Almost every woman tends to experience some gynaecological issues at some point in her life. Some problems can be mild and treatable, while, some can be serious and require surgery. It is imperative for women to spot any changes occurring in their body, and report them to the doctor at the earliest. Read on to know more about these issues from Dr. Sushruta Mokadam, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune and take charge of your health. Gynaecological issues associated with the female reproductive system are common and arise from time to time. Here is a list of common health problems in women that you need to watch out for.
Dysmenorrhoea
Are you having lower back or lower abdominal pain during periods? Though common, some women have excruciating pain, interfering with their day-to-day activities. This is called Dysmenorrhea and its symptoms are classified as Spasmodic in which there is cramping pain on first day of periods and gets better with time, and congestive, where the pain starts before periods and is relieved once bleeding starts. While Spasmodic tends to get better as one gets older and especially after the birth of the baby, Congestive variety is due to underlying disease and needs evaluation. To manage dysmenorrhoea, you can practice the following steps:
- Use a heating pad on your abdomen or lower back or the area of period pain
- Gently massage the abdomen area or back to ease the pain
- If the pain is unbearable, take ibuprofen to relieve that
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are seen in various sizes, at different times in a woman's menstrual cycle. Sometimes women tend to live their entire life with ease without even realizing that they have ovarian cysts. An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that develops within the ovarian tissue. Most of these are Functional or Follicular cysts arising from unruptured follicles. Most regress without treatment. Some cysts are Haemorrhagic with bleeding inside. Rarely cysts are tumours that can grow to large proportions and need evaluation and surgical removal. They are diagnosed on ultrasound easily when the presenting complaint is pain or menstrual irregularities. When an ovarian cyst undergoes Torsion or Twisting, it can present as an emergency. Endometriotic or Chocolate cysts happen when cyclical bleeding inside the ovaries due to ectopic endometrial tissue causes collection leading to pain and sometimes infertility.
Also Read: Ovarian Cysts Vs. PCOS: Gynaecologist Lists Out Key Differences
Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis? This condition occurs when the inner lining of the uterus tends to grow outside the walls of the uterus, mainly in the ovaries or the fallopian tube and rarely on the cervix, bladder, bowel, or even rectum. The exact cause is still not known. One having endometriosis will have abdominal cramps, pain while having sex, bleeding between periods, and even digestive problems.
All women are at risk of this condition but it is seen that women in the age group 25-40 years are prone to this health condition. Besides, family history, pregnancy history and menstrual history help assess the risk of endometriosis.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infection occurs due to bacterial growth in the bladder is UTI. The factors compounding it are pregnancy, frequent intercourse, and diabetes. The symptoms are burning sensation and frequency of urination, lower abdominal cramps, pain while having sex, and even fever with chills. Though usually in summer due to dehydration, it is common during winter.
It is important to maintain intimate hygiene to prevent UTI. Avoid using public washrooms if you experience recurrent UTI. If need be, use a toilet seat disinfectant spray to sanitize the seat before use. Drinking a lot of water also helps in preventing and managing UTI.
Also Read: Urinary Tract Infection In Pregnancy: Know Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Tips
PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is seen when the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones which are usually present in women in small amounts and increased insulin due to genetic insulin resistance. Those with PCOS have numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) arranged like a "string of pearls" in the ovaries due to non-ovulation, weight gain, hirsutism and irregular periods. It is a prediabetic condition and needs lifestyle modification along with hormonal treatment.
There are numerous problems that women go through in their lives but some problems are commonly experienced by most. The five problems listed in this article are common and treatable. It is important to watch out for your health and unusual symptoms to diagnose the problem on time and get the right aid for the same.
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