When we talk about women’s health problems, we need to address their reproductive health specially. After all, the uterus, bladder, ovaries, and pelvic area contribute to several body functions, including pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, hormonal balance, and a lot more. As such, you should know about what is women’s reproductive health and the conditions that can affect it so that you can seek treatment on time and get over these issues.
In the following post, we will discuss the most common female health problems and the necessary reproductive health services for those.
Types of Female Reproductive Health Issues
So, you may question – what is women’s reproductive health all about, and the related issues? Following are some of the facts on leading health concerns:
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
One of the women’s problems is PCOS wherein, the adrenal glands or ovaries undergo the production of a higher level of male hormones than deemed normal. This causes the build-up of fluid-filled sacs or cysts in the ovaries. Obesity is often the leading factor in PCOS, and females with this issue are also at a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.
But reproductive health services are present to treat PCOS, and with weight management, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to cope with this syndrome. PCOS symptoms are acne, dandruff, oily skin, pain in the pelvis, irregular menses, thinning hair, patches of black skin or dark brown skin, baldness, infertility, and excess hair growth on the thighs, face, and the body.
2. STIs or Sexually Transmitted Infections
There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted infections for health women caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria resulting from sexual activities. Sometimes, the external rub of the skin or contact with body fluids is enough for the transfer of pathogens. STIs can be prevented somewhat with the help of condoms. These are also treatable, while some affect the person for a lifetime.
A few examples of STIs in women are genital warts, scabies, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, pubic lice, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, papillomavirus (HPV), and others. They can grow into severe disorders, and turn into diseases and affecting the reproductive organs and overall health.
3. Uterine Fibroids
It is important to have access to reproductive health services because a uterus is an integral part of a female’s body, and in case of issues in it, treatment is required. One such concern is Uterine Fibroids; wherein non-cancerous tumors grow around or onto the uterine wall. Usually, this is seen in women who are capable to bear a child. Fibroids contain tissues and muscle cells and the cause of it is not easily detected. Obesity is one of the leading factors in this condition.
Other reproductive health symptoms are frequent urination, lower back pain, painful or heavy periods, pain during sexual intercourse, infertility, early labor, bleeding between periods, multiple miscarriages, feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, etc.
4. Endometriosis
The uterus has a tissue lining (endometrium) to which the embryo attaches during pregnancy. But in one of the common female uterus problems, Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining does not grow in the womb, but elsewhere. It can grow in the bowels, on the ovary, bladder, or behind the uterus. Thus, due to displacement of the tissue somewhere else, the person can encounter heavy periods, infertility, and pain in the lower back and abdomen, or pelvic region. Sometimes there are no symptoms but issues with getting pregnant can lead to the detection of Endometriosis.
5. Miscarriage
The women's health uterus problems can result in the loss of a pregnancy or natural miscarriage. This is spontaneous and the person may not have control over it. The symptoms are a pain in the lower abdomen and back, bleeding and spotting, and then heavy bleeding that discharges the embryo and pregnancy tissues out of the body. Miscarriage can happen due to an injury to the pelvic region, heavy exercise, stress, an existing medical condition, etc.
6. Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy-related women’s health problems are in plenty, and one of the bothersome ones is ectopic pregnancy. It is a life-threatening condition, where the implantation occurs outside the uterus. Such a conception cannot be continued as it can lead to the rupture of the part where the embryo attaches, and lead to profuse bleeding, intense pain, and death of the individual.
7. HIV or AIDS
Another female sexual health issue is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which impacts the immune system cells known as the CD4 cells. As time passes, HIV can weaken the immune system by destroying the said cells, thus, the body cannot fight an infection anymore. There is no available cure for HIV at the moment. HIV can pass through sexual fluids and blood.
With treatment and sufficient reproductive health services, HIV multiplication can be delayed and the person can be stalled from acquiring AIDS, which is the advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is beyond repair.
8. Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
This reproductive health condition affects the bladder, causing consistent pain in this organ and the surrounding pelvic area. There is discomfort and irritation of the bladder walls. It can result in stiffening or scarring of the bladder. Some of the symptoms are tenderness of the bladder, pelvic and abdominal discomfort, intense pain in the pelvic region, feeling of pressure in the pelvis or abdomen, persistent urge to urinate, and frequent urination.
9. Gynecologic Cancer
The women’s reproductive health concerns are many, out of which gynecologic cancer is the most critical. Cancer can affect the reproductive organs and the pelvis. There is cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vulva, and vagina. While recovery is possible, detection of the issue early can help you better get the treatment plan sorted. Thus, get an annual checkup for the reproductive organs if you are of childbearing age as a precaution. This is mandatory, if you are over 35 years of age, and must become a routine henceforth.
Final Words
As now you are aware of the major reproductive health problems that can impact women, you can take measures for prevention and treatment. Consult your healthcare provider to understand more.