Regular gynecological check-ups are essential for a healthy female reproductive system. But the reality is that many women tend to skip gynecological exams even if they have some symptoms. This results in negative consequences and more complicated treatment. In this article, we have gathered eight weighty reasons to schedule a gynecological appointment
1. You experience pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is deemed one of the most common gynecological issues. Even though many women experience pelvic pain during periods, this unpleasant symptom can have no link with periods. Painful sensation in the pelvic can be caused by ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and many other health issues. That’s why there is no reason to delay your gynecological exam.
2. You have abnormal vaginal discharge
There are certain infections like bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted injections, and yeast infection that can change the color, texture, or odor of your vaginal discharge. The point is that these injections can have similar symptoms but they require different treatment. So if you have abnormal vaginal discharge, it is better to avoid self-treatment. Ask your gynecologist about proper treatment to avoid unpleasant complications.
3. You have irregular or missed periods
If your periods are late only once or twice, there is no reason for concern. But if you have irregular or missed periods on a regular basis, you need to undergo a thorough gynecological examination. The point is that conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid malfunctions, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis can significantly affect your menstrual cycle and cause other unpleasant symptoms.
4. You experience severe periods
Many women experience painful and heavy periods. But the problem is that severe pain and heavy blood flow during periods can’t be deemed normal. For example, women with endometriosis often suffer from severe periods. Unfortunately, it is not easy to diagnose this condition so they may not know the exact cause of their pain. That’s why it is essential to visit a professional gynecologist who can define the condition that makes you feel bad.
5. You have bleeding between periods
Bleeding that occurs between periods is called spotting. Even though spotting can occur during ovulation or implantation of the fertilized egg, it can also be caused by the following conditions:
- Uterine or cervical polyps
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Cervical cancer
Due to the fact that the aforementioned condition can have severe complications, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist in the case of spotting.
6. You have had unprotected sex
Many people think that unprotected sex can result only in pregnancy. But the point is that you can easily get sexually transmitted infections during unprotected sex even if your partner doesn’t have any symptoms. That’s why it is essential to use condoms during sex and undergo STD testing on a regular basis if you are a sexually active person.
7. You have problems with getting pregnant
Infertility is a quite common issue for many women. If you have unprotected sex for a year and can’t get pregnant, it means that you may have problems with conception. There are a lot of conditions (like endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, etc.) that can affect your fertility. Visit your gynecologist to undergo timely and effective treatment.
8. You experience pain during sex
Pain and discomfort during sex can be caused by many factors. For example, insufficient arousal, uncomfortable pose, or deep penetration can make your sex painful. However, there are certain gynecological disorders that can also cause pain during sex. The most common of them are vaginal dryness, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vaginismus.
