By EKalman November 15, 2021 - 5:09am

There are a lot of health issues that can affect the female reproductive system. Some of them develop asymptomatically while others can manifest themselves through severe symptoms. But the problem is that many women don't rush to the gynecologist even if they have obvious signs of some condition. As a result, the disease can progress and lead to serious complications. In this article, we have gathered eight alarming signs that you may have a gynecological disorder.

1. You have extremely painful periods
Mild pain and discomfort that occur before and during periods can be deemed normal. But if your pain is severe and interferes with your daily routine, it can be a sign of a certain condition. For example, women with endometriosis often experience severe cramps and unbearable pain during periods. To define the underlying cause of your pain and undergo effective treatment, you need to make an appointment with a gynecologist

2. You can't get pregnant
Problems with getting pregnant are common for many women. The point is that there are a lot of factors that can affect female reproductive health. The most common of them are stress, weight changes, hormonal imbalance, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine fibroids. Some of these conditions can be easily cured while others can be treated to manage their symptoms. Nevertheless, timely and accurate treatment can help improve your chances to get pregnant. Additionally, you shouldn't forget that both men and women can be infertile so both partners should be tested.

3. You experience light vaginal bleeding between periods
Light vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods is called spotting. In some cases, it is harmless, while in others, it can manifest some serious gynecological disorders. If you have bloody discharge during ovulation, the implantation of the fetus, or intake of hormonal contraception, there is no reason for concern. But spotting can also be a sign of cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions that may require medical attention.

4. You have abnormal vaginal discharge
In normal conditions, the female reproductive system produces a clear vaginal discharge that doesn't have any smell. When the color or odor of your vaginal discharge changes, it can be a sign of a gynecological disorder. For example, STIs usually manifest themselves through abnormal discharge with an unpleasant smell. In this case, you need to contact the best primary care physician and undergo STD testing. However, there are many other conditions that can lead to abnormal discharge so it is better to avoid self-treatment to prevent negative consequences.

5. You experience pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is deemed one of the most common symptoms of gynecological disorders. The point is that many conditions that affect the female reproductive system manifest themselves through pelvic pain. They include:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Ovarian cyst rupture
- Ovarian torsion
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Salpingitis
- Cervicitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cancers of the female reproductive system

Due to the variety of conditions that can cause pelvic pain, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and treatment.

6. You have painful sex
If you experience pain and discomfort during sex, it can be caused by a quite serious condition. Indeed, insufficient lubrication, deep penetration, and uncomfortable pose can also make sex painful. But if you experience pain during sex permanently, it is better to contact a gynecologist. The most common conditions that can cause pain during sex include:
- Vaginitis
- Vaginismus
- Vaginal dryness
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Cervical and uterine polyps
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Cancers of the female reproductive system

So if you experience pain during sex, there is no reason to postpone your gynecological exam.

7. You have missed periods
There is a common misconception that missed periods always mean pregnancy. But the reality is that there are many factors that can affect your menstrual cycle. For example, stress, sudden weight gain or loss, excessive exercising, and hormonal fluctuations can make your periods disappear. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and ectopic pregnancy can also lead to missed periods. Nevertheless, it is important to undergo a thorough examination and treatment if needed.

8. You experience pelvic pressure
If you experience the feeling of pressure in the pelvic area, it's high time to make an appointment with a gynecologist. There are certain conditions that can make your uterus enlarge and this can result in extra pressure on the pelvic organs. For example, adenomyosis is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows inside the uterine walls. As a result, the uterus becomes enlarged. Big uterine fibroids ​and polyps can also cause pressure in the pelvis

The bottom line
If you have noticed at least any unusual symptoms, there is no need to delay your gynecological exam. You should understand that the earlier you start the treatment, the more efficient and fast it will be. Additionally, annual gynecological exams are essential for a healthy female reproductive system.