Women’s Health Abroad: Finding a Gynecologist in Rome

There are many things we take for granted in our home countries, especially when it comes to medical care. When we are abroad, however, things can get a bit more complicated. This can be especially true when it comes to something as sensitive as gynecological care. At home, we have our favorite doctors and medical centers where we know we will be taken care of and where we share a universal language, but who can we trust when we’re out of the country? When you’re looking for English-speaking gynecologists who have your care at heart, FirstMed is the way to go.

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Gynecological Conditions

If you have a preexisting gynecological condition or have begun to experience symptoms that are unfamiliar to you, seeing a gynecologist may be the best course of action. To manage or treat your symptoms, you may need to speak with the doctor to get your prescription refilled or translated, updated or modified, or to perform diagnostic exams to understand more about what is causing your symptoms.

Additionally, if you are or plan on becoming pregnant, you will need a trusted ob/gyn on your care team. They will advise you on any tests you may need to have done, medications or supplements to take, or considerations to make and habit changes to implement.

Gynecological Symptoms and Diagnostics

Gynecological issues can manifest in many different ways, and it is important to get a check-up any time you have a doubt about your sexual or reproductive health to ensure there isn’t a bigger underlying cause. Symptoms you may experience can include:

​Adenomyosis Adnexal tumors Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions) Bacterial vaginosis Cervical cancer Cervical dysplasia Chronic pelvic pain in women Conjoined twins Double uterus Ectopic pregnancy Endometrial cancer Endometriosis Female infertility Female sexual dysfunction Fetal anemia Gestational diabetes

​HPV infection Imperforate hymen Menopause Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) Menstrual cramps Miscarriage Mullerian anomalies Multiple gestation Ovarian cancer Ovarian cysts Ovarian remnant syndrome Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) Perimenopause Placenta previa Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) ​Postmenopausal bleeding

Preeclampsia Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Transvaginal mesh complications Urethral diverticulum Urinary, urge, or stress incontinence Uterine anomalies Uterine fibroids/ polyps Vaginal agenesis Vaginal atrophy Vaginal bleeding/spotting Vaginal septum Vaginitis Vulvodynia Yeast infection (vaginal)

Gynecological Treatment in Rome

To get more than over-the-counter care, you will need to have a gynecological consultation. Treatment can look differently depending on the condition you have, your medical history, the medications you may already be taking, and any other underlying conditions that may be relevant. Treatment could be a prescription by oral tablets, vaginal washes, creams, or ovules. However, if your doctor cannot make an initial diagnosis from the visit, they may also prescribe further diagnostic imaging, blood or lab work, biopsy or another type of testing.

If there is a specific treatment that you have heard about and want to investigate the possibility of undergoing it, you can ask about it during your consultation. You can also evaluate any diet, habit or lifestyle changes that could improve your condition and how to best implement them.

Gynecological Services in Rome

There are a variety of gynecological conditions that may affect you, and based on your medical history you may need more specialized care. Our doctors are available for gynecological and obstetric care, and our services include:

• Well women’s visit and Pap smear

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• IUD placement and removal

• Obstetric/pregnancy visits and prenatal care

• Pregnancy ultrasounds

• STD/STI tests

• Yeast infection and bacterial tests

• Evaluation of and care for various menstrual conditions

• Infertility consultations

• Menopausal visits and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) evaluations

• Urinary incontinence

• Ovarian cysts / PCOS care

• Fibroid / Endometriosis / Vaginal dysplasia evaluations

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Sexual and Reproductive Health in Rome

Regardless of age and whether or not you are sexually active or abstinent, annual gynecological visits are recommended for girls and women from 17 years of age and on, or from first symptoms or sexual activity. This visit is fundamental for women’s overall health, as your sexual and reproductive issues can affect all areas of your physical well-being.

In addition to understanding the issue during acute phases, it is important to know what your baseline looks like and to perform regular screenings so that it’s easier to understand when something is off. You can speak with your doctor to get advice on the best types of birth control, treatments, pelvic exercises, alternatives to conventional medicine, how to maintain a healthy reproductive system, and more.

Pregnancy and prenatal care in Rome

Pregnancy is such an exciting time, and you will need to find a provider you trust while living or traveling abroad. While you are looking forward to meeting your little one, you also need to consider the progress of your pregnancy and your own health. You need an obstetrician/gynecologist who can give you the best detailed and accurate information, as well as advice to have the best possible time.

During the course of your pregnancy, there are several visits that are fundamental to making sure you and your child are both healthy. The general scheme of the prenatal visit schedule is shown in the table below. This schedule may vary due to your pregnancy and any conditions you may have that will require closer monitoring.

Trimester	Weeks	Controls
First trimester (up to 12 weeks)	7-9 weeks	First prenatal visit and transvaginal ultrasound Beginning of ob/gyn maternal tracking (weight, blood pressure, and urine)
	​10-12 weeks	Fetal heartbeat with doppler ultrasound Sequential screening available (to check for birth defects)
Second trimester (13-27 weeks)		Visits every 4 weeks Continual tracking of maternal weight, blood pressure, and urine Fetal heart tone control
	About 20 weeks	Fetal assessment ultrasound monitoring growth, development, heart, and gender of the baby Second part of sequential screening available
​Third trimester (28 weeks to delivery)		Visits every 2-3 weeks up to the 36th week Weekly visits until delivery after 36 weeks Continual tracking of maternal weight, blood pressure, and urine Fetal heart tone monitoring
	28 weeks	Fetal kick count information Glucola screening and mid-trimester lab panel Cord blood banking presentation
	32 weeks	Information regarding birth classes, labor instructions, and what to bring to the hospital
	36 weeks	​cervical checks (until delivery) and Group B Strep Bacteria test
	39 weeks	​Scheduling for repeat C-section patients
	40 weeks	Full term! Post-dates surveillance and regular visits Induction may be offered if the cervix is ripe
	41-42 weeks	​Continued post-dates surveillance and regular visits

If you are pregnant or have just given birth, you may also be considering an English-speaking pediatrician. This is important if you’re searching for care in a language you can understand. FirstMed has English-speaking specialists to fulfill your medical needs.