Identifying a sign of a potential gynecological issue and knowing what’s normal may be difficult for most women, but your gynecologist can help you understand your sexual and reproductive health. You have no reason to feel embarrassed about discussing any issue with your gynecologist because they have heard and seen different and similar issues and will help you find a solution to any problem you have without judgment.
Below are things you should feel free to discuss with your gynecologist at a private gynecological practice in London
Important Things You Need To Discuss With Your Gynecologists
Painful Periods
Most women find having their periods discomforting. Period symptoms such as headaches, breast soreness, and cramps affect many women during their periods. However, some women have severe period pains. If your periods cause intense pain or the pain has become worse over time, it may be a sign of conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Getting help from your doctor concerning period pains is necessary, so your doctor can carry out the necessary examination and recommend the right treatment to manage your symptoms. You don’t have to live with severe period pains as there are many solutions for this problem.
Vaginal Odour
One of the most uncomfortable topics for women to discuss is vaginal odor, but talking to your doctor about a fishy or foul smell your vagina gives off is important. Although the vagina odor is normal, a foul smell or new smell may be a sign of vaginal infection or bacterial overgrowth.
Growths Or Swelling Bumps In The Vagina
If you notice a growth or bump around your labia or in your vagina, you may have to consult your gynecologist. Most times, bumps in or around the vagina are benign, but you can have your doctor examine the bumps or growths as they may also be a sign of something serious.
Genital warts may remain visible for a while, but herpes lesions may heal after 7 – 14 days, so you need to get an exam during the outbreak.
Sexual Discomfort
If you feel discomfort during sexual intercourse, ensure you talk to your gynecologist about it. Discussing this issue with your gynecologist may feel uncomfortable, but seeking help from a gynecological care clinic in Central London can provide treatments to stop the discomfort.
Common sexual discomforts include:
Vaginal Dryness
Many women have a dry vagina during sexual intercourse, which is usually discomforting. Vaginal dryness usually depends on certain factors in the woman’s life and her age. If a young woman experiences vaginal dryness and has been using birth control for a while, her estrogen level may be low, and she may have to use new birth control.
A busy woman may experience vaginal dryness because she doesn’t engage in sufficient foreplay and arousal before sex. If the woman has gone past menopause and experiences vaginal dryness, it may be due to low estrogen levels, and her gynecologist can recommend vaginal estrogen.
Pain During Sex
If you’ve been experiencing pain while having sex, you can try having sex in different positions to find a more comfortable position. You may also have to speak to your doctor about the pain you experience during sex. Using a lubricant may not stop pain during intercourse, bleeding after intercourse, or vaginal dryness.
Sexual History
Most women avoid discussing their sexual history, such as when they started having sex and how many sexual partners they’ve had with a gynecologist because they feel judged. Certain questions about your sex life, like gender identity, sexual orientation, and whether you have had STIs or not, are important for the following reasons.
- They help determine your risk factor for conditions such as HPV infection and cervical dysplasia. Having sex before you’re 18 years may make you more susceptible to HPV because the cervical-vaginal junction is more prominent at a younger age and more sexual partners increase exposure to HPV.
- They help in discussing the potential effects of past STDs. The risk of infertility is higher for certain STDs, so your gynecologist may want to provide the right counseling if the situation arises. STDs such as herpes requires lifelong counseling because the infection remains for a lifetime, and you may experience periodic outbreaks.
- They help you receive the best possible care. Research shows that some health problems are common in trans men, bisexual women, and lesbians, so the health provider needs to be aware of your sexual orientation.
Faecal Or Urinary Leakage
Urinary or fecal incontinence can cause a lot of discomfort and affect your quality of life. Most women experience these symptoms after giving birth, especially if the woman had a vaginal delivery requiring forceps, a large baby, or a vacuum.
When women experience menopause, these symptoms become worse. You may need surgical or medical treatment to stop urinary or fecal incontinence. Talking to your gynecologist about this issue can help them determine the right treatment for you or refer you to a specialist for pelvic floor disorders.
Low Libido
Low libido affects many women, but they do not realize they suffer from this condition. If you experience low libido, ensure you speak to your gynecologist to determine the cause of the problem.
Low libido may result from an underlying health condition, side effect of medications, or a known condition. If any of this is the case, the gynecologist will determine the right approach for treatment.
Some women experience low libido due to female sexuality issues or things outside their control, such as work or stress. Some women may have less sexual arousal when in a long-term relationship, unlike the initial stages of the relationship.
Regardless of the cause of your low libido, the gynecologist can recommend ways to increase your libido naturally or refer you to a counselor.
For any gynecological concerns or issues, ensure you visit our Private London gynecologist at Gynae Clinic. You can contact our clinic at 020 7183 1049 to schedule an appointment.