​Symptoms to Bring to Your Doctor

It is important to take charge of one’s health, stay up to date on annual visits, and make sure to speak with a doctor about any concerns, no matter how minor they may be. By recognizing and disclosing these symptoms early, doctors may be able to diagnose and treat underlying pelvic or urinary conditions.

If a woman is unsure whether to call her doctor, here are some symptoms that may go unnoticed but can be cause for concern:

• Urinary Incontinence – Leaking urine is commonly seen in women who have had multiple pregnancies, or who are advancing in the aging process. However, urinary incontinence is not something a woman should take lightly. Leaking any amount of urine while laughing, sneezing, coughing, or exercising can be a sign of several urinary conditions, including bladder prolapse. Don’t wait until an annual exam to bring this to a doctor’s attention. There are treatments and lifestyle changes one can make to minimize the symptoms of incontinence.
• Unexplained Bleeding – Bleeding that is not associated with a monthly cycle should be brought to a doctor’s attention immediately. While one shouldn’t stress about the worst case scenario, possible conditions that could cause the bleeding range from fibroids and cysts, to ectopic pregnancies or anemia.

Find out what else you should ask your doctor at www.cherokeewomenshealth.com