Many women tend to postpone gynecological check-ups especially if the problem seems insignificant. However, even the slightest changes in the reproductive organs can lead to unpleasant consequences that would be difficult to treat. There are many medical conditions that can cause mild symptoms or even develop without any. That’s why regular gynecological examinations are essential for maintaining reproductive health. In this article, we gathered seven dangerous signs that you should visit your gynecologist.
1. You suffer from severe menstrual cramps
Pain during periods is familiar to almost all women in different degrees. While some may experience mild discomfort, others may suffer from severe pain that interferes with normal activity. However, you should know that severe menstrual cramps are not considered normal are require medical attention.
If you experience pain during menstruation that lasts more than three days, this may be a result of a certain underlying disease. Conditions like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, and many others can affect women’s health and cause many troubles. That’s why you shouldn’t neglect your pain. Make an appointment with your gynecologist in order to prevent complications and disease advancement.
2. You have abnormal discharge
It is completely normal that vaginal discharge slightly changes throughout the menstrual cycle. However, if you have noticed that your discharge becomes smelly or gets an unusual color, it can be a sign of an infection.
Yeast infection is the most common condition that affects many women. Its symptoms include heavy discharge, itching, burning sensations, and sour odor. Despite the fact that yeast infection is easily treated, you should still consult your doctor in order to shoes the most effective medications.
However, you should know that some sexually transmitted infections can also cause abnormal discharge. If you have noticed green, yellow, or grey discharge, you should visit your gynecologist as soon as possible to perform the treatment.
3. Your pelvis area increased in size
Unfortunately, pregnancy is not the only reason why your pelvic area may increase in size. Among the diseases that can contribute to abdomen enlargement, uterine fibroids are the most common. A fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the uterus wall. It consists of muscle tissue and can cause spotting during intercourse.
Despite the fact that most women have tiny fibroids, some women were diagnosed with extremely large tumors. Fibroids can be asymptomatic that complicates the possibility of early diagnosing. However, timely and proper uterine fibroids treatment can cope with most tumors.
4. You noticed a strange vaginal odor
Despite the common myth that a vagina should smell like flowers, natural vaginal odors can be different. However, unusual vaginal odor is one of the most common causes of different conditions like STDs, PID, yeast infection, etc. In addition to odor, these infections usually cause abnormal discharge and discomfort.
However, the reason for a strange vaginal smell can be more simple. A slipped condom or forgotten tampon can also start to smell over time. That’s why it is better to visit your doctor in case of an unusual odor. There is no reason to hesitate because gynecologists often solve such problems.
5. You had unprotected sex
If you regularly practice unprotected sex with your partner for conceiving, it is not the case to worry about. However, occasional unprotected sex can also bring you a surprise like pregnancy in a few months. If you want to avoid such a consequence, you can visit your doctor and ask for help. However, possible pregnancy is not a single consequence of unprotected sex you can face. There are a lot of STIs that can develop asymptomatic in your partner and be transmitted to you during intercourse.
6. You experience pain during sex
Pain during sex, also called dyspareunia, can have a lot of reasons. The most common of them include:
- Big penis size
- A lack of lubrication
- Uncomfortable pose
- Certain medical condition
- Anatomical features of the vagina
If changes in positions and additional lubrication didn’t help, it is better to perform a gynecological exam. You may also need to undergo an ultrasound and other tests to find the underlying cause of your painful sensation. In most cases, timely and proper treatment will provide you with the ability to fully enjoy sex.
7. You can’t get pregnant
Fertility issues are quite common because of an ecological situation in the world, nutrition problems, and underlying diseases that affect both men and women. If you regularly have unprotected sex and can’t get pregnant for many months or even years, this means that you should visit your gynecologist to perform tests and undergo treatment. Certain conditions like PID, endometriosis, salpingitis, or cancers can lead to miscarriage and infertility if left untreated.
