12 Signs You Should Make An Appointment With Your Gynecologist

Even though you know you have to do it every once in a while, paranoia can take over when you schedule that appointment with your gynecologist. Add to that the information overload on the internet, which makes you believe you suffer from every single disease on the planet, and you’ve got yourself a perfect cocktail of fear, sweat, and muffled screams of dread into the pillow. Obviously coupled with the question of – “Am I dying?”

First of all, no, you’re not. Second of all, you’re probably really fine even when you think you’re not. But in the rare case that you’re not, you should read the following to know when you really need to visit your gynecologist.

1. Puberty

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According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, teen girls aged between 13 and 15 should schedule an appointment with a gynecologist (1). This early visit can help the doctor in identifying any warning signs such as never getting periods or vaginal odor and discharge (in the case of sexually active girls), so that it can be remedied before it gets worse.

2. Spotting

Bleeding in-between periods can be a cause of a concern, so it’s best to have it checked out at the earliest. Especially since spotting along with pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and unusual vaginal discharge can be a symptom of cervical cancer (2). That said, you should know that spotting can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, but it’s still better to know there’s nothing serious.

3. Painful Intercourse

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When painful lovemaking becomes a regular occurrence and you start dreading the idea of getting wild in the sack, you need to see a doctor. This could probably indicate a sexual disorder such as vaginismus (when muscle spasms in your lady bits make penetration uncomfortable) or insufficient lubrication or even sexually transmitted diseases (3). Luckily, these can be easily treated with medications. So, before it affects your bedroom fun, visit your ob-gyn.

4. Heavy Menstrual Flow

They might tell you that heavy bleeding is part of the menstrual package, but it’s really not normal to soak through a pad every hour. More so when you notice thick clots on your sanitary napkin. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that heavy menstrual flow has many causes that vary from hypothyroidism to endometriosis and cancer among other serious issues (4).

5. Changes In Your Menstrual Cycle

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Your menstruation cycle typically follows a pattern you’re familiar with. However, when that goes out of whack, you know what to do. There are multiple causes behind menstrual irregularities such as eating disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, and more (5).

6. Extreme PMSing

PMS is the unpleasant luggage of Aunt Flo you have to deal with. However, if your symptoms start disrupting your life, they could indicate something serious. In rare and extreme cases, women with very severe PMS symptoms could actually be suffering from ‘premenstrual dysphoric disorder,’ which gives rise to feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and even anger (6).

7. Excessive Bloating

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You might be surprised to know this but excessive bloating is not just a sign of a digestion problem. It’s also a symptom of ovarian cancer, so a visit to a gynecologist is a must if you experience chronic bloating along with a dull pain (7).

8. Itching In Your Lady Bits

Apart from being a sign of a urinary tract infection, vaginal itching along with a burning sensation when you pee could be a sign of vulvar cancer (8). Especially if the color and texture of your vulva changes. It could also be a sign of ‘interstitial cystitis,’ which is also known as ‘painful bladder syndrome.’

9. Painful Urination

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This, coupled with increased thirst, is the most obvious sign of a urinary tract infection (9). Apart from that, painful urination could also indicate a sexually transmitted infection, a vaginal infection or inflammation in your urinary tract or genitals.

10. Unusual Discharge From Your Nether Regions

Milky white vaginal discharge is normal and is a way for your lady bits to clean itself! However, when the discharge changes in color, odor or consistency, and is coupled with an itch and a burning sensation in your nether regions, you might be staring at a sign of cervical cancer, a sexually transmitted infection or even diabetes (10).

11. Abdominal Or Pelvic Pain

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Abdominal pain is not meant to radiate to your pelvic region. In case it does, it could be a possible sign of endometriosis, which is characterized by the growth of uterine tissue outside your uterus and can lower your chances of getting pregnant (11).

12. Never Having Periods

Primary amenorrhea is a condition you might be suffering from if you’ve never gotten periods and are over the age of 16 (12). Although your gynecologist might not be able to tell you what the exact cause is, it could be a problem with your pituitary glands, reproductive organs or ovaries (13).

Don’t panic if you experience any of the above symptoms. It can be hard to admit you have a problem. But once you do, you get closer to treating yourself and enjoying a normal, problem-free, and happy life.

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