time.

It is a simple, painless screening test that detects early changes in the cells of the cervix, linked to the HPV (Papilloma) virus. It is recommended regularly every 1-3 years from the start of sexual activity, or in any case from the age of 21-25.

In the first trimester, an early ultrasound is performed for dating and viability, combined with prenatal screening (fetal DNA test or Bi-Test). In the second trimester (between weeks 19 and 22), the morphology (anomaly) scan is performed, essential for studying the anatomy of the fetus. In the third trimester (around week 32), a growth ultrasound assesses fetal development and the amount of amniotic fluid, complemented by cardiotocographic monitoring in the final weeks.

It is a therapeutic programme, carried out by midwives and physiotherapists, aimed at strengthening or relaxing the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and rectum. It is indicated after childbirth, in menopause, in case of stress urinary incontinence (for example when coughing, running or jumping), in early-stage organ prolapse, or in the presence of chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction.

A functional assessment is advisable in case of involuntary urine leakage, even minimal (when coughing, sneezing, laughing or lifting weights), an urgent and frequent need to urinate, a feeling of heaviness or of a “foreign body” in the vaginal area, pain or discomfort during intercourse, difficulty holding intestinal gas or stubborn chronic constipation.

Yes: in most cases, mild to moderate stress incontinence responds well to conservative rehabilitation therapy, avoiding surgery or the long-term use of medication. The programme aims to selectively strengthen the muscle fibres responsible for urethral closure and to coordinate the activation of the perineum during physical effort.

The first postpartum assessment is generally carried out about 6-8 weeks after delivery, at the end of the puerperium and after the gynecological check-up, both after vaginal and caesarean birth. Starting early helps tone the tissues, support the healing of any episiotomy or tear scars, and prevent long-term incontinence and prolapse.

It is a postural and breathing method which, unlike traditional abdominal “crunches” (which push the organs downwards, straining the perineum), uses a programmed expiratory apnoea to create a pressure-lowering effect inside the abdomen. This mechanism draws the pelvic organs upwards and reflexively activates, at a deep level, both the transverse abdominal muscle and the pelvic floor. It is particularly indicated for the treatment of diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) and for safely working on the waistline after childbirth.

Yes. Female athletes who practise high-impact sports (running, CrossFit, volleyball, tennis, weightlifting) subject the abdominal cavity to repeated increases in pressure: if the pelvic floor is not adequately trained and coordinated, this pressure is transferred to the bladder and can cause so-called athletic urinary incontinence. Dedicated programmes help sportswomen strengthen the deep “core”, integrating perineal activation into the athletic movement to protect intimate health without giving up sport.