Women’s health is an area of medicine that has not been prioritised for years, with women waiting decades for diagnosis and treatment for conditions like endometriosis, heavy and painful periods, and adenomyosis. In general, women’s health concerns seem to be taken less seriously, from periods to menopause. Indeed, a recent report by the Women and Equality’s Committee (WEC) found that women who are experiencing painful reproductive health conditions are being let down by not only having their pain dismissed, but by being told it is ‘normal’. It was also highlighted that women are undergoing painful treatments such as hysteroscopy and coil insertion without sufficient pain relief. A wider concern is that research into women’s health is lagging behind. Many women are turning to private gynaecologists to get the help they need without the wait for peace of mind. But when might you need to see a gynaecologist? Let’s take a look at some of the signs to look out for.
Many women seek advice in the first instance because they notice changes to their periods but not all issues with the reproductive system have noticeable symptoms nor are easy to spot. Here are a few of the symptoms that you should look out for that could indicate you need to seek professional advice from a gynaecologist.
Gynaecological symptoms to look out for
Your periods are not ‘normal’
A typical menstrual cycle is around 28 days in length but can be from 21 to 35 days and this is still considered ‘normal’. A menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and runs until the day before your next period. The heaviest bleeding usually occurs during the first couple of days of the period and pain is mild to moderate. However, some women have severe pain (dysmenorrhea) that impacts their ability to complete normal daily activities and heavy bleeding that lasts longer.
What counts as an abnormal period?:
- The bleeding is heavier than usual
- You have very heavy cramps during or before your period
- The bleeding lasts longer than the usual seven days
- Your periods are irregular (menstrual cycle length changes)
- The gap between your periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days
If you are concerned about anything to do with your period you should keep track of them using a diary or a tracking app. This way you can seek guidance from your GP or gynaecologist and provide them with accurate details that will help them to diagnose any health conditions. Periods that are abnormal could indicate underlying concerns such as the start of menopause, pregnancy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, underactive thyroid gland or even stress.
You are experiencing abnormal bleeding
You should seek advice if you are experiencing abnormal bleeding. But what is considered abnormal? Any bleeding outside of your normal period should be investigated by a healthcare professional, whether it is light spotting or more heavy bleeding, in order to rule out serious health conditions such as endometrial cancer. There are many less serious health conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and structural abnormalities such as polyps and fibroids that will also need to be diagnosed and treated.
You have pain in the pelvic area, the vulva or the vagina
Despite what many women believe, it is not normal to experience pain in the pelvic area, but unfortunately it is a symptom that many women suffer from. There are a wide variety of conditions that may cause pain in the pelvic area. These include but are not limited to:
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a surprisingly common condition where cells that are really similar to the lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body where they shouldn’t. This causes severe pain which can have a huge negative impact on life and can also impact one’s fertility. Many women with this condition have bad period pains and very heavy periods that severely impact their quality of life and ability to carry out daily activities. They may also experience extreme fatigue and pain during or after sex. Unfortunately many women have to wait years for diagnosis and it is very difficult to accurately diagnose. Some women find that hormone treatment like the combined contraceptive pill can be helpful, however many women with this condition go on to have surgery to have the endometrial tissue removed.
Vulvadynia: This chronic condition is characterised by pain in the vulva which is the area outside of the vagina. The pain associated with vulvodynia can feel like a stabbing, throbbing, or burning pain; it can come and go, and be triggered by touch. Unfortunately it can have a huge impact on intimacy and a woman’s comfort. This condition needs to be diagnosed by a gynaecologist. Thankfully there are a few treatments that can be beneficial, such as medicated numbing creams, vaginal dilators, and pelvic floor exercises. Some women also find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be helpful.
Vaginismus: Vaginismus is characterised by the involuntary contraction or spasming of the muscles around the vagina when penetration is attempted. This incredibly painful condition is most common in women in their twenties but anyone with a vagina can get this condition. It not only impacts women’s sex life but the ability to insert tampons, and even have a cervical smear test. Treatment for vaginismus usually includes a combination of vaginal dilators, psychosexual therapy, and exercises. Some private gynaecologists also offer Botox treatment which involves injecting muscle relaxant using a very fine needle into the muscles surrounding the vagina to encourage them to relax and break the cycle. This has a very high success rate and has helped to change the lives of many women.
You’ve noticed lumps on the vulva or in the vagina
It’s not normal to have lumps and bumps on the vulva or inside the vagina and if you notice any you should seek guidance from your GP or book to see a gynaecologist as soon as possible to rule out possible cancer and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Sex isn’t comfortable
There are many reasons why sex may not be comfortable and it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis for the most appropriate treatment. Common causes of painful sex include vaginal dryness, vaginismus, vulvodynia, and even urinary tract infections. Painful sex is not normal and if you are experiencing any discomfort this is a sign that you should seek guidance from a gynaecologist. The majority of conditions are treatable and they can help you restore your quality of life.
Getting help from a gynaecologist for reproductive health related concerns
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s an indication you may need to see a gynaecologist. A gynaecologist is a doctor with additional specialist training in the female reproductive system, including the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina. If you attend your GP with concerns about your pelvic health they may refer you on to a gynaecologist for further investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Prefer to get help without the wait? Contact this private gynaecologist in London directly for high quality care.
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