Most teenage women seek the services of a gynecologist. In their 20s and 30s, they typically continue to have routine check-ups to detect any changes or abnormalities in their bodies early on and receive appropriate treatment.
Many people wonder whether they should consult a gynecologist, even if they do not have any reproductive health issues or symptoms. The answer is yes you should!
Are you unsure about which signs may indicate the need for a gynecologist consultation? If so, don’t worry. In this blog post, we’ve listed nine significant indications to let you know when to call your gynecologist.
Sign #1 – Painful Urination
While urination, discomfort or a burning sensation is one of the most common indications that stem various underlying health issues. The cause behind this symptom is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It can lead to other complications if not treated on time.
Other prospective signs can be sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bladder disorders. No matter if you experience pain occasionally, schedule a visit with a gynecologist for a complete evaluation. In persistent discomfort cases, it’s strongly advised to see a gynecologist without any delay.
Once your doctor figured out the root cause, they would provide the appropriate treatment options. Your doctor will either treat your condition with medications or lifestyle modifications.
Sign #2 – Discomfort and Pain During Sex
No doubt, sexual intercourse is a full-of-pleasure experience. However, if you endure discomfort or pain, it’s an indication that something may be amiss. A variety of factors contribute to painful sex – also known as dyspareunia; some of them are as follows;
- Vaginal dryness—often due to hormonal shifts like those occurring during menopause
- Breastfeeding—certain medical conditions like endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease—due to sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
Additionally, psychological factors, such as anxiety, also count in discomfort or pain during sex. Pain can impact your physical health and affect emotional well-being and relationship dynamics. A gynecologist will explore your symptoms and understand the underlying issues. After that, they will discuss potential treatment options like lubricants, therapy, or medical interventions.
Sign #3 – Bumps, cysts, or lumps
Feeling a strange knot, a cyst, or a lump in the breast or genital area will undoubtedly cause great concern. Many growths are non-cancerous – for example, fibrocystic changes in the breast or simple cysts. But, some cysts or lumps could indicate one’s ill health, such as tumors or infections.
In some cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor and get a professional check-up, which can include mammography, ultrasound or biopsy. Suppose you’re Albuquerque-based and find new or changed growth in your breast. In that case, do not delay visiting an expert gynecologist in Albuquerque for your checkup.
Sign #4 – Excessive Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge is sometimes challenging to determine since it is also considered something normal, like a monthly cycle. Nonetheless, you may observe increased discharge than the norm. Especially if the colour, thickness or smell is abnormal – this may signal an infection.
Be sure that a heavy, white vaginal discharge may point to some form of a yeast infection. A fishy-smelling vaginal discharge points to bacterial vaginosis.
Other signs like irritation, redness, and itching also require gynecologist consultation to identify their root causes. If you notice any of these changes, you should consult the doctor to get the right treatment accordingly.
Sign #5 – Changes in Menstrual Flow and Cycle
Changes in menstrual cycle and flow are usually causes of concern. Some of the signs to look out for are excessive bleeding, long durations of periods, uneven cycles or absence of flow altogether. Such changes may be due to irregularities in hormones, fibroids of the uterus, cysts in the ovary, PCOS or any other diseases that need proper medical attention on time.
Sharing these symptoms with a gynecologist may prove beneficial in understanding your reproductive health needs. Thus, your doctor will come up with an appropriate management plan to follow.
Sign #6 – Vaginal Itching or Bad odor
When the vaginal itching is persistent, or the smell is unusual, it is best not to take it lightly. Such symptoms may be due to infections – such as fungal infections or STDs and suppression of normal bacterial flora in the vagina.
Chronic pain and alterations in smell possess the potential to impair an individual’s quality of life and self-esteem. A gynecologist can do a pelvic exam and blood test. Depending on the reports of these tests, they will determine the cause and treat the condition accordingly. The right treatment will maintain a balance and reduce the discomfort you encounter.
Sign #7 – Breast Pain or Lumps
If you feel constant pain in your breast region or if you find some lumps in the breast tissue, it’s time to take action immediately. Most lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and may include cysts or fibroadenomas. New lumps or changes in existing ones can be a serious indication that needs to be checked and diagnosed early on.
The evaluation may consist of a clinical breast exam, mammography or sonography or, in some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. Not to wait for so long to get yourself checked, as conditions like breast cancer can be life-threatening.
Sign #8 – Vaginal Bleeding after Menopause
Vaginal bleeding after menopause should be considered a serious issue. This symptom can be due to the endometrium thickening and hormonal changes, polyps or, in some cases, endometrial cancer.
The severity of these disorders requires the assistance of a professional gynecologist without any delay. In virtually all cases, early detection is essential to get the right treatment and overall prognosis. Further, timely attention to such symptoms matters most before the condition worsens.
Sign #9 – Routine Examination
It’s necessary to see a gynecologist on a regular basis to monitor whether your reproductive system is healthy or has some issues. If you have not been going for your routine exams for the past year, then you need to go for a check-up now.
Through screening, illnesses such as cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other reproductive health problems can be identified early. Otherwise, you’ll get to know someday that you have a serious disease that can’t be treated. So, be wise and consider visiting a gynecologist every now and then.
