7 Reasons Why You Should See a Gynaecologist
While today’s women are aware of the fact that medical technology has advanced to such a level that many cancers can be avoided with regular visits to their doctors, so many don’t have routine visits as recommended. With that being said, the main reason why most women should visit their consultant gynaecologist is for regular screenings that can find early signs of cancer or a predisposition to cancer based on a patient’s history and certain screenings.
Even so, there are seven reasons why you should see a gynaecologist as soon as possible based on observations you can make at home. These ‘reasons’ for seeing a gynaecologist can rather be signs or symptoms that seem abnormal. So then, a reason for seeing your doctor is a symptom that appears abnormal.
1. Itching and/or Burning
While itching and burning in the vaginal area are usually sign of either a sexually transmitted disease or a urinary tract infection, it could also be a sign of vulvar or vaginal cancer. Also, some women experience itching and/or burning after a course of antibiotics and other medications that can rid the body of good bacteria as well as the bad. However, if it continues or is particularly painful or itchy over more than a few days, it’s time to get an appointment with your gynaecologist.
2. Severe PMS
It has become somewhat of a running joke in society that when women are acting out of sorts, they must be suffering from PMS. Some things to look for include extreme cramping prior to a period, extreme mood swings, depression, fatigue, and anxiety. No, you probably don’t need psychiatric help if it’s a regular premenstrual cycle issue but rather a visit to your gynaecologist. A consultant gynaecologist like you’d find at the Circle Health Group can help to determine if this condition is caused by imbalanced hormones or perhaps a more serious issue such as some form of gynaecologic cancer. Many of the problems they find and can address are such things as uterine fibroids, cervical polyps, or even ovarian cysts. These can also lead to severe PMS, so early diagnoses are imperative for both physical and emotional health.
3. Unusually Strong Odour
An unusually strong or foul odour is typically a sign of infection, but it can by symptomatic of other things as well. Strong odours that also appear with changes in discharge are often signs of some kind of infection but could also be a sexually transmitted disease. A gynaecologist can run the appropriate diagnostics to determine exactly where the odour is originating. If there is also itching or burning present, it may be indicative of something acute rather than systemic like cancer. In other words, it is probably more easily treated.
4. Painful Sex
While painful sex can be a sign of some form of gynaecologic cancer, it can also be another issue as well. It could be the result of an infection or perhaps a polyp or cyst. Unless it is diagnosed by a doctor, there is no way to treat the problem and if left untreated, it could lead to more severe issues. Also, it’s not quite possible to enjoy sex if the pain is severe enough to notice!
5. Extremely Painful Periods
Painful periods are common. Few women go through their menstruation without experiencing some amount of bloating and cramping. However, if they become extremely and inordinately painful, it could be indicative of some other issue going on. Perhaps it’s fibroids that need to be treated or maybe even an ovarian cyst. Some women report that the pain is worse every other month, which does tend to indicate that it’s something to do with the months in which the egg is released from that particular ovary.
6. Bleeding Between Periods
Most women experience a bit of bleeding in between periods at one time or another. However, if you notice more than a bit of spotting or if it’s painful and more frequent than an occasional spotting in between, it’s time to visit your gynaecologist. There are several things it could be, and it’s not always indicative of cancer, but it merits a visit to the doctor, nonetheless.
7. Birth Control
This might be one of the most common reasons for visiting a gynaecologist. Whether for an initial prescription for birth control or when a change is needed or desired, a gynaecologist needs to be consulted. There are so many forms of birth control that were never available in the days of our mothers or grandmothers, that there is certain to be one that you are comfortable with and offers a high degree of effectiveness.
As a rule of thumb, other than for a routine check up or a visit for birth control, if anything seems out of sorts, it probably is. Don’t leave setting an appointment until an issue spins out of control. Early detection and treatment of gynaecologic diseases is only possible if you make that appointment!