5 Reasons to visit a Gynecologist you Shouldn’t Neglect

Many women avoid gynecological check-ups and delay the exam as much as they can. However, there are a lot of cases that require timely and proper treatment. Moreover, many diseases can be asymptomatic. This means that only a professional doctor will be able to diagnose you and prescribe treatment. In this article, we gathered five reasons to visit a gynecologist you shouldn’t neglect

1. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can be caused by a great number of diseases and inflammation. Many women also experience severe pain in the pelvic area during their periods. This kind of pain is called dysmenorrhea and can be divided into two types, primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea means regular menstrual cramps that are not caused by any underlying disease. This condition may be accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea is usually caused by diseases like endometriosis, uterine fibroids or certain infections. In this case, pelvic pain requires treatment that can be prescribed only by a doctor. 

However, there are other causes of pelvic pain like IBS, PID, cystitis, etc. It is important to understand that you shouldn’t ignore any pain or discomfort in the pelvic area because it can lead to negative consequences. Many diseases can cause severe inflammation and even infertility. If you constantly suffer from pelvic pain, make an appointment with the doctor to get proper treatment or at least ease the symptoms of the disease is not curable.

2. Abnormal discharge

Women tend to think that all abnormal discharges are caused by a yeast infection. However, they can be caused by various infections and conditions that are much more serious than a regular yeast infection. Abnormal discharge means that their amount, color, or odor are not regular. 

Abnormal discharge is one of the most common symptoms of different sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can produce a yellow, greenish, or cloudy discharge. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition the usually occurs when STIs were not treated. This disease also causes heavy heavy discharge with an unpleasant odor.

3. Vaginal bleeding

There are a few types of vaginal bleeding that have different causes. Mild bleeding is called spotting. It can occur during the ovulation and if there is no underlying condition, spotting is harmless. However, spotting can also be a sign of certain conditions like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, uterine polyps, STIs, etc. 

Heavy vaginal bleeding can be caused by cervical or uterine cancer, certain infections, uterine fibroids, and hormonal imbalance. All these conditions require treatment because their consequences can be serious.

4. Skin rashes or condylomas

Skin rashes in the genital area can be caused by different infections and diseases. Conditions like jock itch and yeast infection are contagious but can be easily treated. Some autoimmune disorders can also cause itchy skin rashes. Contact dermatitis is a common type of rash that appears when the skin contacts with an allergen or irritant. Latex is an allergen that can cause a rash in the genital area because it is commonly used in condoms.

However, STIs are one of the most common causes of skin rashes and condylomas. Genital herpes and syphilis produce rashes and sores in the genital area. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes condylomas in the cervix and outer genitals. Despite the fact that HPV is not curable, it is recommended to remove condylomas if they cause discomfort.

5. Unprotected sexual intercourse

If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner, it is better to visit your gynecologist. It is important to understand that sex without a condom can lead not only to unwanted pregnancy but to various STIs as well. Moreover, human papillomavirus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. This means that even a condom can’t guarantee 100 percent protection from this virus. That’s why you shouldn’t wait for your regular examination. Make an appointment with your gynecologist as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of serious conditions.