It is important for women of all ages to make their gynecological health a top priority. However, some women are still nervous about seeing a gynecologist and may skip their visits altogether. This is not something that you should do.

Here are a few good reasons to make an appointment with a gynecologist.

You Have Irregular Periods

Many women have irregular menstrual cycles. Common causes of irregular periods include stress, weight loss, hormonal shifts, and certain health conditions. Although irregular periods are not generally harmful, they can cause complications in some women, such as osteoporosis and infertility.

If you have not had a regular period in a while, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist to find out what is going on.

You Need a Pap Smear

A Pap smear is a test used to detect cervical cancer. During the screening, a gynecologist will scrape off cells from your cervix to test for abnormal growth. Depending on age, women should get Pap smears every few years. If it has been several years since your last Pap test, give your gynecologist a call.

You Want to Get on Birth Control

If you plan to be sexually active, but don't want to have a baby, it is a wise idea to get on some type of birth control. A gynecologist can educate you about all your birth control options. Birth control has other benefits, like reducing cramps and clearing up acne.

You Have Painful Periods

While having some mild cramping during your periods is not abnormal, excessive pain needs to be addressed. If you have such painful periods that you have trouble concentrating on your tasks, make an appointment with a gynecologist soon. Very painful periods can indicate a bigger issue, such as endometriosis. 

You Have a Vaginal Odor

As a woman, it is important to pay attention to any new odors that come from your vagina. If you have noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your vagina, you should set up an appointment with a gynecologist. Although it might be an embarrassing topic to discuss, it's a necessary one. A vaginal odor might mean that you have an infection.

As you can see, there are many good reasons to see a gynecologist. If you're experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, you should make an appointment to see your gynecologist as soon as possible. 

Contact a local gynecologist for more information.