What types of gynaecological conditions are there?

Common gynaecological conditions include:

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid sacs found inside or on the ovaries. These cysts are commonly found in pregnant women and those without menopause. Typically ovarian cysts are benign and painless and commonly occur as part of the menstrual cycle. However, they usually disappear without treatment.

Fibroids

Fibroids are benign formations that sprout in and around the uterus. Fibroids comprise fibrous tissue and muscle and grow at different intervals, varying in size. Symptoms may vary depending on the size and region of the fibroid. Typical symptoms of fibroids include:

• A heavy flow
• Painful period
• Pain in the lower back
• Urge to urinate
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Constipation

Fibroids only need to be treated when they cause pain and excessive menstrual bleeding. Medications are first suggested to shrink the fibroid. When the medication fails to treat the fibroid, your OB-GYN will suggest surgery to remove the painful growth.

Menstrual abnormalities

Treatment for menstrual abnormalities includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, oral contraceptives (birth control pills, intrauterine devices and progesterone shots), endometrial ablation and, in severe cases, a hysterectomy to remove the womb.

Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is severe, prolonged pain for about six months in your pelvic region. This pain may come or go and appears sharp and sudden or is dull long-lasting pain. The pain can begin to feel so severe that you may not end up going to work.

Pain in the stomach is the primary symptom of chronic pelvic pain. The severity of the pain depends on your actions that intensify the pain. For example, the pain intensity increases while having sex or during menstruation.

Certain underlying conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids and ovarian cysts that arise when leaving a portion of the ovaries after a full hysterectomy cause chronic pelvic pain.

Gynaecological cancers

You get five main types of gynaecological cancer:

• Cervical cancer arises from a mutation in the cervical cells. A strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to an abnormality in the cervical cells, causing cervical cancer. A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer and can detect early abnormalities that can be treated immediately. An HPV vaccine also reduces the chances of this from happening.
• Ovarian cancer is a mutation in ovarian cells. A mutation develops when the cells grow rapidly and destroy healthy tissue. Ovarian cancer leads to pelvic pain, bloating and the urge to urinate. Screening for ovarian cancer involves undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.
• Uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer, begins with a mutation in the cells lining the uterus. Vaginal bleeding before menopause between cycles, translucent vaginal discharge, and abdominal pain are signs of uterine cancer. By looking at a sonogram from the transvaginal ultrasound, your OB-GYN can make a diagnosis.
• Vaginal cancer starts with a mutation in the cells of the vaginal lining. Typically, vaginal bleeding occurs after or between menopause phases as well as during sex.
• Vulvar cancer is a form of cancer occurring outside the vagina. Vulvar cancer presents as a swollen lump on the vulva, the area surrounding the vagina and the urethra. Screening for vulvar cancer involves undergoing a pelvic exam, colposcopy and biopsy.

Menopause

Menopause puts a stop to menstrual cycles and fertility. Menopause starts when a woman turns forty-five. However, you can get it much later in your 50s and 60s. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping and mood swings. You will know you have entered menopause when you do not have a period for twelve consecutive months. Not having periods for over a year suggests you are in the final stage of menopause.

Hormone therapy is often prescribed for older women in their 60s. Hormone replacement medication effectively eases menopausal symptoms (Hot flashes, flushing, vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis).