Unless something seems urgent, it’s easy to dismiss certain symptoms – even when your gynecologist asks about them. But there are some symptoms you should never ignore no matter how common or benign they seem. Just because a symptom is common doesn’t mean it’s okay. So, if you notice the five following signs, make sure you let your gynecologist know. 

Chronic abdominal pain

If you experience chronic abdominal pain, it could be unrelated to your reproductive system, but there’s a chance it could be something that needs professional attention. Potential causes for this symptom can be ovarian cysts and endometriosis. 

Strange vaginal discharge

It’s normal for women to have vaginal discharge at certain stages of their cycle, however, it shouldn’t last for more than a couple of days. If this is a persistent symptom, however, it could indicate a vaginal infection.

Spotting before your period

It’s pretty common to spot in the middle of your cycle if you’re using birth control, but if the bleeding continues and you feel pain, you’ll want to talk to your OBG-YN. The reasons for pre-menstrual bleeding might not be serious, but if you ignore them, they can develop into something worse. 

Odd odors

According to women’s health expert, Sherry Ross, MD, strange smells down there can indicate wearing tampons for too long, or forgetting about them altogether. To prevent infection and even toxic shock syndrome, see your doctor.

Painful sex

Without lube, sex can be dry and therefore, painful. But if sex is usually a painful affair it could indicate some important health problems, like hormonal issues and uterine fibroids. 

Why you need an evening hair routine ASAP 

How’s your hair looking lately? Damaged? Frizzy? Dry? All of the above? If so, you need to start an evening hair routine pronto. Not only do they work wonders on your tresses, but they also qualify as me-time and self-care. It’s a happy married of hair care and self-care. If that sounds good to you, try these 4 tips to start your evening hair routine tonight. 

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5 times you shouldn’t trust food labels

Do you keep close tabs on your diet and what you’re putting into your body? If so, you probably pay attention to food labels when you grocery shop. They tell you whether something’s organic, natural, free of trans fat or has some sort of health benefit. But the truth is, food labels can be misleading and it’s not always smart to trust them. Here are five food label terms you should always question.

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