It is advisable for every woman to visit a gynecologist at least once a year. But, as a rule, they remember the female doctor only when something bothers them. Let's talk about situations in which you can not postpone a visit to the doctor.

7 symptoms that signal that you urgently need an appointment with a gynecologist

1. Irregular menstruation

A normal cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days. Deviations of a few days are acceptable, the cycle can go astray due to stress, colds, climate change, etc. If the arrival of menstruation has become unpredictable or menstruation has completely disappeared, this is an alarming sign. Cycle disorders are most often associated with a lack of ovulation and the causes are usually hormonal: polycystic ovary syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, premature ovarian failure, thyroid dysfunction. In order to understand and correct the situation, you need to consult a specialist. 


2. Painful menstruation 

A common symptom in most women. Only for some, this is manifested by mild discomfort, for others, the beginning of the cycle is an excuse to take time off from work due to unbearable pain. “Give birth and everything will pass” does not always work. Pain during menstruation can be a symptom of serious diseases, such as endometriosis , uterine fibroids, inflammation. What to do in this case? Visit a gynecologist, ask for a referral for a pelvic ultrasound on days 5-7 of the cycle and treat the root cause.


3. Abundant, prolonged menstruation 

If the volume of blood loss is more than 80 ml (you change the pad every hour), menstruation lasts more than 7 days and is accompanied by spotting at the beginning and end, something is wrong. This can be a symptom of uterine fibroids , endometrial polyp, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, and even oncology. 

4. Too little menstruation 

If the volume of blood loss is less than 5 ml, you manage with daily pads - this is also not a good sign. Such symptoms may indicate an inflammatory process. Inflammation of the pelvic organs may appear after surgery (abortion, curettage of the uterine cavity, infectious diseases, etc.). Also, menstruation is scanty in case of hormonal disorders, against the background of sudden weight loss, anorexia, deficiency of vitamins and trace elements. 

5. Pain 

During sexual intercourse, defecation, in the middle of the cycle, aching, acute. Whatever the pain, it cannot be tolerated. Painkillers are not an option. After all, pain can accompany conditions such as ovarian cyst rupture, endometriosis, inflammation. Any pain requires immediate medical attention. 

6. Intermenstrual spotting

Bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle may be due to hormonal disorders, the presence of a polyp, uterine fibroids, or endometrial hyperplasia . Be sure to consult a gynecologist. To diagnose the cause, an ultrasound scan should be done in the first and second phases of the cycle, as well as a hormonal profile.


7. Discomfort in the genital area, specific discharge 

Itching, burning, copious discharge with an unpleasant odor indicate a violation of the flora. This is how thrush often declares itself , or it may be a symptom that signals the presence of an infection and an inflammatory process. Hurry to the doctor and take a smear on the flora. 

Unfortunately, many women endure these symptoms for years, many consider this to be the norm. But pain, bleeding, abnormal discharge and other unpleasant symptoms cannot be the norm. At first glance, many things seem harmless, but if you do not immediately understand the situation, it can turn into a chronic form that is more difficult to treat. Therefore, watch your health, do not miss preventive examinations, and if something goes wrong, do not postpone a visit to the doctor.