From achieving control over your periods to preventing certain cancers, regularly visiting a gyno is crucial to the health of anyone with female reproductive organs.
Health specialists suggest that females should begin visiting a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15. It’s significant that these visits begin before individuals become sexually active. Puberty is also a difficult time, and becoming familiar with a gynecologist and their assistance can be helpful.
Around the age of 21, it’s advised that women start getting a pelvic exam once a year. Even so, studies show that 26% of women don’t see a gynecologist at all.
If you’re wondering when to see a gynaecologist or if an appointment could help you, there are symptoms to look out for.
Read on for 7 clues that you should talk to your gyno:
- Incredibly Painful Periods
It’s that time of the month and we all hate it. Mood swings, cravings, and cramps take over the best of us.
While these symptoms are common, some women experience bitter pain more than others. Their cramps are debilitating and they can hardly move when they hit.
If this sounds like you, a visit to your gyno might help. You might learn that it’s the outcome of a fibroid that needs treatment, or that your heavy period is the criminal. If this is the case, your gyno can write you a prescription or even help you choose a birth control method that can help. Some birth control pills permit you to reduce or stop your period, giving you a control over the symptoms.
- Uncomfortable sensations such as itching or burning
There are several possible explanations for uncomfortable sensations such as itching and burning, one of which is an infection or STI and this might be a reason to call your gyno
A somewhat common infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that can sometimes be helped by drinking lots of water and cranberry juice. A UTI that gets out of control, though, can lead to a serious kidney infection.
If you experience this sensation after sex, there’s a possibility you’re allergic to the latex in most condoms. This is more common than you would think.
Your gynaecologist can help you deduce the reason for your discomfort and determine preventive or treatment plans.
- An inappropriate odour
A healthy and appropriately functioning vagina will release a minor amount of discharge on occurrence. You may have seen this on your underwear or at any other time, and it’s entirely natural.
This bit of discharge, however, is usually odorless.
If you notice a substantial change in quantity, colour, or a foul smell, it’s maybe time to schedule an appointment with your gyno.
These changes can be signs of an STI or a yeast infection.
- Urinary Leakage
Suffering urinary or fecal leakage can be very stressful and take a toll on your quality of life. Many women will suffer these symptoms after childbirth, particularly if they had a large baby or a vaginal delivery needing forceps or a vacuum.
When women enter menopause, these symptoms may worsen.
Lawson says: “Depending on the nature of the incontinence, there may be medical or surgical management options available. By talking with your gynecologist, she or he can determine the proper treatment protocols and refer you to a pelvic floor disorder specialist if necessary.”
- Irregular Periods, Facial hair & Weight Changes
Irregular or absence of periods, skin problems such as acne, and increased body hair can be alarming.
In some women, increased body weight or the inability to lose weight is the primary symptom of PCOS.
Most women with PCOS also have metabolic problems, including being overweight. This metabolic problem is associated with higher levels of insulin, a hormone which controls blood sugar. As women with PCOS age, some are more susceptible to developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
An earlier diagnosis by your gyno can be a significant step towards it’s treatment.
Regular visits to your gynae enable you to keep up to date on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize health risks at each age.
Remember “The best protection is early detection”.
by -Aditi Gupta
Author’s bio:
A vivacious and lively girl living in Delhi, on her voyage for exploration of colours in life.
A glimpse of what she does: Read, write, eat, Repeat!
