Are You Being Detoured by Problems “Down Below”?

Are you being detoured by problems “down below”?

Discussing problems about your private parts with your healthcare provider may feel awkward—but it’s definitely nothing to be embarrassed about or to avoid. Your doctor has heard it all, and there’s nothing that you can mention to them that they haven’t handled before.

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Often, the sooner you discuss the problem, the sooner you can get treatment, find a solution, and feel better. It’s also important to keep up with your regular screenings and check-ups to keep yourself healthy not only above the belt—but also below.

What women need to know
Pelvic issues are common problems for women. In fact, one in three women will have some kind of pelvic health problem by the age of 60.

Pelvic problems include:

  • Abnormally heavy menstrual periods
  • Uterine fibroids (benign tumors made of muscle and connective tissue in the uterus)
  • Stress urinary incontinence (urine leakage during physical acts such as coughing or sneezing)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse (dropping of pelvic floor organs)
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • Gynecological cancers

If you experience any changes in your pelvic health, it’s important not to suffer in silence. The good news is that although pelvic issues are common, they are often treatable and, in many cases, preventable.

Tests, screenings, and regular check-ups are designed to find problems early, which provides the best opportunity for making pelvic issues easier to treat.

Gynecologic Cancers
Early detection can increase your chances of a better outcome if cancer is diagnosed.

The main types of gynecologic cancer—cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar— can produce a variety of symptoms that range from none at all to severe problems.

Signs & Symptoms
Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Post-menopausal spotting or bleeding
  • Unusual discharge
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Itching or burning of the outer genital organs
  • Sores, warts or rashes
  • Abdominal pressure, pain or bloating
  • Feelings of fullness
  • Increased abdominal girth
  • Back oain
  • Persistnat nausea or indegestion
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits such as frequent urination, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation

Protect Yourself Against STIs
STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Women often have more serious health problems from STIs than men, including infertility. Lower your risk of getting an STI by:

  • Getting vaccinated to protect against HPV and hepatitis B
  • Using condoms
  • Getting tested
  • Being monogamous
  • Limiting your number of sex partners
  • Not abusing alcohol or drugs

Men’s Health Matters
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Also referred to as an “enlarged prostate,” BPH is a common condition for men as they age. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms and kidney problems.

When to visit your doctor
If you’re having urinary problems, talk to your healthcare provider. If left untreated, urinary problems can lead to serious problems.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. When it is detected early, there is a better chance of successful treatment.

Screening
Talk to your healthcare provider about when and whether you should be screened for prostate cancer based on your age and personal risk factors.

 

DO ONE THING: Many health problems that happen below the belt are preventable or easily treated, so talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual, and keep up with your tests and screenings.

SHARED DECISION MAKING: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about what steps you can take to maintain your sexual health now and in the future.