Common Gynecological Problems in Women

Exactly what are gynecological problems?

Gynecological problems are disorders that affect the female reproductive organs. The organs included in female reproductive system are breasts, external genitalia, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Moreover, every woman is affected by some gynecological disorders at some points in her life. Gynecological disorders have profound impact on a female erotic functionality.

This must not be undertaken lightly as these disorders can adversely alter the ability of a woman to bear children or in some cases might jeopardize her lifestyles.

Top 13 gynecological problems in Women

In this article, I will briefly discuss these 13 most common gynecological conditions:

• Dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain
• Amenorrhea or lack of menstrual period
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Vaginitis
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Leucorrhea (excessive vaginal whitish discharge)
• Menopause
• Polycystic ovarian symptoms (PCOS)
• Urinary Tract infection
• Genital Herpes
• Ovarian cysts

Common gynecological symptoms for which you must talk to a gynecologist

Vaginal bleeding and discharge commonly occurs in every woman during and between monthly menstrual periods. Nevertheless, if you notice something serious, you must not overlook that. In fact, you must speak to your gynecologist.

Further, moderate signs and symptoms can be treated but severe conditions that are disregarded for a long period, may lead to infertility. Also, some vaginal symptoms may indicate sexually transmitted illnesses or could be even cervical cancer.

Therefore, you must speak to your physician if you have the following signs and symptoms.

• Monthly periods that are too early or far too late.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding during periods or perhaps in between time periods
• Soreness within the pelvic region and it also must not be related to menstrual cramping.
• Breast pain and breast Lumps in females.
• Burning sensation when passing urine.
• Vaginal bleeding while having sex or after having sex.
• Painful sexual activity.
• Vaginal itching, puffiness or redness.
• Irregular lump or mass in the external genitalia.
• Increased vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal discharge with bad odour or of unusual colour like green and yellowish, or dark brown.

Most common Gynecological Problems

1. Dysmenorrhea or painful periods

Dysmenorrhea describes painful periods sufficient to incapacitate daily activities. It is actually of two kinds: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is gynecological problem in which there is no related pelvic disease. Really, it is mostly limited to adolescents and is associated with ovulatory cycles. The pain subsides once a woman gets pregnant or after labour and delivery.

Usually, it shows up within two years of menarche. Family background like mom or sister having very similar complaint may be present.

Really, this gynecological problem is more widespread among ladies belonging to affluent community. Usually, the pain starts a couple of hours before or perhaps at the start of menstruation. Often, it lasts for a couple of hours, or for the entire day.

The pain is spasmodic i.e. the individual experiences unpleasant contractions in the lower stomach, which may radiate to the back and medial part of the upper thighs.

Therapy involves the improvement of basic health and psychotherapy with reassurances of a better health. In the course of menses, bowels should be empty and constipation averted. Simple antispasmodic tablets may provide comfort.

For example, your doctor may prescribe mefenamic acid 250-500 mg 8 hourly, or ibuprofen 400 mg 8 hourly. Further, ultrasonography (USG) may be carried out to rule out any pelvic pathology.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

Secondary dysmenorrhea may occur in association with an underlying pelvic disease. Typically, it is associated with persistent pelvic infection, pelvic endometriosis, uterine fibroids, insertion of copper-T IUCD in uterus and so forth.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs more in women in their thirties. The pain is dull and does not radiate. It is felt more at the lower back.

Secondary dysmenorrhea occurs 3-5 days prior to the onset menstrual period and reduces during menstrual bleeding. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and never on the symptom.

2. Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is a gynecological problem that indicates lack of monthly menstrual period.

It is of two types:

• Physiological amenorrhea
• Pathological amenorrhea

Physiological amenorrhea

This occurs just before puberty i.e. prior to the onset of menarche, during pregnancy, during lactation and after menopause.

Pathological amenorrhea

This happens if you have some related diseases. In fact, it is subdivided into:

• Cryptomenorrhea
• Primary amenorrhea
• Secondary amenorrhea.

Cryptomenorrhea

Cryptomenorrhea is the periodic endometrial and blood loss. However, the menstrual blood fails to come out of the vagina because of some blockage along the passageway.

The commonest cause of obstruction is the imperforate hymen.

Primary amenorrhea

In primary amenorrhea, the standard upper age limit for menarche is 20 years. Failure to start having menstrual periods at the age of 16 years is no more a delayed menarche. Rather, it is identified as a case of primary amenorrhea.

Primary amenorrhea may be caused by developmental anomalies like abnormal chromosomes such as Turner’s syndrome and absence of vagina. Other factors may include thyroid dysfunction and adrenal problems and.

The treatment of primary amenorrhea is cause specific while the scope of treatment success is limited.

