Your intimate health is a fundamental part of your well-being as a woman, which means that any irregularity regarding your period, pregnancy symptoms, and hormonal changes, requires clinical evaluation by your OB/GYN. However, it’s common to have doubts about what are the warning signs to immediately call your provider. In this article, the professionals from South Plains Rural Health Services in Lamesa, Texas, outline the key indicators that you require immediate consultation with your OB/GYN.
An OB/GYN’s Role in Women’s Health
An OB/GYN is a doctor who specializes in the comprehensive care of women’s reproductive health, combining obstetrics and gynecology. Together, these disciplines allow an OB/GYN to provide care for women throughout each stage of their life, from adolescence through menopause years. Their scope of practice includes preventive care, surgical interventions, and a woman-focused primary medical care.
The Obstetric Side
On the obstetric side, OB/GYNs manage your health during your pregnancy journey, from preconception counseling to prenatal care services. In these medical services, the doctor prioritizes monitoring both maternal health and fetal development through regular checkups, ultrasounds, and lab tests. When it comes to the due date and postpartum stage, your OB/GYN manages labor, delivery, and complications like preeclampsia and preterm labor. After your baby is born, they also provide support for physical and emotional postpartum recovery.
The Gynecological Aspect
In the gynecological aspect, OB/GYNs focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive health conditions. Issues like menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and STIS, are managed with evidence-based counseling, prescription medicines, and minimally invasive procedures. On the other side, they also provide care for women experiencing menopause symptoms and pelvic floor disorders, which affect urinary and bowel function.
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The Rural Health Aspect in Lamesa, Texas
In the state of Texas, women face multiple health challenges that are handled through OB/GYN services, such as high-risk pregnancies, pre-term births, and maternal mortality, which present a danger for reproductive health. In Lamesa, Texas, women take the lead on their reproductive health by seeking a preventive solution for these issues through clinics like South Plains Rural Health Services, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare for medically underserved rural areas.
3 Signs You Should Visit Your OB/GYN Soon
Learning about the signs that you should immediately visit your OB/GYN is not only beneficial for your reproductive health, but also for your overall wellbeing as a woman. If you’re experiencing any of the situations named below, it’s recommended that you call your doctor:
1. Irregular Bleeding
Bleeding outside of your monthly cycle, skipped menstrual cycles, spotting after menopause, and heavy flow during your period is considered irregular bleeding. If you’re experiencing any of these situations, it’s recommended to immediately seek your OB/GYN. Abnormal bleeding could signal for many health conditions such as PCOS, uterine growths, or a reaction to your birth control pill.
2. Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain occurs in your reproductive organs, pelvic muscles or nerves, it can appear as a burning, sharp, or stabbing sensation. Although it isn’t always a signal for an underlying health problem, if your pelvic pain becomes chronic, or is accompanied with these symptoms, visiting your OB/GYN is recommended:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Pain while urinating.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Bloating or gas.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Pain during sex.
- Fever or chills.
- Hip pain.
- Low back pain.
3. Discomfort During Sex
Pain or discomfort during sex, also known as dyspareunia, is a common condition among women that manifests as an aching sensation on the vulva, vagina, or pelvis during intercourse. Persistent symptoms warrant an immediate OB/GYN evaluation, as it frequently indicates an underlying issue like vaginal dryness, yeast infections, pelvic floor pain, or endometriosis.
♀️ Read more on the topic: 5 Ways an OB/GYN in Lamesa, Texas, Can Save Your Life
FAQ
What age should I start seeing an OB/GYN?
Healthcare professionals advise patients to begin their OB/GYN visits between ages 13-15, allowing for an early approach on comfort and education.
Will I see the same OB/GYN throughout my pregnancy?
Yes, at SPRHS we recommend seeing the same provider through all your prenatal care visits, as it helps build trust, comfort, and confidence.
Is my personal and medical information protected?
At South Plains, we stay compliant to all HIPAA guidelines to secure your patient information.
Start Your OB/GYN Visits in Lamesa, Texas
Through regular checkups with your OB/GYN, you can prevent reproductive health problems and improve your overall well-being through every stage of your life, from adolescence to adulthood and menopause. At South Plains Rural Health Services, you will find a team of healthcare providers ready to assess your needs and symptoms. If you are in Lamesa, Texas, you can visit our offices or book your appointment online.