6 gynecological symptoms you shouldn't ignore
While some vaginal issues are perfectly ordinary, others need medical attention. Here’s why.
Jan, 2026
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Your vagina and other reproductive organs change throughout the course of your life—they can even change throughout the course of the month—and there can sometimes be new and perplexing symptoms. There is often a harmless explanation for these changes. But when pain, bloating, bleeding, or other symptoms are new, different or become persistent, they could be a sign that you should see your healthcare provider (HCP). Having these symptoms evaluated as soon as possible is critical to starting treatments early, when certain conditions may be more treatable.
Read on to learn about some common gynecological symptoms—and when they may require medical attention.
Written byTaylor Dahl.
Medically reviewed byJoanne Perron, MD.
Sources: Moffitt Cancer Center. Why Does Ovarian Cancer Cause Bloating? Accessed August 14 + 12
- Moffitt Cancer Center. Why Does Ovarian Cancer Cause Bloating? Accessed August 14, 2022.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Bleeding After Menopause Could Be a Problem. Here's What to Know. Updated October 2020.
- Cleveland Clinic. Cervical Mucus. Last reviewed October 14, 2021.
- Mayo Clinic. Estrogen And Progestin Oral Contraceptives (Oral Route). Last updated February 1, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic. Vaginal atrophy. September 17, 2021.
- Office on Women’s Health. Vaginal yeast infections. Page last updated: February 22, 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Basic Fact Sheet. Page last reviewed: January 5, 2022.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching. Last reviewed November 2020.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginitis. Frequently Asked Questions. Last reviewed July 2021.
- Cleveland Clinic. Sexual Health: Genital Itching. Last reviewed January 7, 2021.
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Vulvar Cancers and Pre-Cancers. Last Revised: January 16, 2018.
- Mayo Clinic. Adenomyosis. June 18, 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic. Bloated Stomach. Last reviewed September 10, 2021.
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