- 1. Delayed menstruation
- 2. Yellow or smelly discharge
- 3. Pain during intercourse
- 4. Bleeding outside menstruation
- 5. Pain when urinating
- When to go to the gynecologist for the 1st time
It is recommended to go to the gynecologist at least once a year to perform preventive diagnostic tests, such as a pap smear, which helps to identify early changes in the uterus, which, when not properly treated, can lead to cancer.
In addition, it is also important to go to the gynecologist to identify sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis or gonorrhea or to have a gynecological ultrasound to assess a pregnancy, for example.
In addition, some of the signs that indicate that a woman should go to the gynecologist include:
1. Delayed menstruation
When menstruation is delayed by at least 2 months and the pharmacy pregnancy test is negative, it is necessary to go to the gynecologist, as the delay in menstruation can occur when the woman develops problems in the reproductive system, such as having polycystic ovaries or endometriosis or due to bad thyroid function, for example.
However, the cycle can also be altered when the woman stops using the contraceptive, such as the pill, changes the contraceptive or when she is very stressed for several days. Learn about other causes of delayed menstruation.
2. Yellow or smelly discharge
Having yellow, greenish or smelling discharge are signs of infection, such as vaginosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomoniasis. In addition to these symptoms it is common to have itchy vagina and pain when urinating.
In these cases, the gynecologist usually does an exam, such as a pap smear or gynecological ultrasound, to analyze the uterus and make the correct diagnosis, and the treatment is done with antibiotics, such as Metronidazole, Ceftriaxone, or Azithromycin that can be used in tablets or ointments. Check out a home remedy for vaginal discharge.
3. Pain during intercourse
In most cases, pain during intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, is related to a lack of lubrication in the vagina or decreased libido that can be caused by excessive stress, use of some medications, such as antidepressants, or conflicts in couple's relationship.
However, pain can also arise when a woman has vaginismus or vaginal infections and is more frequent at menopause and in the postpartum period. To treat pain during intimate contact, depending on the cause, the doctor may indicate the use of antibiotics, indicate the performance of Kegel exercises or use lubricants. See other causes of pain during intercourse.
4. Bleeding outside menstruation
Bleeding outside the menstrual period usually does not indicate a serious health problem and is common after a gynecological examination, such as a pap smear. In addition, it can also happen during the first 2 months, if the woman changes the contraceptive method.
In addition, it may indicate the presence of polyps in the uterus or it may indicate pregnancy, if it occurs 2 to 3 days after intimate contact and, therefore, it is necessary to go to the gynecologist. Find out what bleeding can be outside the menstrual period.
5. Pain when urinating
Pain when urinating is one of the main signs of urinary tract infection and causes other symptoms such as cloudy urine, increased frequency of urination or pain in the abdomen. Learn to recognize the symptoms of urinary tract infection.
The treatment for pain when urinating is usually done with the use of antibiotics indicated by the doctor, such as sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin, for example.
When to go to the gynecologist for the 1st time
The first visit to the gynecologist should be done right after the first menstruation, which can vary between 9 and 15 years of age. This doctor will ask questions about how the girl feels during menstruation, feels colic, pain in the breasts and can clarify doubts and explain about what menstruation is and how the menstrual cycle works.
Usually the mother, aunt or other woman takes the girl to the gynecologist to accompany her, but this can be uncomfortable and make her shy and ashamed to ask something. In the first consultation, the gynecologist rarely asks to see the private parts, being reserved only for cases where the girl has discharge or some complaint such as pain, for example.
The gynecologist may ask to see the panties just to confirm whether there is any discharge or not, and explain that it is normal to leave a small transparent or whitish discharge on some days of the month, and this is only cause for concern when the color changes to green, yellowish, or pinkish and whenever there is a strong and unpleasant smell.
This doctor will also be able to clarify when the girl should start using contraception to prevent teenage pregnancy. This is important because one must start taking the pill before the first sexual intercourse so that it is really protected.
