Taking control of gynecological issues for women begins with a better understanding of their circumstances. Learn about the most common gynecological issues that women face, as well as the symptoms that accompany them.
Five of the Most Common Gynecological Issues
1. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
The term “abnormal uterine bleeding” refers to any irregular vaginal bleeding. The definition of abnormal uterine bleeding evolves with a woman’s life stage. For pre-pubescent girls, pregnant women, and women who have gone through menopause, any type of bleeding is considered abnormal.
Abnormal bleeding in women of reproductive age can include excessive bleeding during menstruation, bleeding outside of menstruation, or no bleeding at all.
Abnormal uterine bleeding can cause the following symptoms:
- Spotting between periods
- Periods lasting more than seven days
- Menstrual cramps or severe pain during sexual activity
- Menstruation that lasts several hours and requires more than one pad or tampon per hour
- Periods separated by more than 38 days or less than 24 days
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a gynecological condition in which endometrial tissue, which should only line the inside of a woman’s uterus, is misplaced outside the uterus. The endometrial lining is shed every month if a woman does not become pregnant during her monthly cycle.
Endometrial tissue that has grown outside the uterus sheds but has nowhere to go, causing painful inflammation and scar tissue.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain that persists over time, especially before and during menstruation
- Pain that occurs during or following sexual activity
- Infertility
- Constipation causes pain.
- Urinary discomfort
- Menstrual bleeding is severe.
3. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous uterine growths. They can affect women of any age, but they are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 40, and they are more common in African American women. The following are the most common types of uterine fibroids:
- Submucosal fibroids are fibroids that form beneath the uterine lining.
- Fibroids that grow on the outside of the uterus are known as subserosal fibroids.
- Intramural fibroids are fibroids that grow inside the uterine wall.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Long, arduous periods
- Lower back discomfort
- Pain during sexual activity
- Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating
- Internal pressure
4. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When the connective tissues and ligaments that support the vagina, bladder, rectum, and uterus become damaged or weakened, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs. The pelvic organs sink or fall out of place as a result of this.
Symptoms of pelvic prolapse include:
- The rectum or vaginal pressure
- Organs protruding from the vaginal wall Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Urination and bowel movements are difficult.
5. Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition in which a woman’s ability to control the release of urine is lost. It is most common in women over the age of 35. Despite the fact that the condition is common, there are numerous treatment options available, and it should not be accepted as normal.
Urinary incontinence can be classified into three categories:
- Urinary incontinence caused by stress, which can occur while walking, running, or exercising. Coughing, sneezing, or laughing can all cause leaks.
- Urgency urinary incontinence occurs when urine is released in response to a strong and sudden urge to urinate.
- Symptoms of both types of urinary incontinence are present in mixed incontinence.
Many women struggle with the above problems, but there are ways to treat common gynecological issues, and the first step is to see a gynecologist. If you don’t already have a gynecologist, contact Dr. Morgan today to make your appointment.
