Outside your annual gynaecological visits, there are other instances in which you may need to visit your doctor. While minor issues can be treated with over-the-counter medication, others need to be addressed by a qualified gynaecologist, and it’s best not to wait. Being attentive and addressing issues as they arise can minimise your discomfort and aid in recovery if something isn’t right. Still, illness and irregular symptoms aren’t the only reason to visit your gynaecologist. These are the signs that you may need a visit to the gynaecologist.
You Are Experiencing Abnormal Periods
Periods are complex at the best of times, but you come to expect a range of symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, tenderness in the breasts, and cramps. If you have symptoms that fall outside your typical period routine, it’s essential to take note of them. Visit your gynaecologist if you experience very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, debilitating pain, or your period stops altogether. Unusually painful periods could be an indicator of endometriosis or fibroids. If your period has stopped and you aren’t under a lot of stress, you may have thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian cancer, or a hormonal imbalance.
Something Doesn’t Look, Feel, or Smell Right
As with your period, when things change, it’s time to make sure nothing is wrong. If you notice a lasting vaginal odour, itching, burning, a change in discharge, bumps, blisters, or pain during sex, there could be something wrong. These symptoms may indicate an STI, cysts, or a simple infection. Deep pelvic pain during sex could be due to fibroids. In the case of itching and swelling after sex, it could be something as simple as a latex allergy, in which case, these symptoms should last no longer than 36 hours.
Family Planning and Birth Control
If you’re ready to fall pregnant, you want to change contraception, inquire about sterilisation or pregnancy termination, you need to visit the gynaecologist. If you take a little longer to fall pregnant than you hoped, a gynaecologist can help you figure out the best course of action. The same goes for sterilisation and termination; your doctor will advise you regarding procedures and recommend a surgeon should you need one. Changing your birth control is another complex issue, your gynaecologist will be able to recommend the best birth control solution depending on your needs. You may want to switch to the patch, find the right pill, get the injection, or try an IUD or implant.
With regular check-ups and open discussions with your gynaecologist, you will soon feel at ease whether you are experiencing any issues or not. If you’re looking for the right gynaecologist, get in touch with Omni Ultrasound and Gynaecological Care today.