Almost every woman of childbearing age will visit an OB/GYN at some point in her life. The role of an OB/GYN is to examine the female reproductive system and determine if there are any abnormalities based on their findings. The pelvic exam may reveal multiple issues including cervical cancer, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis. If one of these problems is discovered, the OB/GYN can refer to a specialist who has experience in treating women. While some will claim that you do not need any reason to see an OB/GYN, there are times when you cannot ignore the need for one. Here are some key signs that you need to schedule an appointment with a Las Vegas OB/GYN.
Pelvic Pain
Many women deal with pelvic pain regularly, but you should not ignore it. If the pain is only present during certain times of the month or it occurs at irregular intervals, then you can place an appointment for an OB/GYN. However, there could be a significant problem if the pelvic pain is constant and does not diminish between menstrual cycles. An OB/GYN can perform an internal pelvic exam that will allow them to determine the cause of your pain. If ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids are found to be the source of your discomfort, then you can safely remove these growths through various types of surgery.
Heavy Bleeding
While most women experience menstruation every month, you may suffer from heavy bleeding if your flow is so intense that it interferes with daily life. While the average woman loses approximately three to five tablespoons of blood over a total period of five days, you should see an OB/GYN if excess bleeding causes you to lose at least a full cup of blood every single day. A common cause is uterine fibroids that a specialist can remove if you have been diagnosed with menorrhagia.
Trouble Getting Pregnant
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, then it is time to make an appointment with an OB/GYN. Every woman is different, and in some cases women think they infertile when they’re actually not. This means that the doctor will monitor your body closely and take a series of tests to see if any underlying problems could be interfering with your ability to conceive. After testing, an OB/GYN can provide you with treatment options to help you get pregnant.
Breast Lumps
It would be best if you never ignored a breast lump. While you may think that a lump is just a result of the tightness of the skin underneath your breasts, this could turn out to be a severe problem that requires immediate medical attention. A mammogram can determine if there are any lumps in your breasts and what kind they are. This information will allow an OB/GYN to see what additional tests need to be performed to determine the source of the lump.
In summary, an OB/GYN plays a crucial role in women’s health. While you need to see one at least once every year, you need to make an immediate appointment if you have chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or breast lumps. If you have trouble getting pregnant, you may also need to see an OB/GYN.