Secondary amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in a woman for 6 months or even more in whom normal menstruation was already established.

A few of the causes are hypothyroidism, stress, malnutrition, tubercular endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease, ovarian tumors and diabetes etc. Treatment is cause specific.

3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is easily the most common problem among young women. Sedentary and stressful lifestyles are the major causes.

Really, this gynecological problem causes amenorrhea, hirsutism, and weight problems associated with multiple ovarian cysts. It is characterized by too much androgenic hormone or testosterone produced mainly by ovaries.

Enlarged Ovaries contain numerous (greater than 12) follicular cysts measuring 2-9 mm in diameter. Patients complain of increasing weight problems especially belly fat, existence of hirsutism, menstruation abnormalities, acne and the inability to conceive.

Patients also build insulin resistance and therefore are predisposed to diabetes. The treatment of PCOS is cause specific.

The focus of treatment is on weight loss, yoga, exercise, balanced diet regime and workouts. Inability to conceive may be addressed by assisted reproduction. Drugs will provide relief of symptoms.

4. Fibroids

Fibroids are the most common, non-malignant uterine tumor and also the most common benign tumor in women.

It is important to note that about 20% of females at the age of thirty have uterine fibroids. Fortunately, most of these women stay asymptomatic.

Fibroids are gyencological problems that are more common in females who have not given birth or even in women who became unable to conceive after a single kid. There is high prevalence of fibroids in women between 35-45 years of age.

Symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and painful sexual activity.

Other symptoms include pre-term labour, miscarriage, pelvic pain and enlarged abdomen.

Treatment of fibroids is mostly surgical. The type of surgery depends upon age of the patient and the severity of the disorder.

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological problem that describes a condition in which the lining in the uterus, called endometrium, is found on the muscle layers of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and sometimes beyond the pelvis.

Symptoms and signs of endometriosis consist of painful periods, infertility, diarrhea or constipation and pain during and after sexual intercourse.

Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue in the course of periods, and excessive vaginal bleeding during and in-between menstrual periods.

Once the disorder is diagnosed, treatment includes pain medications, hormone treatment such as Danazol (a synthetic steroid), birth control pills, and patches and vaginal rings.

If medical treatment fails, conservative surgical procedure could be needed to eliminate the endometriosis cells. Assisted reproductive methods will help ladies with infertility.

In extreme instances, the uterus could be removed (hysterectomy) as a last resort. This means the woman will have no uterus, and will be unable to conceive for the rest of her life. 

6. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a disease of the upper genital tract. Really, it is a spectrum of disease and inflamed upper genital tract organs. Typically, these organs include the fallopian tubes, uterus and pelvic peritoneum.

Globally, this gynecological problem is a major health hazard. It is a significant problem to the reproductive wellbeing of young women.

The risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease include previous history of pelvic inflammatory disease, multiple sex consorts, menstruating young adults and non-use of contraceptive pill.

Other risk factors include users of IUCD and location with high prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms include fever, headache, lethargy, pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, lethargy, excessive vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge and unpleasant sexual activity.

Treatment includes the use of antibiotics targeted at the causative organism.

7. Vaginitis

Vaginitis is the infection and swelling of vagina. It is quite common during childhood. In vaginitis, there is lack of estrogen, loss of estrogenic vaginal defense, and recurrence of the infection.

The most common reason for vaginitis in a woman of reproductive age group is infection by microorganisms.

There are two common types of vaginitis based on the causative organisms:

Trichomonas vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by organism Trichomonas vaginalis. There is sudden profuse and offensive vaginal discharge and discomfort, and irritation close to vagina, unpleasant urination, and increased regularity of urination.

Also, the discharge is thin, greenish-yellow-colored, and frothy with a very terrible odor. Treatment for this gynecological problem is tablet metronidazole 200 mg thrice everyday offered for one week.

Candida fungus vaginitis or moniliasis

The organism, Candida albicans, causes candida vaginitis. This infection causes severely intense vaginal discharge and vulvovaginal itching. Also, it causes painful sexual activity.

The discharge is thick, curdy white in color, occurring in flakes which stick to vaginal wall. Treatment consists of the use of medicines like nystatin, clotrimazole or miconazole in the form of either vaginal pessary or cream.

So, your doctor will ask you to introduce one pessary high in the vagina at night for two weeks.

8. Menopause

Menopause is the cessation of monthly menstrual period, signaling the end of a reproductive life. This occurs due to the loss of ovarian activity.

Therefore, this gynecological problem sets in when your menstruation stops for twelve consecutive months in the absence of any other pathology. You expect to reach your menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

Once menopause has occurred, your reproductive system organs begin to reduce in size. Additionally, your bone mass reduces by about 3 to 5% per year.  

