With women still largely responsible for taking care of the family, even in first-world Western countries, they often neglect their health. Of utmost importance are regular wellbeing check-ups and early detection testing. When breast and cervical cancer are detected early, the chances of survival are much greater. Despite holding down a career and coping with your family’s needs, you should not put off attending to your reproductive health. We take a look at some of the most common reproductive health issues women face.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the uterus starts to grow in other areas in the pelvic area, such as on the ovaries or the bowels. In rare cases, endometrial tissue is found elsewhere in the body. Pain is the main symptom and happens when the hormones pertaining to the menstrual period cause the misplaced tissues to swell and bleed. Because they cannot be released like normal menstrual matter, they accumulate in the region where they are found.

Common symptoms are very painful periods, the formation of scar tissue, gluing organs together, and infertility. Endometriosis can be confirmed with an ultrasound scan or a laparoscopy. For some women, endometriosis becomes apparent after they fail to conceive.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids that grow in the uterus are tumours. Fortunately, the majority of them are benign, in other words, non-cancerous. Overweight women and those of African descent are more at risk of uterine fibroids although no cause has yet been determined.

The most frequent symptoms are bloating of the abdomen, extremely painful and prolonged menstrual periods and pain in the lower back, excessive urination, and pain when having sex. Uterine fibroids have been linked to frequent miscarriages and infertility. If you are looking for gynaecology services, consider Circle Health Group for private gynaecology services, which cover aspects such as infertility, menstrual problems, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and cervical polyps. Cancers that affect the reproductive system are also treated.

Cancers of the Reproductive System in Women

Women may be prone to various cancers of the reproductive system, such as uterine cancer, cancer of the ovaries, cancer of the vagina, and cervical cancer.

There are two types of uterine cancer: uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer. Over 95% of uterine cancers are of the type called carcinomas. These are found in the epithelial cells that line the uterus. A woman can get cervical carcinoma if the cancer originates in the cervix, endometrial carcinoma if it starts in the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), etc.

On the other hand, uterine sarcomas are very rare. They begin in the muscles and tissues that support the weight of the uterus. A sarcoma breeds in bone, muscle, fat, and fibrous tissue throughout the body.

Ovarian cancer is the most dangerous cancer of the reproductive system in women and is responsible for the most deaths. Treatment consists of chemotherapy and surgical removal of the affected parts.

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia is characterised by an abnormal growth of cells in and around the cervix. This condition can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. The cause of cervical dysplasia is the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted by sexual intercourse, or anal and oral sex. Teenagers are particularly at risk when they do not practice safe sex or any woman who has multiple sexual partners or an unfaithful partner.

There are usually no symptoms, which is why a regular cervical screening is so important. One treatment is a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This surgery is performed with a loop of wire that has been heated up by an electrical current and is used to remove cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. Other treatments are laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), electrocauterization, and cone biopsy.

Prolapse of the Pelvic Floor

Organs such as the uterus, vagina, rectum, bladder, and urethra are prone to pelvic collapse when the muscles in these areas become weak and have been stretched too often. This may occur after multiple births. Surgeries in this region can also lead to prolapse. The main treatment for a fallen pelvic floor is surgery. Sometimes a pessary is used to keep organs in their proper places. For mild cases, exercises may be prescribed.

HIV/AIDS

HIV is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. It destroys the cells that fight infections in the body. HIV cannot be cured, although treatment with antiretrovirals and protease inhibitors can slow down the progression of the disease to AIDS, which is acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

The virus (HIV) is transmitted by sex, sharing needles, breastfeeding, and blood transfusions. A pregnant woman who is HIV positive will receive special care during delivery to prevent transmission to her baby.

Women in disadvantaged circumstances are more prone to HIV due to the potential for rape or having a partner with many other partners. Using a condom can prevent the virus from being transmitted.

With all the potential conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive organs, regular testing is needed. Cancers caught early may be treatable, while those only identified once they have progressed have a poorer outcome. Make time for these tests as they could save your life.

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