10 warning signs of vaginal issues women should never ignore

Most of us don’t really pay attention to what’s happening “down there” unless something feels off. And even then, it’s easy to ignore the signs, hoping they’ll just go away on their own. But your body usually gives small hints before a problem gets bigger. It could be itching, a strange discharge, or even a dull ache you can’t quite explain. Some of these might be harmless, but others need a closer look. So instead of brushing it aside, it helps to know what’s normal and what’s not, and when it’s time to get it checked.

Burning while peeing

This can be due to an urinary infection especially when associated with the constant need to pass urine.A urine analysis can help in ruling out an infection.When there is no infection,burning can be due to a postmenopausal loss of hormones leading to narrowing of the urinary passage.

Inability to control your pee

This again most commonly occurs due to an urine infection.When infection has been ruled out ,this can be due to weakness of the muscles that support your urinary passage or overactivity of the urinary bladder causing urine to leak out unexpectedly.

Offensive vaginal discharge

Clear or white discharge is normal when it occurs immediately before your periods or mid-cycle during ovulation time.The red flags to test the discharge are when it is off coloured,yellow,green or thick white and accompanied with a foul smell or itching.

Constant excessive white discharge will also need to be looked into.

Lumpiness on the vulva

Bumps on the skin down there can be as a side effect of shaving or hair removal products.If the lumps are clear and fluid filled,accompanied with burning sensation,genital Herpes infection should be considered..If the lump occurs on the lower part of vagina and is extremely painful,a pus collection will have to be ruled out.

Dryness in the vagina

When this is felt post sex,it can be due to a basic lack of lubrication.Sometimes,an untreated vaginal infection can also lead to dryness.If it occurs after menopause,it can be as a result of hormonal deficiency.

Feeling of something coming out of the vagina

This is due to weakness of muscles of the pelvic floor causing the uterus,urinary bladder or the rectum to descend down causing the feeling of a mass coming out of the vagina.This can be associated with difficulty in passing urine or stools.

Constipation

When constipation occurs in spite of adequate water intake and a high fibre diet,it can be an indicator of underlying abnormalities causing obstruction to the passage or weakness of the rectal wall .

Constant lower abdominal dull ache

This can be due to a variety of reasons ranging from a muscle pull to an infection of the urine,uterus or intestine or due to an abnormal growth in one of these organs.

Consultation with your gynaecologist along with relevant investigations including blood tests and an Ultrasound can help in resolving your issues.