When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, it can be difficult to know what is “normal” and what might be a sign of a potential health problem. 1. Painful menstruation For many women, menstruation is an unpleasant moment. Cramps, chest pains and headaches are just some of the most common symptoms during this time of the month. But for some women, period pain goes beyond cramping and can be incredibly severe. If your periods are very painful or get worse over time, this could be a sign of endometriosis or uterine fibroids. It’s important to talk to your gynecologist about this, as there are many solutions that can make these conditions more manageable and less uncomfortable. 2. Foul Odor Although vaginal odor can be an uncomfortable topic, it is important to discuss the problem with a professional as it may be a sign of bacterial overgrowth or vaginal infection. These, in turn, can lead to more serious problems and complications. 3. Sexual discomfort Many women experience vaginal dryness during intercourse. Dryness can often depend on a woman’s age and the timing of her menstrual cycle. One of the causes of dryness during intercourse is low estrogen. In young women of childbearing age, this may be due to long-term use of birth control medication. Dyspareunia can be felt externally on the vulva or internally in the vagina, uterus or pelvis. Factors such as underlying medical conditions or infections can cause painful sex. It is usually treated by identifying the underlying cause of the pain. 4. Sexual history Topics such as number of sexual partners, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and menarche arise for several important reasons. One of the most important is to determine the risk factors for cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus infection. Intercourse under the age of 18 can sometimes make the female organism more susceptible to infection by human papillomavirus, since the cervical-vaginal connection is more pronounced at a younger age. Having more partners can also increase the potential for exposure. To discuss the potential consequences of past STDs. Some sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of infertility. 5. Urinary incontinence Urinary incontinence can be very stressful and affect the quality of life. Many women experience these symptoms after delivery, especially if the fetus was large in a vaginal delivery requiring forceps or vacuum. As women enter menopause, these symptoms may worsen. Depending on the nature of the incontinence, there may be medical or surgical management options. 6. Low libido Although low libido is more common than many women realize, it’s important to talk to your gynecologist to find the cause of the problem.Sometimes libido can be affected by medications you are taking, or it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or a side effect of a known condition. For other women, however, low libido may be related to the nature of female sexuality—sometimes libido can be affected by things outside of individual control, such as stress or work. The more often partners try to be sexually active, the higher their libido will be because of the endorphins released during intercourse. Source: 7 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynecologist | Johns Hopkins Medicine