Women warned of telltale signs of intimate health problems

Doctors Philip Kay and Ellie Cannon expressed serious concern about symptoms that could indicate a female health problem, such as itching and white spots in the genital area, period pain and lower abdominal discomfort.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, they listed some of the telltale signs you should look out for.

Kay stressed the uniqueness of the female urogenital system, noting its complexity: It is responsible for egg production, pregnancy, sexual pleasure and the elimination of waste in the form of urine. However, she said that because most organs are located in the body and in close proximity, it is often difficult to identify disease and determine its source.

“Women often take these issues for granted. They endure pain during intercourse, urinary incontinence, or persistent infections as a normal part of the aging process. But in reality, this is not the case,” Kay noted.

It’s important to see a doctor immediately if you experience severe period pain, heavy discharge or itching. Experts warn that some signs could indicate a serious condition and treatment should be started as soon as possible.

For example, white spots on the genitals can be a sign of cancer, but most often, they are associated with lichen sclerosus, a condition that occurs when the immune system is weakened, according to doctors.

Kay says you should consult a gynecologist if you experience severe pain in the genital area, lower abdominal discomfort and frequent urination. Experts say these symptoms are characteristic of a urinary tract infection and can be successfully treated. However, doctors warn that frequent recurrences may indicate the presence of type 2 diabetes and, in rare cases, ovarian cancer.

Dr. Cannon emphasizes that you shouldn’t ignore unusual odors or colors in your vaginal discharge. She notes that such changes often indicate the presence of a possible infection, including an STI.

It’s also worth noting if women experience pain in the lower abdomen or a foreign body sensation. These symptoms often occur with organic pelvic prolapse, according to Cannon.

Earlier, gynecologist Tatyana Ilyukhina warned that using tampons could be risky, saying that studies have shown the presence of trace amounts of lead, arsenic and other toxic metals.