Remember that just because you have a symptom it doesn’t always mean you have a serious disease. What it does mean is that you need to visit your doctor quickly to be on the safe side.

The best way to avoid problems in the first place is to keep yourself as fit and healthy as possible. This involves eating a balanced diet, taking exercise regularly, giving up smoking and managing your stress levels. Every woman’s body is unique and has its own way of telling you what it needs and understanding your body and the warning signs it sends you is key to staying healthy.

There is a lot of professional help out there for you, so make sure that you:

• Are aware of health checks and screening tests available.

• Keep a record of any changes in your body.
 
• Ask for medical help as soon you suspect something might be wrong.

• Examine your body and act on any unexplained and unexpected changes - don't wait, go and see your GP.

Common symptoms that should be treated and investigated:
 

• Vulval pain (pain in and around the vagina) this may include:

-itching

-burning

-swelling

-sharp pain

• Abnormal bleeding and discharge.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Going to the toilet frequently and leaking by accident.
• Lumps.
• Other- anything that is unusual for you, or that is causing a problem.

If you are suffering with any of these problems, see your GP and discuss them. Don’t put it off. Most surgeries are now extending their opening hours, some have weekend appointments, home visit services and phone consultations may be  available.

For more information on symptoms please access our guide ‘What every woman should know about her body’ 

We’ve created a this booklet to help you understand your body and what it’s trying to say, so you can feel confident in getting the help you need sooner rather than later.

Alternatively, for a hard copy please email wellbeingofwomen@rcog.org.uk or phone 020 7772 6400.

This page was last updated December 2011

Wellbeing of Women