Common Gynaecological Problems Women Should Never Ignore
Many women often neglect or ignore serious symptoms or discomforts, thinking they might be “normal” or feel embarrassed about discussing feminine issues. But ignoring potential gynaecological problems can lead to seriously messed up situations down the line. Here are some common gynaecological problems you need to get checked out immediately
Irregular Bleeding
We’ve all experienced the occasional wacky period here and there. Maybe it came a little early or a little late. Or was lighter or heavier than usual. That’s not necessarily cause for panic. But any major, persistent changes in your menstrual cycle frequency, flow, or duration could signal an underlying condition like uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, or even cancer in some cases.
Pelvic Pain
Light, bearable cramps are normal but, here we’re talking about chronic, severe pelvic pain that isn’t just your typical menstrual cramps. Pain during sex, urination, or bowel movements is also a red flag symptom. Persistent pelvic pain can be a marker of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts among other conditions. Don’t dismiss it as normal period pains because excruciating chronic pain is never normal.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Every woman has some healthy discharge, and it can vary in consistency and amount through your cycle. But a foul, fishy odour or coloured/bloody discharge when you’re not on your period is a good reason to get it checked out. It could potentially indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted disease, or even cervical cancer in some cases. Rather than taking it lightly, confront this issue directly.
Urinary Problems
Having the sudden, urgent need to pee while barely making it to the bathroom on time is no fun. Nor is feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder even after going. These can be signs that something is putting pressure on your bladder such as uterine fibroids, an ovarian mass, or pelvic organ prolapse when your reproductive organs drop down. Don’t chalk it up to just getting older because it’s likely a symptom worth checking into.
Breast Changes
We all know to watch for lumps as a potential sign of breast cancer. But other changes like nipple inversion, skin dimpling, redness, or nipple discharge could also indicate breast cancer or a non-cancerous breast condition. Don’t delay getting any new breast abnormalities looked at, even if a mammogram or ultrasound was recently normal. Catching any issues early is crucial.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Sure, some women just have heavier flows than others. But if you’re bleeding so heavily that you’re soaking through a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours, passing golf ball sized clots, bleeding for over a week straight, or becoming anemic from excessive blood loss—that’s not normal. It could signal uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, or other underlying issues. Getting up close and personal with super plus tampons on the regular means it’s time to get evaluated.
Pain During Sex
Some initial discomfort can be normal when you’re new to sex or it’s been a while. But if penetration causes you searing pain every single time, there’s likely an anatomical or medical reason like dryness, vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Conclusion
Ignoring potential warning signs of common gynaecological problems is just like asking them to escalate. Don’t be afraid to be upfront with your doctor about any “lady issues” you may be experiencing. A little short-term embarrassment is better than long-term suffering or serious complications.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling an appointment at Hale Clinics is recommended, which has the Best Gynaecologist in Mohali.
FAQs
Q1.What is considered irregular bleeding?
Ans. Irregular bleeding refers to any major, persistent changes in your menstrual cycle frequency, flow, or duration that deviates from your normal pattern.
Q2. When should I be concerned about pelvic pain?
Ans. While light, bearable cramps are normal during menstruation, chronic, severe pelvic pain that isn’t just your typical menstrual cramps could indicate endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts.
Q4. What kind of vaginal discharge should I watch out for?
Ans. Foul, fishy odour or coloured/bloody discharge when you’re not on your period could potentially indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted disease, or even cervical cancer in some cases.
Q5. Why should I be concerned about urinary problems?
Ans. Having the sudden, urgent need to pee or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder even after going, can be signs that something is putting pressure on your bladder such as uterine fibroids, an ovarian mass, or pelvic organ prolapse.
Q6. What breast changes should I look out for?
Ans. While lumps are a potential sign of breast cancer, other changes like nipple inversion, skin dimpling, redness, or nipple discharge could also indicate breast cancer or a non-cancerous breast condition.
