Because women are unique, their reproductive health is unique as well. Even if your concern may seem embarrassing, you should be sure to ask your doctor about the issues you are experiencing. Here are some of the most important things to bring up to your gynecologist.

Period-related concerns

Menstruation symptoms vary depending on the individual, their age, and even their lifestyle. If you have any questions or concerns about your period, do not hesitate to ask your gynecologist. Here are some of the most common questions:

Why does my period hurt so bad?

Many women experience cramps, headaches, and breast soreness/pain at some point in their menstrual cycle. This is normal, but when the pain becomes unbearable, it can mean something more is going on. This is especially true in regard to cramps. If you have extreme pain or have pain that has increased in severity, speak with your gynecologist as soon as possible.

What should my “flow” be?

Many women experience light-to-heavy flows throughout their lives. This is because your flow can fluctuate based on hormones, activity, and stress levels as well as diet and lifestyle factors. If you are concerned about a change in your flow, ask your gynecologist and they will be able to identify any causes for the shift.

How often should I have a period?

Women who are not pregnant have a period once a month until perimenopause, which is the transition period before menopause. If you miss a period, this could mean that you are pregnant, entering perimenopause, simply have experienced too much stress, or something more serious could be going on. Irregular periods aren’t always a cause for concern, as lifestyle changes can easily affect your cycle.

To better understand your periods as a whole and why you may have missed one, it is best to keep track of them. If you are concerned about the regularity of your menstrual cycle, don’t be afraid to talk to your gynecologist.

Vaginal health

Even if you feel embarrassed about vaginal concerns, you need to speak with your gynecologist if you have any irregularities “down there.” Here are some of the most reported concerns related to vaginal health:

Bad odor

Having vaginal odor is not uncommon, nor is it always a sign of a health issue. However, if your normal odor changes or you smell fishy, you should speak with your gynecologist. You could have too much bacteria or some other form of infection that will need to be treated.

Lumps and bumps

Finding lumps or bumps anywhere on your body is scary, especially near your vagina. It is normal to get ingrown hairs or cuts from shaving. If you have found something concerning, contact your gynecologist. It is vital that you see them ASAP. Conditions like herpes are better diagnosed during an outbreak and cancer is better detected early.

Should I clean my vagina?

Many women think they should buy specialty products to cleanse their vaginas, and there are certainly a lot of products available to do this. However, you should not do this. Simply wash your vulva and labia daily with water and non-scented soap.

Questions about sex

If you are sexually active, you should know how to practice safe sex. Here are some of the most common questions about safe sex and sexual health, as well as how they may relate to other health factors and conditions:

Why is sex uncomfortable?

If you are experiencing discomfort (or worse, pain) during sex, make an appointment with your gynecologist. Discomfort can be caused by a lot of things, including dryness, emotional connection, and serious health conditions. Likewise, though pain could be caused by something simple like being in the wrong position, there are other causes that can be considered serious. It is vital to see your gynecologist to ensure that there is nothing dangerous going on.

What birth control option should I use?

There are a lot of options for birth control available. The best one for you will depend on how each one may affect your body and how often you will take it. For example, some options are replaced monthly, while others (the pill) must be taken daily. Speak with your doctor about contraceptives to determine what will work best for your needs.

Should I be concerned about STIs?

If you are sexually active, the short answer to this is “Yes.” But, your level of risk will be unique to your specific situation. This is one of the main reasons your gynecologist will ask you about your sexual history. They will also discuss any potential risks you have in your current lifestyle as well as check you for any conditions if necessary.

Is a low libido normal?

If you are experiencing a lower libido than you are used to, it may not be normal. Certain medications can alter your libido, as well as hormonal changes, side effects of health conditions, and even outside factors like stress.

Have more questions?

At Women’s Healthcare Associates in Amarillo, Texas, our goal is to provide you with one of the best experiences in women’s care. Our Staff offers personal care that focuses on the health and well-being of our patients as individuals.

Our Services include prenatal care, digital mammography, bone density screening, ultrasounds, lab work, contraception, menopause treatments, and more. To learn more about how our comprehensive women’s healthcare can help you, please give us a call at (806) 355-6330!