4 Embarrassing Symptoms to Talk to Your Gynecologist About
When most of us go to the gynecologist, our mission is to get our Pap smear done, get our birth control prescription, and get out. Talking to your doctor about certain symptoms can be embarrassing, and you might even assume that your gynecologist will be able to diagnose any problem that you do have. That's not always the case, however. Here are four embarrassing symptoms to talk to your gynecologist about.
Changes in Urination
If it burns when you urinate or if you find yourself doing it more often, let your doctor know. Burning during urination and urinating more frequently can be signs of a UTI, kidney infection, or interstitial cystitis. It can also be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Frequent Diarrhea
If you've noticed yourself running to the ladies' room more often, tell your gynecologist. Diarrhea could be caused by a gastrointestinal disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It might also be caused by a food allergy, such as lactose intolerance.
If diarrhea occurs just before or during your menstrual period, it could be a sign of dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. According to WebMD, dysmenorrhea can be caused by hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts, to name a few. Diarrhea may also be caused by HIV, according to the Mayo Clinic, so it's worth letting your doctor know.
Breast Itching
Let's face it. No one wants to admit that they have itchy boobs. You might assume that it's because you're using a new soap or laundry detergent, so there's no reason to mention it. If it's accompanied by a vinegar-like smell, itching underneath the breasts may be due to a yeast infection.
Breast itching may also indicate that you have mastitis, a breast abscess, mammary duct ecstasia, or rare type of breast cancer, such as Paget's disease of the breast or inflammatory breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. To rule out the more serious causes, be sure to talk to your gynecologist about it.
A Smell Down There
Vaginal odor is probably one of the most embarrassing things to talk about. If you do notice a change in scent down there, however, be sure to inform your doctor. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis can all cause vaginal odor, according to Health Services at Colombia University.
If you notice any of these or other symptoms, be sure to talk to your gynecologist. Keep in mind that your doctor has heard of all of these symptoms before and is only there to help. By being too embarrassed to talk about it, you could be putting your life at risk or continuing to deal with a condition which is necessary to treat.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you're concerned about your health, consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
Colombia University Health Services
Mayo Clinic, "Breast rash - causes."
Mayo Clinic, "STD symptoms."
WebMD
Changes in Urination
If it burns when you urinate or if you find yourself doing it more often, let your doctor know. Burning during urination and urinating more frequently can be signs of a UTI, kidney infection, or interstitial cystitis. It can also be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Frequent Diarrhea
If you've noticed yourself running to the ladies' room more often, tell your gynecologist. Diarrhea could be caused by a gastrointestinal disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It might also be caused by a food allergy, such as lactose intolerance.
If diarrhea occurs just before or during your menstrual period, it could be a sign of dysmenorrhea, or painful periods. According to WebMD, dysmenorrhea can be caused by hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts, to name a few. Diarrhea may also be caused by HIV, according to the Mayo Clinic, so it's worth letting your doctor know.
Breast Itching
Let's face it. No one wants to admit that they have itchy boobs. You might assume that it's because you're using a new soap or laundry detergent, so there's no reason to mention it. If it's accompanied by a vinegar-like smell, itching underneath the breasts may be due to a yeast infection.
Breast itching may also indicate that you have mastitis, a breast abscess, mammary duct ecstasia, or rare type of breast cancer, such as Paget's disease of the breast or inflammatory breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. To rule out the more serious causes, be sure to talk to your gynecologist about it.
A Smell Down There
Vaginal odor is probably one of the most embarrassing things to talk about. If you do notice a change in scent down there, however, be sure to inform your doctor. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis can all cause vaginal odor, according to Health Services at Colombia University.
If you notice any of these or other symptoms, be sure to talk to your gynecologist. Keep in mind that your doctor has heard of all of these symptoms before and is only there to help. By being too embarrassed to talk about it, you could be putting your life at risk or continuing to deal with a condition which is necessary to treat.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you're concerned about your health, consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
Colombia University Health Services
Mayo Clinic, "Breast rash - causes."
Mayo Clinic, "STD symptoms."
WebMD
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i... View profile
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