What You Should Discuss With Your Gynaecologist

Identifying potential signs of a reproductive and sexual health issue may be difficult. For most people, discussing issues of this type is embarrassing, but there’s no need to feel uncomfortable. At Private Gynaecologist London our consultants are extremely experienced, qualified professionals who have seen many conditions and can provide you with accurate clinical advice without judgement.

Below are a few examples of potential issues that should be discussed with your gynaecologist:

• Painful periods
  Periods are often uncomfortable for most women. They often present with breast soreness, headaches, cramps, and several other symptoms. In some cases, period pain is beyond mild cramps. If your period pain is severe and gets worse over time, you may have uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Consulting your Gynaecologist about this issue is important in order to reach a timely diagnosis and start treatment.
• Vaginal odour
  Talking about your vaginal odour may be uncomfortable, but inform your gynaecologist if you notice a change in the normal smell of your vagina. While most odours from the vagina are normal, a fishy or foul smell may indicate a vaginal infection or bacterial overgrowth.
• Bumps, growths, or swelling around your genital area
  Growth around the labia may be a cause for concern. This may result from a cut from shaving, a pimple, or ingrown hair. In some cases, a more serious condition can cause bumps, this can include infections, or STDs such as Herpes or Genital Warts. Bumps are usually benign, but your gynaecologist needs to perform an exam when you notice this sign.
  Genital warts may be visible for longer periods of time, but lesions from herpes heal after 7 – 14 days. If you notice any unusual bumps or lumps down there, it’s definitely a good idea to see a Gynaecologist or STD specialist.
• Sexual discomfort
  If you feel discomfort during sex, informing your gynaecologist can aid them during an examination in order to identify the cause and treatment. Some causes of discomfort during sex include:
  Vaginal dryness - Some women experience vaginal dryness during sex. This may be due to the woman’s age amongst other factors. If younger women experience vaginal dryness and are on birth control for a long period of time, the cause may be insufficient oestrogen and requires alternate birth control.
  A busy mom experiencing vaginal dryness may not relax and take enough time to engage in foreplay for arousal before sex. If the woman has passed menopause, the dryness may be due to reduced oestrogen and can be treated by additional hormones.
  Pain during sex - If you experience pain while having sex, consider different positions that make you feel comfortable. If trying different sex positions does not stop the pain, lubricants don’t ease vaginal dryness or you experience bleeding after sex, you need to see your doctor.
• Sexual history
  Many women think that a gynaecologist is judging them when they ask about the number of sex partners they have had, their gender identity, sexual orientation, how old they were when they had sex, and if they have had sexually transmitted diseases. Discussing these issues is necessary for several reasons;
  To determine your risk for HPV infection and cervical dysplasia - Having sex before the age of 18 can increase your risk of having HPV since the cervical-vaginal junction is more obvious at a younger age. Having unprotected sex with several partners can also increase your risk of exposure to HPV and other STIs.
  To discuss solutions for past STDs - Certain STDs can increase your risk of infertility, so it’s important that your doctor is aware. For example, herpes is a lifelong condition where patients can have recurrent outbreaks, so it’s important to fully disclose any past STDs to your doctor.
  To ensure you are receiving adequate and appropriate care - Whilst it may be difficult discussing sexual history, it’s important for your doctor to be fully aware of the whole clinical picture. They are experts with decades of experience, so please, be as open as possible because it can only improve the standard of care you will receive.
• Faecal or urinary leakage
  Faecal or urinary leakage can affect your quality of life. Most women experience these conditions after childbirth, especially those undergoing vaginal delivery or with a large baby that needed a vacuum or forceps. During menopause, the symptoms may worsen.
  Some women need surgical or medical management for these conditions. Talking to a gynaecologist about these symptoms will help you get the right treatment, such as a pelvic floor disorder specialist referral.
• Low libido
  Low libido affects many women, but they are unaware of it. Low libido may be due to your medications, a side effect from a known condition, or an underlying medical condition. The gynaecologist will determine the best course of action based on your whole clinical picture.
  For some women, low libido results from the nature of female sexuality. A woman in a long-term relationship is less likely to be aroused than a woman in a new relationship. Sometimes, things beyond your control can affect libido, such as stress from work.
  The gynaecologist can offer recommendations to increase your libido and refer you to a counsellor for further help if requested.
  Visit a Gynaecologist Harley Street today at Gynaecology Clinic for any sexual or reproductive health issues. You can call us now on 020 7183 0435 to book an appointment.