Better Safe Than Sorry: See Your Doctor If You Have Symptoms

At times, most people make excuses to avoid doing something they don’t want to do. Whether it is exercise or taking out the trash, procrastination often wins. But no one wins if you put off taking care of your health and ignore subtle signs something may be wrong. Although not every symptom indicates a serious illness, it is better to be safe than sorry. Get your symptoms checked out.

Why Women Ignore Symptoms

If you experience pain or other symptoms, you may have decided to take a wait and watch approach. While you do not need to run to your doctor for every sniffle or bruise, you do not want to ignore everything.

Women ignore symptoms and don’t seek help for numerous different reasons. For example, some women think they are too busy to go to the doctor. Make time. Not going to the doctor can cost you a lot more time.

Being in denial is also a big reason some women avoid seeing their doctor. They don’t want to deal with whatever health problems they think they may have. It is easier to pretend symptoms are nothing serious and no medical care needs to be sought. Beware: The old saying “what you don’t know, won’t hurt you” does not apply in this case. Not knowing about a serious condition can be fatal.

Women may also refrain from seeking help for worrying symptoms because they are embarrassed. Maybe they think their symptoms are unusual, or they do not want to go through the exams or tests required to make a diagnosis.

Another big reason for ignoring symptoms is procrastination. A woman may know she has to get checked out but puts if off until she has time. The problem is she may never make the time until it is too late.

READ Ovarian Cancer: Know Your Body, Know Your Risk

Subtle Signs You Should Not Ignore

In some cases, women ignore symptoms because they are unaware of what they can signal. Educational campaigns on conditions such as heart disease (Google "Just a little heart attack", for instance) and ovarian cancer have helped. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, talk to your doctor as soon as you can.

• Ongoing abdominal discomfort and swelling: As mentioned above, ongoing abdominal pain and swelling can be a sign of many conditions including ovarian cancer. While it is unlikely to be cancer, it is a good idea to rule it out. 
• Blood in your stool: There are a lot of reasons for having blood in your stool, some more serious than others. For example, colitis and colon cancer can both cause bloody stool.
• Extreme fatigue: Some women feel tired all the time. Lack of sleep, stress and being overextended can all lead to fatigue. But if fatigue has started to feel different or is more severe, it can signal a serious illness, such as diabetes, thyroid disease or depression.   
• Severe headaches: Headaches are one of the most common complaints. They may be caused by stress, sinus problem, hormone imbalances and even caffeine withdrawal. But sudden, severe headaches that feel different may be more serious. Although unlikely, a severe headache can be a sign of an aneurysm.
• A lump: If you find a lump anywhere in your body, it’s time to make a trip to the doctor. Although it can be a fatty tumor, why take chances?