Women’s specialist in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA discusses when to see an OB-GYN

Women’s specialist explains when you need to visit your OB-GYN

A women’s specialist recommends that females should start visiting their OB-GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. It is important to start these visits before becoming sexually active. Being familiar with an OB-GYN and their services can be a big benefit especially since puberty can be a difficult time.

It is also recommended, around the age of 21, that women start having a pelvic exam every year.

With these recommendations, there are still times where you might feel something doesn’t feel right about your body. You should never hesitate to call and make an appointment to see your OB-GYN whenever you have any concerns that you feel need to be sorted out.

Your OB-GYN will know that you are the one that is the most familiar with your own body and will encourage you to be proactive about your health. It’s time to see your OB-GYN if you feel like something is wrong and you are showing any of these signs.

The warning signs to look out for

Burning or pain during urination

You may be showing signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you are feeling any burning or pain when urinating. Women have a higher risk of developing a UTI than men. You might even have a fever or blood in your urine. Have your OB-GYN check your symptoms and determine how to treat them after finding out what may be causing them.

Usually, antibiotics are used as the treatment for UTIs. It’s important to not ignore any symptoms and your OB-GYN will let you know what to expect if you have an infection. If left untreated, a UTI can spread and cause kidney infections or sepsis, this can be a life-threatening condition.

Bleeding when it’s not time for your period

It is normal for many women to see spotting in between their periods. If you’re taking the Pill, this is a common side effect. But, it’s a good idea to see your OB-GYN if you’re still bleeding heavily or it keeps going for a few days. This can be a symptom of cysts, polyps, pelvic infection, fibroids, or in more rare cases, gynecological cancer. This is usually not a big deal during pregnancy because it is pretty common, but your OB-GYN will want to make sure that it’s not a worst-case scenario, a sign of ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage.

Discharge that smells bad

Bad smelling discharge can usually be a sign of an infection. If left untreated, it can most likely become worse. Like we discussed with a UTI, this can also be something that is handled easily with antibiotics, but when not treated, it can increase the risk of HIV.