10 Weighty Reasons to Visit a Gynecologist You Should Know About

1. You have had unprotected sex

If you have had unprotected sex with a new partner, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible. The truth is that unprotected sex can result not only in pregnancy but also in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In any case, it is better to undergo a thorough examination.

You should know that many STDs can develop without any obvious symptoms. This means that you can become infected even if you don't see any signs of STDs in your partner. That's why regular gynecological check-ups and STD testing are essential for sexually active people.

2. You have abnormal vaginal discharge

The female reproductive system produces discharge throughout the menstrual cycle. Discharge can change a bit before and during ovulation. But if your vaginal discharge has significantly changed its color, texture, and/or odor, it can be a sign of a certain infection. The most common of them include:

- Sexually transmitted infections

- Yeast infection

- Bacterial vaginosis

For example, bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the bacteria that naturally inhabit your vagina start to multiply actively. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are thin, gray, white, or green vaginal discharge, fishy odor, itching, and burning sensations during urination. Untreated bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of getting STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease, and preterm devilry.

3. You experience pain during sex

Many women all over the world experience pain and discomfort during sex. In some cases, this symptom occurs because of deep penetration, uncomfortable position, or certain psychological issues. However, painful sensations during sex can also be caused by gynecological disorders like endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal dryness, vaginismus, cervical cancer, etc.

It is important to understand that most of these conditions can cause severe complications. For example, endometriosis can lead to scars and adhesions that can cause problems with getting pregnant. Timely and accurate treatment can help ease your symptoms and improve your sex life.

4. You have painful periods

Pain and discomfort during periods are familiar to many women of childbearing age. If the pain is mild and lasts for a day or two, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. But if you experience exhausting pain that lasts for several days and is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a sign of secondary dysmenorrhea.

Secondary dysmenorrhea means that there are certain underlying conditions that can worsen your periods. Women with uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and other gynecological disorders can experience severe cramping and unbearable pain during periods.

5. You experience spotting

Sporting is light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods. Some women can experience spotting during ovulation. In this case, this condition can be considered harmless. However, if you experience vaginal bleeding on a regular basis, it is better to visit your gynecologist.

Spotting can be caused by various conditions like uterine and cervical polyps, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a dangerous condition that should be treated as early as possible. If you have noticed vaginal bleeding, it is better to visit your gynecologist for a cervical biopsy and other tests.

6. You have missed periods

There is a common misconception that missed periods can mean only pregnancy. That's why many women don't rush to a gynecologist for an exam and treatment. However, your periods can be late because of many factors. If you are exposed to prolonged stress, exercise excessively, have thyroid issues, or have gained or lost weight suddenly, it can also affect your menstrual cycle.

But in many cases, a woman can skip a few periods in a row because of certain gynecological disorders. For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome often have missed periods. This condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance in which a woman has an increased level of male hormones. Nevertheless, it is better to undergo a gynecological exam to define the exact cause of missed periods.

7. You experience pelvic pain

If you often experience pelvic pain that occurs not only before and during periods, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist. The truth is that constant pelvic pain can be caused by various diseases and infections of the female reproductive system.

Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infection, ectopic pregnancy, and many other conditions can cause pelvic pain and other symptoms. It is better to avoid self-treatment since pain medications and home remedies usually don't treat the cause of your pain. Only a gynecologist can perform the proper treatment.

8. You have fertility issues

Problems with fertility are quite an unpleasant and common issue for many people. If you and your partner have unprotected sex during a year and can't conceive, it can be a sign of infertility. Due to the fact that men and women can be infertile, both partners should be examined and treated if needed.

In most cases, female infertility is caused by a hormonal imbalance that suppresses ovulation. However, some conditions (like endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, cervical stenosis, etc.) can cause a physical barrier between the egg and sperm. That's why it is essential to undergo a thorough examination for further successful treatment.

9. You experience genital itching

Vaginal itching is deemed one of the most common symptoms of infections. A yeast infection usually manifests itself through vaginal itching, redness, swelling, and thick white discharge. Bacterial vaginosis can also cause vaginal itching and abnormal discharge.

Some sexually transmitted diseases can also cause genital itching. For example, pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small insects that infest your genital area. They usually manifest themselves through itching, pale bluish spots near the bites, and low-grade fever. Treatment options for public lice include:

- Decontaminating yourself, your clothes, and your bedding

- OTC lotions and shampoos

- Special topical medications

You can get pubic lice during sex, while sharing clothes, or sleeping in one bed with an infected person.

10. You have heavy periods

Heavy periods mean that you have increased blood flow during periods. That's why you may have to change a tampon or sanitary pad every few hours. Even though heavy periods seem harmless, they can be caused by gynecological conditions and lead to negative complications.

The most common causes of heavy periods are:

- Uterine fibroids

- Endometriosis

- Adenomyosis

- Pelvic inflammatory disease

- Uterine polyps

- Polycystic ovary syndrome

- Hypothyroidism

- Cancers of the reproductive system

It is essential to treat heavy periods since they can lead to the development of anemia. Heavy periods can be treated with the help of surgery or hormonal therapy.