There is this notion attached with gynecologists that one only needs to consult them when they are pregnant. Other than pregnancy most women will seek help of a general practitioner or a family physician while dealing with certain womanly issues. But what needs to be understood here is that gynecological problems are varied and not just restricted to pregnancy and postpartum health.
A general practitioner or a family doctor might be able to treat the problems symptomatically but may or may not get to the core of the problem. A detailed discussion, required tests along with the right treatment and diagnosis done by your gynecologist can evaluate your health status completely. Here are reasons you should visit a gynaecologist:
Menstrual Irregularities:
- Your periods are irregular and far off
- You have recurrent periods which return in a span of 21 days or less
- You notice inter-menstrual bleeding (bleeding in between the periods)
- Your periods lasts more than 7 days
- You have very delayed periods
- You have unnaturally heavy periods
- You miss a period
'Abnormalities in menstrual bleeding should put you on alert. Abnormal uterine bleeding whether in your adolescent, reproductive years or if you notice bleeding post menopause can indicate a host of serious conditions. It could be either fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic infection, or even worse a symptom that say presence of polyps in the uterus,' says Dr Pooja Mehta, consultant gynecologist, Paras hospitals, Gurgaon.
Problems down under:
- Your urine frequency increases without any rhyme or reason
- You feel pain or a burning sensation while urinating
- You notice blood in the urine
- You notice abnormal discharge from the vagina associated with cow's milk
- Itching in the vagina
'These symptoms might indicate the onset of a urinary tract infection. Approach your gynecologist for a detailed check up to get to the core of the problem, reaching out for OTC drugs and temporary solutions can subside the symptoms but worsen your condition later,' says Dr Mehta.
Problems with your breasts:
- You experience more than just discomfort in your breasts during your periods
- You feel a lump in your breast
- You notice discharge from your breasts
'If you notice any of these symptoms rush to your gynecologist to get yourself checked and diagnosed. If ignored you could be allowing a health threat a chance to take over your well-being,' says Dr Mehta.
Lower abdominal pains:
- You experience occasional pelvic pain or discomfort
- Severe menstrual cramps felt in the abdomen and lower back
- Abdominal pain after a sexual intercourse
- Pain along with presence of lump in the abdomen
- Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain during menstruation or sexual intercourse
'An abdominal pain can indicate a variety of trouble -- a tumor, fibroids or even ovarian cysts. If you experience unbearable abdominal pain along with menstrual abnormality talk about the signs and symptoms with your gynecologist to get evaluated right,' says Dr Mehta.
What to expect from your gynecologist:
A complete physical examination and documentation of family history. 'To know the exact cause for abnormal uterine bleeding you would be required to get a CBC done along with thyroid profile, serum prolactin, fasting blood sugar and an ultrasound of the pelvis to know the exact pathology,' says Dr Mehta. A urine routine and urine culture would be necessitated to conclude on vaginal or urinary tract infections. A mammography would be needed to check on the health status of your breasts and a ultrasound to check on the insides of the uterus if the other pathological reports do not give a clear picture of your troubles. A pap smear might be recommended too if you are experiencing vaginal discharge for too long.
Apart from these physiological troubles there are many more reasons when you should be visiting your gynecologist.
A pre-pregnancy counseling: If you are planning a baby,get all the requisite tests done, know your and your partner's Rh factor, any underlying condition that can come in the way of your pregnancy or simply how to approach a healthy and happy pregnancy. 'A gynecologist can do more than writing a prescription and help you in all this,' says Dr Mehta.
To know about vaccinations: Vaccinations were not only meant for babies you need them too. Check with your doctor on the pre-pregnancy vaccination and when you need to get them. Also do not forget the pap smear. 'It is recommended you get a pap smear, a vaccination for cervical cancer, between the age of 10 to 45 years of age or before you get sexually active. You can also get a pap smear done before you plan for a baby,' says Dr Mehta. Although the current scenario regarding the cervical cancer vaccination is controversial talk to the doctor and get the dope on it before you opt for one.
Learn about family planning and contraception: Even in today's day and age where knowledge is easily accessible through various medium, there are still cases where the couple ends up being pregnant soon after a baby or have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. 'Soon after your first born meet your gynecologist and talk about the options of family planning and contraception. This will safe you from facing the stresses of an unwanted pregnancy and other financial issues,' says Dr Mehta.
For your general well-being: 'Once you are menopausal make sure you visit your gynecologist at least annually. A mammography and pap smear is necessary for women post 40 annually. If there has been cases of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer in the family then it become a necessity for such women,' informs Dr Mehta.
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