Table of contents:
- When to see a gynecologist?
- 1. Pain in the pelvis and abdomen
- 2. Bleeding outside of menstruation, or after menopause
- 3. Problems during menstruation
- 4. Colored and smelly vaginal discharge, or pain in the genitals
- 5. Pain during sex
- Check with the gynecologist regularly since adolescence
Experts suggest, women who are sexually active or who are over 21 years old, should go to the obstetrician regularly. At least, once a year check-up routine to maintain the health of the uterus and vagina. So, when is the right time to see a gynecologist? What complaints can be a signal to immediately visit a gynecologist? Check out the following reviews.
When to see a gynecologist?
Checking with a gynecologist is not just about pregnancy and childbirth. Various health conditions related to the female reproductive system are also treated by obstetricians. Fertility problems, menstrual cycles, hormonal disorders, to sexually transmitted infections can also be consulted with a gynecologist.
In other words, it is not only pregnant women who need to see a gynecologist. Consultation to a gynecologist is needed for anyone who has problems related to your reproductive organs.
Going to the gynecologist as soon as possible when you notice a problem can prevent the condition from becoming more serious and being treated too late.
There are several conditions or complaints that are signs that you should immediately see a gynecologist. Some of them include:
1. Pain in the pelvis and abdomen
It is highly recommended for those of you who experience pain in the hips and lower abdomen to immediately see a gynecologist.
The doctor will diagnose problems in the area around your genitals and uterus to find out the causes and effects that will arise.
The problem is, pain in the pelvis and abdomen may be a sign of infection in that area.
Some of the conditions that may present with pelvic and abdominal pain symptoms are ovarian cysts. In fact, an ectopic pregnancy may have similar symptoms.
According to a survey conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women who experience pelvic and abdominal pain usually have uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
2. Bleeding outside of menstruation, or after menopause
Spotting blood from your vagina doesn't necessarily mean you have your period. That is why, this reason can also motivate you to see a gynecologist, especially if you have been experiencing it for a long time.
Abnormal bleeding can be similar to menstruation. The difference is, this bleeding is accompanied by pain and some symptoms of an unhealthy body condition, such as nausea, severe pain, and a pale face.
The National Institutes of Health states, if there are symptoms like those mentioned above, it could be that something is wrong with your vagina.
Usually, this is a sign of a vaginal injury, miscarriage, or even cervical cancer. Likewise with women who experience bleeding after menopause. It could be, this is a sign of cancer in the uterus that requires you to go to an obstetrician.
Even so, it does not mean that when you experience the symptoms that Ana has mentioned, you will definitely have cervical cancer. Still needed further clinical examination to confirm the cause.
3. Problems during menstruation
It is important for women to know the characteristics of normal and abnormal menstruation. Sometimes, some complaints arise due to menstruation that occurs more than once a month, or is irregular.
This indicates a problem with your uterus and genitals. Especially if this menstrual problem is accompanied by a body feeling weak or dizzy during menstruation.
Doctor Weiss from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated, if there are abnormal menstrual symptoms, there is no reason for women not to see a gynecologist.
Infrequent or irregular periods can be a symptom of a health condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalance problems, or even a sign that you are pregnant.
4. Colored and smelly vaginal discharge, or pain in the genitals
Basically, vaginal discharge is the way the vagina cleans itself. The amount and color of this vaginal discharge determines whether the vaginal discharge is normal or not.
If you experience vaginal discharge for a long time and the color is not white, especially if it smells strong, you should go to a gynecologist or a genital specialist.
According to the ACOG, if the symptoms of vaginal discharge are accompanied by itching and pain in the genitals, these are signs of vaginitis that require you to see a gynecologist as soon as possible.
There are two main causes, the first is a yeast and bacterial infection in your genitals. The second is herpes which causes sores on the inside of the genitals.
5. Pain during sex
Don't let your usual sexual intercourse become a pain as a result of the pain you feel. Pain during sex can be described as deep pelvic pain or pain in your genital area.
Common causes are vaginal dryness (not stimulated properly), vaginal infection, or vaginal uterine fibroids.
If you have started experiencing these complaints, do not delay the time to see your obstetrician.
Check with the gynecologist regularly since adolescence
No need to wait for certain health problems to check with your gynecologist. It's a good idea to start scheduling regular check-up visits to your obstetrician starting from a teenage age.
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it's best for teenagers to schedule a check-up to a gynecologist at the age of 13-15 years. Schedule this examination at least once a year.
Later, you may undergo several series of tests. Some of the tests that you may undergo are physical examinations such as pelvis, breasts, body weight, to possibly blood tests or urine tests.
Having regular checkups early on can help find irregularities as early as possible. That way, the disease can be prevented before it gets worse.
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