Even when you are good about going to your annual preventative visits with your gynecologist, concerning issues may still arise. If you feel something is wrong, avoid the temptation to self-diagnose by googling your symptoms. The best thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor. If you’re on the fence about whether something is “serious enough” to see a doctor, here are a few sure signs for when you should definitely pick up the phone to make an appointment. Early intervention will always help to give you a better outcome.
Spotting or bleeding when you don’t have your period
Occasional spotting or bleeding between periods may not be unusual for some women, but if the bleeding is heavy and it’s happening frequently you should definitely get checked out. Heavy bleeding could be a sign of injury to the pelvic area, a miscarriage or in some rare cases, cervical cancer.
Pain During Sex
Pain during sex can be interpreted as a deep pelvic pain or vaginal soreness. You may be suffering from vaginal dryness, infection, fibroids on your uterus or pelvic inflammatory disease. Your gynecologist will most likely perform a pelvic exam to find out what is specifically wrong. Some of those issues can be treated with medication.
Burning or Itching
Burning and itching, especially while urinating, is usually an indication of a urinary tract infection. If ignored or left untreated, such an infection can spread causing something more serious like a kidney infection. In some rare cases, burning and itching can be a sign of painful Bladder Syndrome or Interstitial Cystitis.
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
We are conditioned to think that abdominal pain or cramps are normally associated with periods, so it’s very likely that we wouldn’t think any more of it. If the pain is sharp or lengthy it could be reason for concern. Pelvic pain could indicate endometriosis, a condition in which tissue grows outside of the uterus, that could potentially hinder a women’s ability to become pregnant.
Breast Pain
Unusual symptoms are easier to detect when they are in the chest area. Anything you probably think is unusual probably is. This may include discomfort, a small lump or nipple discharge. Swelling or redness are also reasons to get examined.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your gynecologist. In the event that you may need a procedure to treat symptoms, please call the Surgery Center of Fort Collins for more information. We do perform gynecological procedures for patients, and they are often more affordable and less stressful to have done at our ambulatory surgery center as opposed to in a hospital setting. Call 970-821-8634 for more information or to schedule an appointment.