Women go through a lot of changes during the course of their lives and it is through these changes that gynecologic health issues will arise. More often than not, women will experience the same gynecological issues but at different times in their lives. No fret, the majority of the issues tend to be pretty common with nothing to worry about. We as women should find comfort in educating ourselves on these common gynecological conditions. Which gives us a better understanding when it comes to the type of conditions we’ll experience and how to remedy certain problems by taking control. 

There are several common gynecological issues that women will face. These issues could be broad or narrow topics such as:

Endometriosis 

This occurs when endometrial tissue becomes misplaced outside the uterus. When a woman doesn’t become pregnant during her cycle the endometrial lining is shed with the release of her egg every month. When it comes to Endometriosis, for women who have endometrial tissue outside the uterus, the tissue will shed but ends up with nowhere to go. This causes painful inflammation and scarring. 

The symptoms to look for can be:

• Infertility
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements
• Long-term pelvic pain mostly before and/or during her period
• Pain when urinating

Abnormal Bleeding

It’s a broad diagnosis. Abnormal Bleeding encompasses all irregular vaginal bleeding. This could mean a woman of menstruating age, abnormal bleeding could mean excessive bleeding outside of menstruation or none at all. For girls who are prepubescent, pregnant or who have gone through menopause, any type of bleeding is considered not normal. 

The symptoms to look for can be:

• A period that requires more than a pad or several tampons within several hours
• Periods that last longer than seven days
• Spotting between periods
• Severe pain during menstruation
• Pain during intercourse
• Periods that are shorter than 24 days apart or longer than 38 days apart

Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterus. They can occur at any point but are most common in women ages 30-40 years old.  

There are several types of fibroids:

Intramural fibroids – fibroids that grow within the uterine wall

Subserosal fibroids – fibroids that grow outside of the uterus

Submucosal fibroids – fibroids that develop under the lining of the uterus

The symptoms to look for can be: 

• Lower back pain
• Abdominal pressure
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower back
• Heavy periods
• Difficulty or pain during urination

Amenorrhea Or Having No Period

This is considered the absence of menstruation. Physiological amenorrhea happens before puberty, during pregnancy, lactation and after menopause. Pathological amenorrhea happens when there is some associated disease: primary amenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea and cryptomenorrhea.

Primary Amenorrhea – A girl who fails to have a menstrual period by the age of 16.

Secondary Amenorrhea – the absence of a period for 6 months or more when regular menstruation has already occurred. The causes could be PCOS, tumors, stress, endometriosis, malnutrition, etc. 

Cryptomenorrhea – when menstrual blood fails to come out of the vagina based on a common cause like an obstruction

PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Very common among women at this time. Characterized by extra testosterone product by the ovaries. Ovaries become enlarged and there is an occurrence or presence of follicular cysts. 

The symptoms to look for can be:

• Hirsutism
• Amenorrhea
• Infertility
• Abdominal obesity
• Acne
• Menstrual abnormalities
• Leaving patients prone to insulin resistance and diabetes

Treatment is based on the patient and their case. Focusing on a balanced diet, exercise, and weight reduction may help overcome some of the symptoms and provide relief. 

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal irritation. About 75% of women will experience a yeast infection in her lifetime. Normally caused by an overgrowth of yeast cells that regularly live in the vagina. Yeast infections can be caused by anything from oral contraceptives, antibiotics, pregnancy, perfumed feminine hygiene sprays, and tight poorly ventilated clothing. Most yeast infections can be treated with over the counter prescriptions. 

Symptoms may vary but could be:

• Burning
• Irritation
• Itchiness
• Discharge
• Changes in Odor

Although these are only some of the common gynecological issues women may experience at any age, there is an importance of gynecological screenings for these conditions. Examinations are an important part of your health and history, these also include breast examinations, abdominal and pelvic examinations, cervix, rectal and external genitalia examinations. 

Being screened with cervical and vaginal smears should start at the age of 21 or after 3 years of being sexually active. Keeping the screenings yearly until the age of 30 and every 2 to 3 years after three consecutive yearly negative smears. 

These screenings and examinations help the doctor explain any conditions or issues she may have and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to her personal case. Doing this can help minimize health risks and identify anything beyond the common gynecological issue. Whether it be sexually transmitted infections, breast cancers, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, etc. 

Keep yourself healthy and be proactive by practicing safe sex, follow a balanced diet, get regular exercise, find stress relievers, drink plenty of water, maintain hygiene, and make sure to be aware of any abnormal or unusual symptoms related to your reproductive system. 

For Any Common Gynecological Issues Call Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in NYC

Many women only visit their gynecologist for birth control, a routine Pap test, or a vaginal infection, but gynecology embraces more than routine health care.

At Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine, the team specializes in women’s wellness and provides expert diagnosis and treatment of all reproductive health issues no matter how routine or complex. They welcome women of all ages, so if you have any questions or it’s time to schedule an annual exam, call their office in the Midtown East area of New York City or book an appointment online.