When it comes to women’s sexual and reproductive health, minor symptoms might suggest a bigger problem. Hence, consulting with a gynaecologist for a noticeable gynaecological symptom helps avoid medical catastrophe and could even be life-saving.
Nonetheless, not all signs and symptoms share the same severity. Some signs prompt you to see a gynaecologist immediately. Here are ten signs you need to see a gynae as soon as possible.
You are spotting in between your periods
Spotting in between menstruation is considered normal for many women. However, the spotting may also be a sign of fibroids, cysts, polyps, pelvic infection, or in rare cases, gynaecological cancer. This occurrence is also normal during pregnancy and often not a big deal. Still, it would be best to let the doctor know to ensure the safety of both mother and the baby. In a worst-case scenario, spotting can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Nevertheless, if the woman is bleeding heavily or continues to bleed for a few more days, then it would be best to see a gynaecologist soonest.
You experience an extremely painful period
Having a cramp during menstruation is normal for many women. The severity of period cramp varies from one woman to another. However, the cramping should not be severe enough to leave a woman feeling incapacitated. If she does, then this could be a sign of a bigger issue.
Nevertheless, severe cramping may have less clinical significance to women who have experienced it for their whole life. If the pain only appears later or the pain worsens or changes over time, this could be more concerning since the woman may develop a condition like fibroids, causing her to feel discomfort. Gynaecologists would be able to help alleviate the pain of these women and determine the root cause.
You feel pain during intercourse
Most of the time, pain during sex is normal, and the pain can be reduced by using a lubricant or by changing positions. But if the pain is still there even after applying these methods, it could be a sign of an internal issue. Deep pain may be caused by endometriosis, whereas a ruptured ovarian cyst may cause sudden sharp pain.
On the other hand, if women felt a burning or stabbing pain around the opening of the vagina, it can be a sign of a condition known as vulvodynia. Other conditions that may cause painful sex are cervicitis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
You have a dry vagina
Vaginal dryness is a situation where a woman is not able to get wet. One common cause of vaginal dryness is the lack of foreplay. Lubing up may also do the trick.
However, if this dryness is an everyday problem, speaking with a gynaecologist may help the patient to figure out the main cause of this issue. Hormonal changes, certain chronic health conditions and dermatological issues may also cause dryness.
You notice an abnormal vaginal odour
Regular vaginal discharge is mostly odourless. If the vaginal discharge smells fishy or foul, especially if it is accompanied by abnormally coloured discharge, itchiness or irritation, it could indicate bacterial infection, such as vaginosis and trichomoniasis.
You do not get your period
Ovulation may be prevented or halted through hormonal imbalance, illness, pregnancy, and emotional and physical stress. Although lack of period or a period that does not show may just be a side effect of the pill or other medicines, it may also indicate an ovulatory disorder, such as PCOS. In rare instances, it may indicate a premature ovarian failure.
Your vagina is itching, painful, or swelling after intercourse
If these symptoms last for only about thirty-six hours, it could be due to being allergic to latex, which is found in most condoms. However, if these symptoms last longer than one or two days, or did not go away after switching condoms, it would be best to consult with the gynaecologist.
You have trouble getting aroused or getting an orgasm
While this issue is not necessarily life-threatening, it could prevent a woman from getting intimate with her partner or deprive her of sexual pleasure. It would be best to bring any sexual concerns to the gynaecologist for the best treatment.
You experience extreme mood swings before a period
Mood swings like anger and irritability are a sign of a severe type of PMS called the premenstrual dysmorphic disorder. This disorder also causes physical symptoms, such as breast soreness and cramps. A gynaecologist can help the patient get the best treatment options, which may be in the form of supplements, light therapy, or diuretics.
You do not like your current contraception method
Women taking birth control may experience unpleasant side effects. Speaking with a gynaecologist would help them get the best contraception method suitable for them.
Conclusion
Despite what many women believe, major symptoms are not the only reason for visiting a gynaecologist. Spotting in between periods, painful menstruation, painful intercourse, dry vagina, smelly vagina, itchy and painful vagina post-intercourse, low libido, extreme mood swings before period and incompatible contraception method are some of the signs a woman needs to see her gynaecologist promptly. Remember, early detection is critical to increasing the chances of getting cured.