9 health concerns to discuss with your gynecologist

Your annual visit to the gynecologist may not rate at the top of your to-do list but at least make it one of your most productive doctor’s appointments.  This is not the time to be shy in being forthcoming about certain gynecological issues going on of which they can be of immense help for.   Gynecologists are a very important part of a woman’s health making it imperative to not hold back on health issues. 

Sharing vital information when it comes to women’s sexual and reproductive health is what gynecologists specialize in.  And if there is one specialty of medicine that has just about heard and seen it all is gynecology.  A gynecologist needs to know if a woman is having any problems in this part of her life.  Their training can help make a woman’s life healthier and more fulfilled by addressing any issues of concern.

Here are things every woman should tell her gynecologist if it applies to her:

1.  You are unable to have an orgasm

What other doctor would you share this information with besides a gynecologist?  They will be able to at least discuss with you what may be going on and will work with you to find a solution.  It may require a referral to a sex therapist or it is possible it could be due to another health problem going on.

2.  Sexual intercourse hurts

Pain during sex intercourse is not normal.  Maybe some occasional slight discomfort but there should not be downright pain.  There are several factors that could be the culprit – endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic adhesions, and pelvic inflammatory disease.  Sometimes vaginal dryness is the offender – if so, there are treatments for that.

3.  Any changes in your period

Each month, take notice of your menstrual cycle.  Tell your gynecologist if there are any changes such as if they are becoming lighter, heavier, longer, more frequent, less frequent, or if they have stopped altogether.  This is their area of specialty and they can thoroughly assess what the problem may be and how to treat it.

4.  You are experiencing vaginal dryness

During sexual arousal, a woman’s vagina will secrete a fluid from glands nearby helping to make sex more comfortable and to provide a healthier environment for sperm.  Vaginal dryness not only can lead to painful sex but also embarrassment about not getting lubricated sufficiently.  The causes could be due to many factors – a hormonal imbalance, a vaginal infection or irritation, or a side effect of a medication.  Whatever it is, your gynecologist is the person to tell as they can make suggestions on what to use or prescribe estrogen suppositories if needed.

5.  There is an unusual vaginal odor you’ve noticed

Instead of reaching for a feminine deodorant or deciding to douche, any sort of funky or strange vaginal smell needs to be brought to the attention of a gynecologist.  Unusual odors often stem from a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis.  Bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women can lead to increasing the risk of preterm birth and can also make a woman more susceptible to contracting a sexually transmitted infection.  If bacterial vaginosis is left untreated, it has been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause infertility. 

One other possibility of why things don’t smell right down there could be that a tampon or piece of it has been left inside you.

6.  Your interest in sex has spiraled downward

Lack of sexual desire can wax and wane for women over the years but it can also signal a medical issue.  A medical issue for women that could be the reason for a decline in sexual interest is a hormonal imbalance.  The sooner you let your gynecologist know, the sooner you can get your love life back.

7.  You practice unsafe sex in non-monogamous relationships

Just one act of unprotected sex can lead to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is not worth taking the risk.  Women not only have a higher risk than men of getting an STI during unprotected vaginal sex but also have more serious health problems from STIs than men – chlamydia and gonorrhea, if left untreated, raise the risk for chronic pelvic pain and life-threatening ectopic pregnancy and can also cause infertility.  Untreated syphilis in pregnant women can result in infant death up to 40% of the time. 

Do not be afraid or feel like you’ll be judged by telling your gynecologist you have unprotected sex.  They are not there to judge you but rather to help you.  Never assume your gynecologist knows what you are doing especially if they are under the impression you are in a monogamous relationship. 

Having unprotected sex is concerning as STIs often have few if any noticeable symptoms in women.  You don’t have to go into full confession mode but do ask your doctor to be tested for STIs. 

8.  You are considering birth control

You are asking the very best doctor for finding out accurate and up-to-date information on discussing different options of birth control right for you.  There are many various forms of birth control pills, monthly shots, IUDs, and even more.  Your doctor can talk to you about the pros and cons of each method helping you decide what is best for you.

9.  Tell them if you smoke

Even if you only smoke a few cigarettes a week, your doctor needs to know.  Smoking increases the chance that HPV will turn into cancer and it is associated with blood clots, heart attack, and stroke, especially if you are on oral hormonal birth control.