Common Gynaecological Problems: When Should You Be Concerned?

What Are the Most Common Gynaecological Problems?

Some of the most commonly seen gynaecological problems include menstrual disorders, vaginal infections, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While some cause mild or temporary symptoms, others can persist or affect menstruation, fertility and everyday quality of life.

Menstrual Problems

Changes in your menstrual cycle can include unusually heavy or painful periods, irregular cycles, bleeding between periods or missed periods. Occasional changes can occur, but persistent or significant differences from your usual cycle may have an underlying cause.

Common examples include:

• Periods that are unusually heavy or last longer than expected
• Severe or worsening menstrual cramps
• Irregular or frequently missed periods

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections can cause changes in vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, discomfort or an unusual odour. Different types of infection can cause similar symptoms, so an assessment may be needed to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

You may experience:

• Changes in the colour, consistency or amount of vaginal discharge
• An unusual vaginal odour
• Vaginal or vulval itching and irritation
• Redness or soreness around the vagina
• Discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some women have no symptoms, while others may experience heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, pain or urinary symptoms depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

Possible symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure, fullness or discomfort
• Abdominal swelling or enlargement
• Frequent urination if a fibroid presses against the bladder

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Symptoms can vary considerably between women, and common experiences include:

• Painful periods that interfere with normal activities
• Persistent or recurring pelvic pain
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements or urination, particularly around menstruation
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary. Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and resolve without treatment, but larger or persistent cysts can sometimes cause noticeable problems.

These may include:

• Pelvic pain or discomfort, sometimes more noticeable on one side
• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen
• Abdominal bloating
• Pain during intercourse
• Changes in menstrual patterns in some cases

Sudden, severe pelvic pain, particularly when accompanied by nausea or vomiting, should be assessed promptly as it can indicate a complication such as ovarian torsion or cyst rupture.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, menstrual cycles and androgen levels. The way PCOS presents varies, and women may experience different combinations of symptoms.

Common features include:

• Irregular, infrequent or absent periods
• Difficulty becoming pregnant due to irregular ovulation
• Excess facial or body hair
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight in some women

What Can Cause Changes in Your Gynaecological Health?

Changes in your gynaecological health can occur due to normal hormonal and life-stage changes as well as infections and underlying medical conditions. Common factors include:

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in reproductive hormones can affect menstrual cycles, bleeding patterns and other gynaecological symptoms.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period can lead to changes in menstruation, vaginal health and the pelvic floor.
• Infections: Vaginal, cervical and sexually transmitted infections can cause abnormal discharge, irritation, bleeding, pelvic discomfort and other symptoms.
• Perimenopause and menopause: Changing hormone levels can cause irregular periods during perimenopause, while menopause can lead to concerns such as vaginal dryness and discomfort.

As different conditions can cause similar symptoms, the cause cannot always be determined from symptoms alone. A gynaecologist can assess the pattern of changes and recommend appropriate tests where needed.

What Happens When You See a Gynaecologist About Your Symptoms?

When you see a gynaecologist about unusual or persistent symptoms, the consultation will usually involve discussing your concerns and medical history, followed by an examination and relevant tests where needed. The findings can then help determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is necessary.

Discussing Your Symptoms and Medical History

Your gynaecologist will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing, when they started, how often they occur and whether they have changed over time. Depending on your concerns, you may also be asked about your menstrual cycle, pregnancies, sexual health, contraception, medications and previous gynaecological conditions.

Physical and Gynaecological Examination

An examination may be recommended depending on your symptoms. This can include a general physical examination as well as an abdominal or pelvic examination to check for abnormalities and help narrow down the possible cause.

Tests and Gynaecological Screening

Further tests may be recommended based on your symptoms and examination findings. These can include blood or urine tests, a Pap smear or pelvic ultrasound where appropriate. Separately, gynaecological health screening can also form part of preventive care, helping identify certain health concerns before they cause noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Once the cause has been identified, your gynaecologist can explain the findings and discuss whether treatment is required. Management will depend on the condition, its severity and how it is affecting you, and may range from monitoring and medication to other treatments or surgery where appropriate.

At GynaeMD Women’s & Rejuvenation Clinic, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Dr Christopher Ng provides personalised care for women experiencing a range of gynaecological concerns. He takes the time to understand how your symptoms are affecting you, assess the possible cause and explain the available treatment options clearly. His approach focuses on helping women make informed decisions about their care based on their individual needs and circumstances.

If you have noticed persistent or unusual changes in your periods, vaginal health or other aspects of your gynaecological health, contact us today to arrange a consultation.

FAQs About Common Gynaecological Conditions

Is it normal for my menstrual cycle to change?

Some variation in your menstrual cycle can occur due to hormonal changes, stress, pregnancy, contraception and approaching menopause. However, consistently irregular periods, unusually heavy bleeding, missed periods or a significant change from your normal cycle should be discussed with a gynaecologist.

Is vaginal discharge always a sign of an infection?

No. Vaginal discharge is a normal part of vaginal health and can naturally change throughout the menstrual cycle. However, discharge accompanied by an unusual colour or odour, itching, irritation, pain or other new symptoms may indicate an infection or another condition that requires assessment.

Can gynaecological conditions affect fertility?

Some gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis, PCOS and certain uterine fibroids, can affect fertility in some women. The impact varies according to the condition and individual circumstances, so women experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant may benefit from a gynaecological assessment.

Should I see a gynaecologist even if my symptoms are mild?

Mild symptoms do not always require medical treatment, particularly if they are not persistent, worsening or interfering with your daily activities. However, you can consider seeing a gynaecologist if the symptoms persist, keep returning or begin causing enough discomfort to interfere with your everyday activities.