5 Most Common Gynaecological Problems

When it comes to gynaecological problems, women tend to face them in every stage of their life such as during menstruation, conception, and the menopausal period. The disorder generally affects the reproductive organs of the women including ovaries, uterus, breasts, fallopian tubes, and genitals. They affect both the mental and physical health of the women. Hence, it is suggested that signs and symptoms of the problems are to be keenly noticed to avoid severe complications.

Generally, the symptoms may involve mild infections in the urinary tract or lumps or soreness in the genital area. The symptoms may look like other conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a gynaecologist to avoid impending gynaecological problems.

5 Most Common Gynaecological Problems

Below is the list of common gynaecological problems that we are going to discuss about.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Uterine Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Dysmenorrhea
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition caused by hormonal imbalance. The PCOS look like a sac filled with fluids on the ovary. The symptoms of the condition include acne, weight gain, facial hair growth and so on. The condition affects the regular menstrual cycle. Sometimes, they may also lead to infertility issues. If you’re trying to conceive with PCOS, understanding the best age to get pregnant with PCOS can make a difference.

Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms of the polycystic ovarian syndrome condition generally tend to start gradually. Some of the symptoms include:

• Sudden weight gain and trouble in losing weight.
• Acne and oily skin.
• Abnormal hair growth on the face, belly, chest, and back.
• Losing hair on the scalp.
• Irregular menstrual cycle. Some women tend to have very few cycles in a year, whereas some have heavy bleeding.
• Infertility issues. Trouble in getting pregnant.
• Insulin resistance. This leads to gaining weight in the upper body and developing skin tags.
• Struggle to breathe while sleeping.

Complications of PCOS

PCOS is one of the common gynae problems, which affects the heart, insulin levels in the blood, reproductive system, and obesity in women.

The common gynaecological problems related to PCOS include:

• Recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Gestational diabetes, during the conception period.
• Likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
• Hypertension or high blood pressure during conception or delivery.
• Unusual growth of the baby during conception.
• Babies born prematurely.
• This leads to endometrial hyperplasia, which is a precancerous medical condition.
• Possibility for the occurrence of uterine cancer.

High insulin levels from PCOS lead to medical condition related to heart and blood vessels including:

• Coronary artery disease and heart attack
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Stroke

Diagnosis of PCOS

The gynaecologist will examine your pelvis and reproductive organs and suggest a procedure based on your condition.

The tests included in the examination are:

• Ultrasound: The test is used to analyze the size of the ovaries and examine if the ovaries have any cysts. They can also be used to determine the thickness of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.
• Blood tests: Blood tests check the glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, the levels of androgen and other hormones are also measured.

Treatment of PCOS

• Lifestyle changes
  • A healthy and balanced diet
  • Yoga and workouts
  • Stress management
• Surgery
  • Minimally invasive procedure – Laparoscopy
• Medications
  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Diabetes medicine
  • Progestin therapy
  • Metformin
  • Androgen blockers

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common gynaecological problems among women under the age of fifty. They are solid tumours that develop in the uterus. They are generally benign. The causes of the condition are still unknown. However, the condition affects the routine life of the women if they develop in size. While fibroids are common, size plays a crucial role in determining their impact. Learn more about which size of fibroid is considered dangerous and when treatment becomes necessary.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

The symptoms of uterine fibroids are dependent upon the size and location of their existence. Some of the symptoms include:

• Heavy and prolonged menses
• Bleeding between menses
• Pelvic pain
• Abdomen discomfort
• Lower back pain
• Bladder and bowel symptoms

Sometimes, uterine fibroids impact the conditions related to:

• Fertility
• Pain during intercourse
• Complications during conception and delivery

Complications of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are generally likely to affect the women at their reproductive age. Some of the complications related to fibroids are:

• Genetics
• A diet high in red meat
• Obesity
• High blood pressure

Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are diagnosed by one of the following examinations:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: The examination is used to analyze the pelvic organs of women, including the cervix, uterus, vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
• Hysterosalpingography: This examination analyzes the fallopian tubes and uterus of women. Your physician may use a special dye to effortlessly visualize these organs. The examination helps to determine the appropriate location and size of the fibroid to analyze its impact.
• Hysteroscopy: This examination is helpful to have a look at the uterus and cervix using the thin, flexible tube hysteroscope. The procedure is used to perform a biopsy and remove fibroids or polyps.

Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

The treatment for uterine fibroids includes surgery and medicine. Depending on the size and severity of the condition, a gynaecologist may recommend the appropriate approach.

The treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Traditional open myomectomy
• Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy
• Uterine artery embolization (UAE)
• Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Hysterectomy
• Medications
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers
• GnRH agonists
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Progesterone-containing agents

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the common gynaecological issues where tissue similar to endometrium grows outside of the uterus. The condition causes abnormal or heavy menses, severe menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, infertility and pain during intercourse.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The symptoms of endometriosis in women differ from person to person. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Constipation or diarrhoea during menses
• Tiredness
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Bowel and bladder symptoms
• Bleeding between menses

Complications of Endometriosis

The common complications of endometriosis include:

• Genetics
• Abnormal uterus
• Early menstrual periods before the age of eleven
• Shorter menstrual cycle, which is less than twenty-seven days
• Abnormal or heavy menstruation that lasts more than five days

Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is diagnosed by one of the following methods:

• Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive procedure.
• Biopsy: The procedure is performed if your gynaecologist suspects the tissue to be non-benign.
• Ultrasound: The test is performed to look at the reproductive organs and pelvic area of the woman.
• MRI: The test is used to have a closer look at the tissues and organs inside the body.

Treatment of Endometriosis

Endometriosis has no permanent cure. However, your physician may suggest the appropriate treatment options that can help manage the condition. The treatment options may depend upon the age and symptoms of the condition. Also, if the patient desires to have a pregnancy, the treatment may vary.

The treatment options include:

• Surgery
  • Laparoscopy
  • Laparotomy
  • Hysterectomy
• Medications
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Progestins
  • GnRH agonists to limit ovarian hormones
  • GnRH agonists to stop ovarian hormones

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is one of the gynaecology disorders that causes severe pain and cramps during menstrual period. There are two types of conditions including primary and secondary.

• Primary Dysmenorrhea: Women with primary dysmenorrhea experience frequent and severe menstrual cramps. This is generally a chronic medical condition.
• Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Women with medical conditions such as endometriosis cause secondary dysmenorrhea. This is generally an acute medical condition.

Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea

The symptoms of dysmenorrhea in women differ from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

• Lower abdomen pain
• Lower abdomen cramps
• Lower back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain radiating down the legs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Diarrhea
• Headache and dizziness

Complications of Dysmenorrhea

Although any woman can be affected with dysmenorrhea, there are some exceptions where the condition affects the women at an increased risk.

• Smoking
• Consumption of alcohol during menses
• Obesity
• Early menstrual periods before the age of eleven
• Nonpregnant women

Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is diagnosed by one of the following methods:

• Ultrasound: This examination analyses the internal organs by developing an image.
• MRI: This examination is used to make detailed images of structures and organs within the body.
• Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure used by physicians to examine the abdomen and pelvic area.
• Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a visualizing examination used to have a look at the cervix and uterus.

Treatment of Dysmenorrhea

The treatment for dysmenorrhea varies depending on the patient’s age, symptoms, and medical history. The common treatment options for this gynaecological problem include:

• Lifestyle Changes
  • A healthy and balanced diet
  • Regular workouts
  • Heating pad across the abdomen
  • Abdominal massage
  • Hot bath or shower
• Surgery
  • Endometrial ablation
  • Hysterectomy
  • Endometrial resection
• Medications
  • Acetaminophen
  • Progesterone
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Prostaglandin inhibitors
  • Vitamin supplements

Painful periods could also be affected by activities like intercourse. If you're wondering about safety, read about the side effects of sex during periods.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. It causes a burning sensation and discomfort while urinating. This medical condition affects both women and men.

Symptoms of UTIs

The most common symptoms of UTI include:

• Burning sensation or pain during urination
• Frequent urination
• Foul smell in the urine
• Fever and tiredness
• Vomiting and nausea
• Strong urge to urinate, but only a few drops are passed
• Change in urine colour
• Discomfort above the pubic bone

Diagnosis of UTIs

UTI is diagnosed by one of the following methods:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Urine DNA tests

If the condition reoccurs, your physician may suggest further examinations which include:

• Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is the procedure used to analyze the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract.
• Kidney and bladder ultrasound: This examination is helpful in developing images of the bladder and kidneys of the infected person. It is used to analyze their size and structure to find abnormalities.
• CT scan: The examination is used to develop detailed images of the body.

Treatment of UTIs

The most common treatments for UTI include:

• Lifestyle Changes
  • Hydrating the body with liquids and water
  • Avoiding alcohol and other spicy foods
  • Avoiding caffeine
  • Quitting to smoke
• Medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Medications to ease pain

The above-mentioned conditions are the 5 most common gynaecological problems among women today. It is recommended that you do not neglect the symptoms and immediately consult with the nearest gynaecologist.

Note: The medications should be taken only when prescribed by the reputed gynaecologist.