Have you noticed any of these?
Yes, talking about ‘down there’ and getting checked is embarrassing. So embarrassing that research shows one in three women are missing their smear tests1 … with deadly consequences. Every year thousands of British women are diagnosed with cervical cancer; hundreds die – and that’s only one of the problems we should be watching for2.
There are many other gynaecological disorders that can have devastating consequences if left unchecked. So here at The Gynae Centre we’ve put together a list of the top 5 symptoms of gynaecological disorders.
Do not ignore these red flags – your health is too precious. If in doubt, book an appointment.
1. Abnormal vaginal discharge
First of all, sticky, white discharge between your monthly periods is natural and normal. It serves to clean your vagina and protect against genital infections. Pregnant or breastfeeding women may also notice more discharge.
However, if you experience vaginal discharge with an unusual colour or strange odour, it could signal a problem. This discharge may occur repeatedly at any time or you might notice it after sex.
Scented soaps, bubble baths, creams, lotions or douches can irritate some women’s vaginas. If you use them and are noticing abnormal discharge, you could try stopping to see if the symptoms disappear.
Cervical cancer, chlamydia, bacterial infections, gonorrhoea, complications from abortion and vaginitis are the most common causes of unusual vaginal discharge. Early detection is crucial, so if in doubt, get it checked out!
2. Vaginal bleeding
It’s possible for bleeding between your periods to be unrelated to gynaecological problems – for example as the result of birth control medication or hormonal imbalances. But abnormal bleeding can be dangerous.
Sometimes excessive or unusual bleeding can be connected to a change in your period pattern. Menstruation irregularities like heavy bleeding, shorter or longer periods, or unusual pain during menstruation may be signals of serious conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts. What’s more, unusual bleeding can be a result of an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or even cancer if it happens after 40 year of age …
3. Vaginal Itching
Experiencing vaginal itching and burning?
Often paired with redness, soreness, swelling or even lumps or eruptions, this sensation could be a red flag. The irritation can be caused by yeast infection, or sexual disorders such as vaginal dryness in the menopause.
4. Pelvic pain
The problem often appears as a dull throbbing pain around the lower abdomen or pelvic area. You may also notice tenderness around your thigh muscles or stomach. The pain is distinct from normal period cramps.
Pelvic pain should not be ignored. It can be a symptom of a number of different infections in the reproductive tract, for example pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cysts or even appendicitis. Such conditions can lead to severe damage to the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, creating complications such as infertility.
5. Frequent need to pee
Are you constantly finding yourself looking for the ladies’ room? This could be a red flag. While frequent need to pass water, along with a sharp, stinging pain when you do, may simply signal a urinary tract infection like cystitis, it may also be a sign of a range of gynaecological problems such as STDs infection something pressing on the bladder like fibroids or ovarian cyst. So, if the problem is a persistent one get to the doctor.
Keep in mind, this list is only a snapshot of the most common symptoms of gynaecological problems. There are other signs, which are not so easy to spot. So don’t leave it to chance. For true peace of mind, you need the expertise of an accomplished gynaecologist. The quicker you get checked out, the more effective an intervention will be, and the safer you will be.
So don’t let embarrassment or being too busy put you off – if you are experiencing one or more of these problems, book an appointment to make sure everything’s in order.
If in doubt, check it out …
