Changes in the menstrual cycle, menstrual pain and genital infections are among the most common reasons to visit a gynecologist. These problems can appear separately or at the same time and they often raise questions and worry.
In Lisbon, Dra. Joana Faria offers consultations focused on menstrual health and genital infections in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. The aim is to understand your symptoms, identify the cause and build a clear and realistic plan together.
This page gives an overview of these topics. You can read more detail in the dedicated pages about menstrual cycle alteration, menstrual pain and genital infections.
What it is
Menstrual and genital problems can affect women at different ages. They may be linked to hormonal changes, benign diseases of the uterus or ovaries, infections or other medical conditions. The main groups are:
- Menstrual cycle alterations cycles that are too short or too long, irregular bleeding, missed periods or very heavy flow.
- Menstrual pain cramps or pelvic pain before or during periods, sometimes radiating to the back or legs.
- Genital infections vaginal discharge, itching, burning, unpleasant odour, pain during intercourse or when passing urine.
These symptoms are frequent and many of them have simple explanations. At the same time, it is important not to ignore changes that persist, because they can occasionally be a sign of underlying disease.
Main symptoms and when to worry
Some changes in the cycle or discharge are expected at certain moments of life, for example around the first periods, after childbirth or near menopause. Others need evaluation, especially if they are new, intense or affecting daily life.
You should consider booking a consultation if you notice:
- Cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days for several months.
- Bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse.
- Very heavy periods, with clots or the need to change protection very frequently.
- Menstrual pain that makes you miss work, school or usual activities.
- Persistent pelvic pain that is not limited to periods.
- Vaginal discharge that changes in colour, texture or smell, especially if combined with itching or burning.
- Pain during intercourse or when urinating.
You should seek urgent care if you have very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, sudden severe pelvic pain, fever with strong pain, or pain in the lower abdomen during pregnancy. These can be signs of emergency situations that need immediate attention.
Diagnosis: exams and what to expect
The first step is always a careful conversation about your symptoms. Many women feel anxious about gynecologic exams. Dra. Joana Faria explains each step in advance and adapts the examination to your comfort.
Depending on your situation, the consultation may include:
- Clinical history
Questions about your cycle, previous pregnancies, contraception, sexual life, other medical conditions and family history. - Gynecologic examination
Inspection of the external genital area, speculum examination of the vagina and cervix and bimanual palpation of the uterus and ovaries. - Pelvic ultrasound
Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries, check the endometrium and identify fibroids, polyps, cysts or other changes. - Vaginal or cervical swabs
Samples taken to study infections, including common causes of discharge, itching or burning. - Blood tests
When appropriate, tests for anaemia, hormones, inflammation or other markers.
Not every woman needs all these exams. The plan is individual and depends on your age, symptoms and risk factors.
Treatment options and follow up
Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. For many conditions there is more than one option. The goal is to choose an approach that is effective, realistic and compatible with your plans for fertility and contraception.
Examples of possible treatments include:
- Hormonal or non hormonal methods to regulate or lighten periods.
- Specific pain management for menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain.
- Targeted treatment of infections and advice to reduce recurrences.
- Management of benign diseases such as fibroids, endometrial polyps or ovarian cysts, sometimes in collaboration with the gynecologic surgery team.
- Referral for additional fertility or endocrine evaluation when indicated.
Follow up consultations are important to check how you respond to treatment and to adjust the plan when needed. If your situation changes, the approach can be adapted rather than starting again from zero.
How Dra. Joana Faria approaches these problems in practice
Dra. Joana Faria knows that menstrual problems and genital symptoms can be both physically and emotionally challenging. They can affect work, study, intimacy and self confidence. Her approach is based on listening and on clear explanations.
In daily practice she:
- Creates space for you to describe your symptoms without minimising them.
- Explains test results in simple language and clarifies what has been ruled out.
- Avoids unnecessary treatments and antibiotics when they are not needed.
- Coordinates care between general gynecology, surgery and fertility when problems are complex.
- Encourages you to ask questions and to share what matters most to you when choosing between options.
For many patients, this approach turns a worrying set of symptoms into a plan that feels structured, understandable and manageable over time.
