No offense to any gynos in the room, but nobody ever really wants to go to the gynecologist.
Going to the gyno is just plain uncomfortable, mentally and physically.
Maybe that's why lots of us are guilty of a major omission in our approach to self-care: We put off making that all-important appointment to get checked out “down there.”
Look, I'm the last one to judge: I hate the goop and stirrups and speculum as much as anyone.
But we can't stress this enough that going to the gyno is so, so important for your health.
Cervical cancer is usually caught at the gynecologist, and nobody else will be as helpful or as understanding when you're dealing with something “personal.”
In other words, your gyno is your first line of defense for a lot of major problems that you do not want your hoo-ha to have to deal with.
Scroll through below for eight important signs that you should schedule your next pelvic today.
Go To The Gyno If You... Are 21Years Old
As rule of thumb, every young woman should start seeing the gynecologist as soon as she becomes sexually active, no matter how old she is when that happens.
But regardless of sexual activity, every woman should make sure she starts going at age 21.
This is the age that doctors recommend going for your first pap smear, and it's also a good opportunity to get a baseline sense of your reproductive health.
Go To The Gyno If You... Are 50 Years Old
A lot of women let their appointments at the gyno lapse once they're done having kids.
It's best not to let them lapse at all, but it's a good idea to pick the habit back up again when you reach fifty, and are officially in the perimenopause and menopause years.
Not only can your gynecologist help you navigate the hormonal ups and downs, but she can also help monitor associated problems, like changes in sex drive and vaginal dryness.
Go To The Gyno If You... Haven't Been In Awhile
Like we said, we all get behind on scheduling these appointments.
If you can't remember what year your last pelvic exam was, that's probably a good indicator that you're due for an appointment.
You're supposed to get a pap every three to five years, depending on your age, and it's a good idea to go once a year if you're sexually active.
Go To The Gyno If You... Have Noticed Unusual Discharge
Every woman has discharge, and it's usually nothing to worry about.
Still, if you notice a change in color, texture, or smell, phone your doctor right away and schedule an exam.
Changes in discharge can signal everything from yeast infection to cancer, and it's always a good idea to get your doctor's opinion.
Go To The Gyno If You... Haven't Had Your Period
There are a lot of different reasons your period could stop coming.
The most obvious is, of course, pregnancy, which is something that you're definitely going to want to consult with an OB-GYN about!
Other explanations include menopause, rapid change in weight, or stress, and could signal a deep issue that your doctor can help you with.
Go To The Gyno If You... Keep Having Your Period
There's not much that's more uncomfortable than a period that just won't stop coming, and it's never something you want to ignore.
If your flow just keeps on flowing, it could be a sign of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or even something life-threatening, like an internal hemorrhage.
Frequent spotting or bloody discharge is a good reason to go to the gyno, but keep in mind that if the amount of blood is more than a heavy flow and it's not your "time of the month," it's time to go straight to the emergency room.
Go To The Gyno If You... Are Experiencing Pain 'Down There'
Pelvic pain, no matter what the cause, is a good reason to see your gynecologist for a consult.
There are a ton of different kinds of pelvic pain, from cramping that you get during your period to burning pain from an infection.
Your gyno is the most qualified person around to figure out what specific part of the downstairs apparatus is causing pain, and what to do about it.
Go To The Gyno If You... Are Having Bathroom Troubles
We're so used to associating gynecologists with childbirth and periods that we can sometimes forget they also treat the bladder and the urinary tract.
If you experience pain when you pee —or you pee too much or too little, or you can't control it the way you used to — the gynecologist has a solution.
Your gyno can treat everything from a mild UTI to urinary incontinence — scheduling an appointment is really never a bad idea!
If you agree that going to the gynecologist is important, let us know in the comments, and don't forget to SHARE with sisters, daughters, and every other woman you know!