As a result, you become vulnerable to osteoporosis. Also, you have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially at the postmenopausal age.

A major symptom of menopause is the hot flush.

Sudden feeling of health and profuse sweating characterize hot flushes. In addition, you may experience headache, insomnia, depression, anxiety and irritability.

What are the other symptoms of menopause?

Other symptoms include low libido, painful urination, vaginal dryness, vaginal infection, painful sexual intercourse, urinary tract infections and stress incontinence. Estrogen deficiency which results from menopause is responsible for these changes.

Your doctor may recommend the use of topical hormonal therapy to treat vaginal symptoms. Hormonal therapy is associated with fewer side effects.

Systemic hormonal therapy will help with vasomotor symptoms. So, talk to your doctor about systemic hormonal therapy for this gynecological problem.

Your doctor will ensure you do not have serious side effects. For example, systemic therapy is given for a short duration to avoid formation of clot and breast cancer.

9. Leucorrhea

Leucorrhea is best defined as an excessive vaginal discharge that is normal. Therefore, though excessive, the whitish discharge is not infective.

The vaginal discharge may only stain the underwear. However, the discharge may be so much that it will require wearing a pad.  The discharge turns brownish yellow on drying. It really is non-infective and does not have a bad smell. It is not associated with itching, and it is nonirritant.

Physiologically, you may have leucorrhea during puberty, ovulation and at the time of menstrual cycle.  In addition, leucorrhea occurs during pregnancy and erotic excitement.

Further, this gynecological problem occurs in cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, retroverted uterus, oral contraceptive pill use and prolapsed uterus.

If concerned about it, speak to your doctor who may recommend nothing more than local hygiene. Also, your doctor may recommend further treatment on a case-by-case basis.

10. Painful sexual intercourse

Painful sexual intercourse also called dyspareunia implies that the sexual act is unpleasant or difficult. Painful sexual intercourse is the most common sexual disorder.

Causes of dyspareunia may include pelvic inflammatory disease, urethral disease, narrow vagina, vulval infection, tough hymen, and endometriosis.

Treatment depends on the cause and sex education is offered to both partners.  

11. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTI is a common gynecological condition faced by women of all age groups. It occurs following the movement of vaginal or anal bacteria to the urethra, bladder and sometimes up to the kidneys.

Women who face problems with their pelvic nerves or muscles and have narrow urinary track may contract UTI. Similarly, they may become susceptible if there urethra, bladder or kidneys are obstructed.

Symptoms of UTI include painful urination, the passage of cloudy urine that has a strong odor or blood tinge. Also, infected kidneys may cause fever, backache, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

UTI is treated with antibiotics. Of course, doctors decide the dosage and duration based on the severity of the infection.

12. Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) characterized by blisters and sores on or around the genitalia. It is a viral infection that can be contracted through vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person.

Symptoms of genital herpes include flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, chills, nausea and muscle pain. Also, blisters or sores may occur on or around the genitalia.

Sores and blisters respond to oral medications which prevent them from spreading. Therefore, speak to your doctor if you experience any symptom suggestive of genital herpes.

13. Ovarian cysts

An ovarian cyst is one of the most common gynecological problems of women of any age group. The ovarian cysts are pouches or sacs in the ovaries filled with liquid.

Further, ovarian cysts may result from hormonal issues, endometriosis or severe pelvic infections.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts include abdominal pain, swelling or bloating. Also, nausea may occur.

There are varied treatment options. They range from oral medications to surgery. Treatment depends on the size and type of cyst.

Why the need for gynecological screening?

Your doctor will examine you clinically starting with in-depth history taking. The examination includes breast, abdominal/pelvic and rectal examination. S/he will examine your external genitalia including the inside of the vagina and cervix.

There is a need to screen sexually active women who have reached the age of 21 years, with cervical and vaginal smears taken by Pap smear. Similarly, screening should be done on sexually active women after 3 years of vaginal sex.

Also, all sexually active women should be screened yearly until the age of 30 years. Thereafter, it will be done every 2 to 3 years after three consecutive years of negative smears.

Doctors screen gynecological patients to advise on a healthy lifestyle and health risks. Additionally, screening helps identify cases of breast cancers, sexually transmitted infections, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer. Effective treatment and better prognosis follow early diagnosis.

Conclusion

Gynecological problems can be prevented. All it requires is to adopt some healthy lifestyles and avoid health risks.

Here are important health tips that will help you prevent gynecological problems:

• Drink lots of water
• Report unusual symptoms related to your reproductive system
• Eat foods high in fruits and vegetables
• Maintain local hygiene
• Engage only in safe sex
• Exercise regularly
• Practice yoga and other stress reduction techniques

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