Don’t Ignore the Signs: Things you should tell your gynecologist
Sexual and reproductive health may be a sensitive topic for most Filipinos. It is very common that women feel uncomfortable specially when trying to figure out what’s happening down there, but always keep in mind that the best people to talk about your vaginal and sexual health are your Gynecologists. If you feel uneasy discussing about certain issues like itchiness, redness, heavy bleeding or any unusual discharge, your gynecologists are the experts and all information are guaranteed to be kept confidential.
In fact, gynecologists encourage that you be more open and honest with them. The amount of information you share with them will play an important role in the management of your condition. Your doctor is always ready to help and offer solutions for you.
It is very important that you seek medical advice whenever you experience something beyond normal. The human body is designed to send signals that something in you should be taken care of. And when it comes to talking to your gynecologists, here are the important information that they encourage you to share.
While it’s normal to feel cramps, breast soreness, and headaches during your menstruation, severe lower abdomen pains that get worse over time can be a sign of uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Uterine fibroids, or more commonly known as myomas, are the noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Meanwhile, endometriosis is a painful disorder where endometrial tissue grows outside your uterus, eventually forming cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions that can cause your pelvic tissues and organs to stick to one another.
So don’t pass off intense pain as something that can be cured with a pain reliever or two. Call up your gynecologist and schedule an appointment.
Unusual vaginal odor accompanied by itchiness, redness, or irritation
While vaginal odor due to discharge and sweat is normal, foul and fishy smells are not. This could be a sign of bacterial overgrowth or vaginal infection. If you’re experiencing these unpleasant smells, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms including itching and irritation, head to your doctor straight away.
One possible cause of vaginal irritation is exposure to irritants, including soap, bubble baths, feminine wash, douches, and many more. These chemicals can trigger an allergic reaction that creates an itchy rash.
A left tampon inside you is also one of the most common causes of vaginal odors. It can also increase the risk of infection or worse, toxic shock syndrome which is a rare, life-threatening complication.
Unusual Bleeding and/or Vaginal Discharge
Discharge is a regular occurrence that women normally experience. After all, it’s the body’s own way of cleaning and protecting the vagina. Normal discharge should be white or clear and watery or mucous-like. A foul-smelling, yellow or green-colored discharge could indicate a yeast or bacterial infection.
Discharge can also be brown or bloody, especially if it occurs during or right after your period. But. if you notice any persistent mid-cycle spotting that may or may not be accompanied by pain, then you should definitely mention it to your gyne. It could be caused by a lot of factors, including your birth control, but this symptom could be an indication of a serious infection like chlamydia or cervical polyp.
Sexual Discomfort
Normally, sex shouldn’t be painful. If you’re experiencing pain during or after sex, it could be caused by an infection like thrush, gonorrhea, or genital herpes. You may also be diagnosed with vaginismus, which is a condition where muscles in or around the vagina shut tightly, making sex very painful or downright impossible.
Sexual history
Topics like your number of sexual partners, your age when you had your first intercourse, if you’ve had history any STDs, sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as whether you are having unprotected sex should come up during your appointment.
Why? This can help determine risk factors for underlying conditions such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, human papillomavirus or HPV infection among others. Engaging in intercourse younger than 18 can make women more susceptible to HPV because the cervical-vaginal junction is more pronounced when you’re younger.
Meanwhile, STDs can increase the risk of infertility. For example, herpes is a lifelong condition and you may experience outbreaks anytime in the future. And just because you think you’re in the clear one time, doesn’t mean you’ll always be. Some STDs are symptomless like chlamydia while HPV can stay dormant for years.
For more information about vaginal and reproductive health, consult your obstetrician.
SOURCES:
https://www.self.com/story/5-seemingly-minor-things-you-should-always-tell-your-gynecologist-about
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