Gynecology is a term that originated from Greek, meaning “the science of women.” It is an area of medicine specializing in treating diseases that mainly affect women’s reproductive organs. Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) combines gynecology Lake Mary and obstetrics specialties. A gynecologist specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues affecting your reproductive tract. The female reproductive system comprises internal and external sex organs such as the vagina, fallopian tubes, and the uterus.
Consequently, below are the reasons you may need to visit your gynecologist’s office immediately.
Loss of sex drive
Also called loss of libido, loss of sex drive is a condition that involves you lacking interest in sexual activity, such as masturbation or lack of sexual fantasies. You can only understand the underlying cause of your low sex drive by consulting your gynecologist.
There are many potential causes of low sex drive, like painful sex, particular prescription medications, excessive alcohol consumption, surgery affecting sexual function, hormonal imbalance, and relationship issues.
Your health provider may recommend medications for boosting libido and hormone therapy.
Bladder or bowel incontinence
Your bladder and bowel have numerous nerves that direct muscles to relax or tense up. The proper functioning of the nerves and muscles in your bladder and bowel allows their normal functioning during the removal of urine and feces.
Different conditions may affect the nerves and muscles in your bladder and bowel, leading to the unintentional passing of urine feces. These conditions include urinary retention, overactive bladder, vaginal childbirth, nerve destruction, Crohn’s disease, and constipation.
STDs
You should not feel embarrassed or ashamed when your health provider asks questions about the first or last time you had sex, your history with STDs, and your sexuality. These questions assist your gynecologist in better determining your risk level for sexually transmitted infections and diseases and the effect of a past illness such as herpes. For instance, a past or active sexually transmitted infection may increase your risk of infertility.
Discomfort during sexual intercourse
As a woman, you may have pain during and after intercourse. The discomfort may emanate from your vagina or deep in your pelvis.
Sex may be painful because of an infection, genital irritation, vaginal dryness, and vaginismus. Vaginismus is your body’s natural reaction to the fear of vaginal penetration, causing the tight shutting of vaginal muscles.
If you are past menopause and have vaginal dryness, your gynecologist may recommend vaginal estrogen. You may also be encouraged to take your time and engage more in foreplay to help you feel aroused before vaginal penetration.
Abnormal vaginal smell
Your vagina has billions of bacteria, so expect it to release different vaginal odors. A change in the composition of the bacteria causes the scents you may experience daily or hourly. For instance, your vagina may smell like fermented foods or molasses.
However, your vagina may sometimes produce abnormal odors similar to a decomposing fish or organism. Apart from the decaying smell, other accompanying symptoms may include itchiness, pain, a thick discharge, and bleeding unrelated to menstruation.
Contact Christopher K Quinsey, MD, today for specialist gynecological services.
