Time For Your Annual Screening? 4 Issues To Discuss With Your Gynecologist

If it's time for your annual gynecological screening, you know that you'll probably receive a pap smear. You might also need to talk to your gynecologist about issues involving your current birth control methods. However, there are other issues that you might need to talk to your gynecologist about. Now that you've got your annual screening scheduled, read the list provided below. Here are four additional issues you should discuss with your gynecologist right away. 

Changes to Your Breasts

If you conduct monthly self-examinations on your breasts, you know how they look and how they feel. During your self-examinations, it's important that you take the time to really examine your breasts. Familiarize yourself with the way they feel, as well as with the way they look. If you notice any changes in appearance, or in the way your breasts feel, you need to discuss those changes with your gynecologist. Some changes to watch for include soreness, hardened tissue, or rough areas that look like an orange peel. It's also important to talk to your gynecologist about unexplained discharge from the nipples. 

Changes With Your Period

If you've noticed any changes with your period, don't forget to talk to your gynecologist about those changes. This is especially important during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Many women who have received the Covid-19 vaccination have found that their periods have changed. Some of those changes included painful periods, heavy bleeding, break-through bleeding, as well as longer-lasting periods. If you've experienced this, you need to talk to your gynecologist as soon as possible. 

Changes With Sexual History

If you've experienced changes in your sexual history since your last gynecological exam, this is something that you should discuss with your gynecologist. Knowing your sexual history can help your gynecologist identify potential risk factors. For instance, if you've had multiple sex partners without practicing safe sex, you might be at an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Also, oral sex can increase your risk for HPV transmission, which can increase your risk for oral cancer. If your sexual history has changed, now's the time to talk to your gynecologist. 

Changes in Vaginal Discharge

Finally, it's not uncommon to experience a small amount of vaginal discharge from time to time. However, if you've noticed changes in the vaginal discharge you experience, you may need to talk to your gynecologist. This is especially important if you've developed a foul-smelling discharge. A foul-smelling vaginal discharge could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infection. 

For more information, visit a website like http://www.centraliowaobgyn.com.


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