Are you experiencing vaginal bleeding other than your monthly cycle?“If you’re noticing unusual vaginal bleeding or pain during intimacy, it might be a sign of a gynecological issue. These are just a few of the gynecological symptoms every woman should be aware of.
Let’s go over some common ones so you know when to seek medical help.
7 Gynecological Issues Every Woman Should Know
Here are seven gynecological conditions that women need to be aware of. If you recognize the symptoms, there are more chances that you will consult your healthcare provider on time:
1. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and pain. Symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Pain during menstruation and sexual activity.
- Pain in bowel movements or urination.
- Trouble conceiving.
- Regular periods but significantly painful, even without heavy bleeding.
2. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
AUB refers to bleeding that is heavier, lasts longer, or occurs more frequently than normal, including bleeding between periods. Bleeding occurs between periods, soaking through several pads or tampons in one hour, or cycles lasting less than 24 days or more than 38 days.
3. Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in or near the uterus, common in women in their 30s and 40s. Some common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pressure and lower back pain upon lifting heavy objects
- A feeling of fullness
- Frequent, painful urination, especially while emptying the bladder
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain during intimacy
- Some women may experience difficulty conceiving or pressure symptoms
4. Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a lack of menstruation in a woman’s reproductive age (excluding pregnancy or menopause). It is categorized as:
- Primary Amenorrhea: No start of menstruation even after attaining the age of 15-16 despite normal development or growth pattern.
- Secondary amenorrhea: No period for as long as 3 months if previous cycles were regular for around 6 months or more.
Amenorrhea results from hormonal imbalances, stress, weight loss, thyroid problems, or excessive exercise. There may be other medical conditions that need evaluation.
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that results in the ovaries producing too many androgens (male-type hormones) and several small cysts that affect your ovulation. Note that not every woman with PCOS has ovarian cysts.
Symptoms include:
- Infertility
- Irregular or missing menstruation
- Abdominal or central obesity
- Acne around the jawline
- Hirsutism (excessive hair on the face/body)
- Increase in insulin resistance
PCOS causes insulin resistance (the body doesn’t respond well to insulin).
6. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Yeast infection(candidiasis) occurs due to an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that lives in the vagina in small amounts. Its symptoms are:
- Itching, burning, or soreness around the vulva or vagina. Usually, there is no strong odor.
- Abnormal discharge (thick white discharge looks like cottage cheese).
- Burning or pain during urination.
- Redness or swelling of the vulva.
- Discomfort during sex or urination.
- In rare cases, fever and chills may indicate a severe or invasive yeast infection
- that requires immediate medical attention or an emergency visit.
7. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is usually caused by a bacterial infection affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, sometimes linked to sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms can include:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Tenderness
- Fever and chills
- Thick abnormal vaginal discharge (appearing green or yellow, indicating mucus and pus)
- Pain during intercourse or urination
If left untreated, PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility or long-term pelvic pain.
When is Emergency Care Needed in Gynecological Issues?
It is better to take help from a gynecologist under the following conditions:
- Intolerable pelvic pain
- Soaking through one or more pads every hour for several hours
- Fever and chills
- Fainting as a result of shock and low blood volume
- Intolerable pain upon urination
The Last Message
If you experience any of the above gynecological issues, seek medical attention promptly. Our gynecology team provides compassionate, expert care for women at every stage of life.
At Emergency Hospital, we offer comfort, support, and care. Call us now at (281) 747-7652 for more information.