When you need to visit your gynaecologist
VISITING the gynaecologist can be a very mentally, physically and emotionally draining chore to some women, but there are some signs and symptoms that may present in females, which should never be withheld from your gynaecologist.
Dr Daryl Daley, obstetrician gynaecologist (ObGyn) at Gynae Associates, said some of the must-go signs/symptoms to visit your gynaecologist include:
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Dr Daley said when a woman presents with excessive uterine bleeding or bleeding outside of her normal menstrual cycle this should be evaluated. “The causes of abnormal uterine bleeding include hormonal issues, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids and some forms of cancer. It’s worthwhile to be evaluated to rule out sinister causes,” he said.
Bumps/lumps on genitalia
Bumps/lumps on genitalia
“Many sexually transmitted diseases present with lumps/bumps to the genital area. Although many of these lumps/ bumps may be harmless such as folliculitis or allergic reactions, other conditions such as genital herpes, genital warts, chancroid and syphillis need to be ruled out,” Dr Daley said.
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge
The ObGyn said an abnormal vaginal discharge, especially in the presence of lower abdominal pain and fever, could be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease, which is usually sexual in origin and due to chlamydia. He said untreated pelvic inflammatory disease may lead to infertility in the future. “Common yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can only be diagnosed on examination and thus need to be treated effectively,” he added.
Abnormal discharge from the nipples (galactorrhea)
Abnormal discharge from the nipples (galactorrhea)
Dr Daley said although many drugs or activities such as exercise can cause this, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia presents with abnormal nipple discharge and can affect fertility. He stated that a bloody nipple discharge may be a sign of breast cancer.
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain
“Painful periods and continuous pelvic pain can be a sign of endometriosis, which can be physical and emotional torture for a woman. Endometriosis causes infertility and painful intercourse,” Dr Daley said.
Intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting
Intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting
The ObGyn said pelvic pain which is intermittent and associated with vomiting can be indicative of a large ovarian cyst, which causes the ovary to twist and untwist on itself with the possibility of eventual death of the ovary.
Excessive hair and abnormal periods
Excessive hair and abnormal periods
Dr Daley said this can be indicative of a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). He explained that this is a hormonal condition associated with excess male hormones called testosterone. He added that infertility and an increased risk of endometrial cancer can occur.
Post-menopausal bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding
The ObGyn said when this occurs, tests must be done to rule out cancer of the uterus, as this is how it normally presents.
Pelvic masses
Pelvic masses
According to Dr Daley, the most common cause of pelvic masses to reproductive women in Jamaica is uterine fibroids. He said these patients have heavy menstrual riods, which are painful. Dr Daley pointed out that for most cases of uterine fibroids, surgical management is required in the form of a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
