10 Signs It’s Time to See an OB-GYN

You may already schedule routine annual OB-GYN exams, but some symptoms shouldn’t wait. Here are 10 signs it’s time to make an appointment sooner:

• Irregular cycles or missed periods (amenorrhea), including:
• Occurring more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days
• Missing three or more periods in a row
• Becoming very irregular after previously being predictable
• Bleeding lasts longer than seven days or is much heavier than usual, or if bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
• Periods accompanied by severe pain, dizziness or symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Changes in discharge color or amount, strong odor or persistent vaginal or vulvar itching, burning or redness, which could signal a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or STI
• A new breast lump, unexplained nipple discharge, skin dimpling, redness or nipple inversion
• Cramps that disrupt daily activities or don’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, especially sudden, sharp or persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Pain or burning during urination, urinary leakage, recurrent urinary tract infections, or pressure in the lower pelvis or vagina
• Perimenopause or post-menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes or vaginal dryness
• Pregnancy-related questions or difficulty conceiving after 12 months of trying, or after 6 months if you are age 35 or older
• Sharp, deep or persistent pain during or after sexual activity
• A bulging sensation or pelvic pressure
• Itching, bumps, sores or changes in skin texture or color around the vulva or perineum, which could be related to lichen sclerosus, infection or cysts

How do you determine if a symptom warrants an urgent same-week appointment or an ER visit? According to Victoria Schooler, PA-C, a board-certified Physician Assistant at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital:

Seek emergency medical care for:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for two or more hours)
• Severe or sudden pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fever with severe pelvic pain or foul-smelling discharge

Same-day or same-week appointment for:

• New abnormal bleeding that isn't severe
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, odor or sores
• A new breast lump or nipple discharge
• Urinary symptoms, recurrent urinary tract infections or urinary leakage
• New pelvic pressure, bloating or a sensation of fullness that persists

“If you’re unsure whether a symptom is normal, it’s always better to ask,” adds Schooler, who cares for patients from puberty through menopause, providing a full range of women’s healthcare services, including prenatal and postpartum care, contraceptive management, fertility counseling, menopause management and preventive screenings.

“Your healthcare provider can help identify the cause, ease discomfort and guide you toward the right next step for your health.”

Learn more about Victoria Schooler, PA