3 Signs Telling You to Visit a Gynecologist

When it comes to preventative care for women, annual OB-GYN visits rank high. They provide essential information about your current reproductive health, allowing you to make wellness decisions, such as going on birth control or undergoing cervical cancer testing. However, there are also times when seeing a gynecologist outside of regular appointments is necessary to maintain optimal health. Below are signs telling you to make an appointment now. 

Clear to whitish discharge with little to no odor are normal ovulation signs. However, foul-smelling discharge indicates an issue, such as a bacterial infection. A fishy odor, for example, can indicate bacterial vaginosis from bacterial overgrowth in the vagina or trichomoniasis, a type of STI. Rotten odors can signal a forgotten tampon, while skunk odors can mean emotional stress. Chemical smells, such as bleach or ammonia odors, can also indicate bacterial vaginosis. 

Changes to menstrual flow, such as a period that’s too short, too long, too irregular, or too painful, call for an OB-GYN visit. Depending on the changes, the cause could be menopause or a uterus-specific issue, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus, while endometriosis causes uterine tissue to grow outside of the organ. Both of these issues can cause excessive bleeding and pain, as well as uncomfortable sex. 

Itching sensations can indicate a yeast infection, especially when the pain is combined with cottage cheese-like discharge. It can also be a sign of an STI. Burning sensations can mean an STI as present; however, if the burning occurs during urination, a UTI or bladder infection is the likely cause. Bumps or blisters in the vaginal area often signal an STI, such as genital warts or herpes, though bumps can also be due to ingrown pubic hair.