It’s always important for a woman to listen to what her body is telling her. Play it safe by having an examination from a Women’s Health Provider instead of ignoring symptoms and taking a chance. A woman who notices any of these symptoms should schedule an appointment with her gynecologist.
Pain in the Abdomen or Pelvic Area
Telling the gynecologist whether the pain has been constant for a while or just suddenly started can be very important. Some of the possible causes of pelvic or abdominal
* A steady abdominal pain or feeling of fullness could suggest uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors)
* Pelvic pain first felt only during menstruation and gradually becoming constant could be eniosis, caused by endometrial cells growing outside the uterus. In addition to the pain, endometriosis can make it difficult to become pregnant. Treatment can alleviate the pain and slow the progression of this condition.
Bleeding After Menopause or Between Periods
Heavy bleeding between periods or bleeding that is mid-cycle or continues for days means that it’s time to call your gynecologist. This could indicate a miscarriage, a vaginal injury or even cervical or uterine cancer. A post-menopausal woman should call after any bleeding, which could indicate uterine cancer.
Unusual Periods
Periods that are different than normal, whether missed, heavier, lighter or infrequent, signal a need for a gynecological exam.
* Very heavy or extended periods could indicate a thyroid problem, an infection or uterine fibroids
* Missed or irregular periods could be symptomatic of polycystic ovary syndrome, caused by a hormone imbalance, pregnancy or other problems
Painful Intercourse or an Unusual Genital Discharge or Soreness
A visit to a gynecologist is the first step in restoring your health and intimacy with your partner.
* Painful sex is often caused by vaginal dryness, but could be an infection or uterine fibroids
* Vaginal discharge with a bad odor and burning or itching often signals a bacterial or yeast infection
* Herpes can be accompanied by painful genital sores
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Women’s Health Provider at Allegheny Medical Integrated Health Services. They offer a wide range of services to accommodate women’s health needs in the greater Pittsburgh area. To contact them, call or visit the website. You can follow them on Google+ for more information.
