When it comes to women’s reproductive health, it can be quite difficult to determine what is “normal”! While a majority of the women never know when they are genuinely suffering from a problem, those who are aware of the situation feel ashamed or embarrassed to speak up and bring their concern.
It might be difficult to tell the difference between normal symptoms and those that require the immediate attention of a gynecologist. In this blog, let’s have a look at some of the things that should always be discussed with a gynecologist.
PAINFUL PERIODS
There is an issue of ‘heavy period’, there is an issue of ‘light period’ and then there is an issue of ‘painful period’! With cramps, breast pain, hip pain, headache, etc., periods can be unpleasant or difficult; however, for some women, this pain extends beyond cramps and can be excruciating. Having painful periods once or twice is fine but if they(periods) bring unbearable pain with them, i.e., those that worsen over time, they could be an indication of serious illness such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Instead of suffering in silence, it’s better to discuss this issue with your gynecologist as there are numerous options to reverse or cure these conditions.
VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Vaginal discharge is a healthy, normal bodily function that cleans and protects the vaginal area. Until you reach menopause, vaginal discharge will be a regular part of your life. The problem arises when your vaginal discharge is
- having an unusual odor
- heavy (needs a pad)
- no discharge
- in an abnormal color.
It’s important to talk to your gynecologist if you notice any above-mentioned symptoms as these can be signs of bacterial/fungal infection or any other condition.
BLEEDING IN BETWEEN PERIODS
Bleeding between periods isn’t a normal part or process of your menstrual cycle. Also known as intermenstrual bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods is an uncommon condition and definitely needs the attention of a gynecologist. A variety of factors can cause bleeding between periods, such as:
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Miscarriage
- Unusual Uterus/ Cervical Growth
- Side Effects of Medication
- Bacterial/ Fungal Infection
- Vaginal Dryness
- Cancer
While some of these causes can be easily treated, other causes generally indicate a serious, underlying issue. If you notice frequent spotting or bleeding between periods, talk to your doctor for testing and diagnosis.
If you believe you fall into any of the aforementioned categories, you should see a gynecologist as soon as possible. Want to know more about such topics? Let’s get to learn about them in our next blog.
