Women's prevention: symptoms not to be ignored and when to see a gynaecologist

Gynaecological prevention is one of the fundamental pillars of women's health and requires constant attention throughout all phases of a woman's life, from menarche to menopause. It not only involves periodic check-ups, but also the ability to recognise and correctly interpret the signals of one's own body, with even mild or apparently non-specific symptoms that, however, need to be investigated in order to avoid possible evolutions over time.
Prof. Massimo Candiani, a specialist in gynaecology at the Casa di Cura La Madonnina, head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit at the IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan and head of the Gynecological Fast Care service of the Casa di Cura La Madonnina, explains how to behave and carry out adequate prevention.
Gynecological symptoms not to be overlooked
"Some disorders may occur sporadically or with variable intensity, but this does not mean they should be ignored," explains the professor.
"The main clinical manifestations to be monitored," he emphasises, "may include:
- constant pelvic or genital pain;
- abnormal bleeding between cycles or during pregnancy;
- menstrual irregularities;
- vaginal discharge associated with itching or abnormal secretions;
- urinary disorders;
- persistent and disabling nausea during pregnancy;
- pain or bleeding during intercourse;
- nodules, skin redness or changes in the external genitalia.
"These clinical manifestations can frequently be linked to benign conditions, but also to pathologies that need to be examined and treated more thoroughly, such as, but not limited to, uterine fibroids and endometriosis," explains the San Donato Group expert.
"In some cases, in fact, the disorders slowly evolve into a more complex pathology but, if detected early, can be managed more easily and effectively. It is precisely for this reason that prevention also involves actively listening to one's own body and promptly requesting a specialist assessment," continues Candiani.
The role of the gynaecological examination
The gynaecological examination is one of the most important tools for prevention, as the gynaecologist emphasises: "When combined with transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, it allows a complete assessment of the female genito-reproductive apparatus and makes it possible to prevent or detect any abnormalities even at an early stage. This is complemented by diagnostic examinations such as pap smears, HPV tests and vaginal swabs, which are essential to identify infections or asymptomatic conditions, including those linked to HPV (papilloma virus)".
It is essential to emphasise, in fact, that prevention should be carried out both in the presence of symptoms to avoid complications (secondary prevention), and to try to reduce the risk of certain pathologies occurring (primary prevention).
When to go to the doctor
In the absence of specific problems, Professor Candiani explains, it is advisable to undergo a routine gynaecological examination at least once a year, starting in adolescence, to monitor the general state of health and update the prevention plan according to age and medical history.
Moments in life such as the start of sexual activity, pregnancy research, gestation and menopause require targeted and personalised check-ups.
In addition to the examination, the guidelines recommend adherence to screening programmes: pap smear tests from the beginning of sexual activity and HPV tests in certain situations to be evaluated with the specialist, as well as the evaluation of a possible HPV vaccination.
These examinations allow early detection of any alterations, even without obvious symptoms, but it is important to contact the gynaecologist whenever one perceives a change from one's normality or simply for a specialist consultation.
"It is not necessary to wait for a situation to become relevant: a timely consultation clarifies doubts and allows a pathway for further investigation," Professor Candiani clarifies.
Prevention and quality of life
Estimates indicate that regular pap-testing reduces the risk of invasive cervical carcinoma by at least 70%, while HPV testing is even more effective in secondary prevention. Between 2 and 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis, which can also occur after the menopause. Early diagnosis stops the progression, reduces pain and bleeding, helps to try to preserve fertility (30-40% of women affected by this disease may have problems finding offspring) and allows targeted therapeutic management by limiting, where possible, complex interventions.
"Taking an active approach means taking care of one's own health without waiting for disorders to become disabling. Recognising the signs and undergoing regular check-ups makes it possible to intervene early and live one's femininity consciously,' Prof. Candiani concludes.
Gynaecological prevention is a structured pathway that protects the quality of life by putting women, their well-being and knowledge of their own bodies at the centre.