Women undergo several changes in the course of reproductive lifetime. Every woman suffers gynecological problems from time to time. Some are mild, while others are severe. They may lead to life-threatening complications. Nevertheless, visiting the best gynecologist in Bangalore, and undergoing proper health checkups can eliminate several complications affecting the quality of life.
Some common gynecological problems you may encounter during your reproductive years
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): The premenstrual syndrome occurs 5 to 11 days before each menstruation and fades away when the menstruation starts. This is very common among menstruating women, where 3 out of every 4 menstruating women suffer some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The PMS symptoms include mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, and depression.
Menopause Complications: Menopause occurs when a woman fails to menstruate for 12 months continuously. It usually occurs between 45 and 55 years. Though this is a common factor, some women may require menopause treatment if there are menopause complications such as heavy bleeding, abdominal pain, or heart or blood vessel issues.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Urinary tract infection is triggered by bacteria, and the reasons for this condition is frequent intercourse, pregnancy and diabetes. This condition causes abdominal cramps, burning sensation, urge to urinate frequently while urinating and painful sex.
Dysmenorrhea: Under this condition, women suffer low back pain, as well as abdominal pain during periods. Though mild to moderate pains are common at this time, some women suffer excruciating pain that it affects their day-to-day activities. This condition is called dysmenorrhea when strong muscle contraction occurs in the uterus leading to insufficient oxygen supply.
Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts occur in the ovaries and are found in different sizes. Some women may lead a healthy life, without even knowing that they have ovarian cysts. The cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops around the ovaries. They dissolve on their own in most cases, but they must be monitored as some may be cancerous.
Endometriosis: The inner lining of the wall of the uterus starts growing from inside to outside. The growth starts growing on the ovaries or the fallopian tube in most women, but sometimes it may grow on the bladder, cervix, bowel, or rectum. The symptoms of endometriosis are abdominal cramps, bleeding between periods, pain while having sex, and digestive problems.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD: Under this condition, the follicles produced by the ovaries turn into cysts instead of eggs. Owing to this, the number of eggs will be reduced, which will lead to infertility, depression, and mood swings.
Irregular bleeding: For every healthy woman after puberty, menstrual periods last about five days with a blood loss about 4 ounces or 8 tablespoons. However, some women may experience heavier bleeding for more days with blood clots and cramping. This condition may lead to anemia owing to heavy blood loss. In case you experience heavy bleeding and have to change your sanitary pads in one or two hours, you need to see a doctor immediately.
Yeast infections: This is a common condition where women have vaginal irritation caused by vaginal yeast infections. About 3 out of 4 women experience yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. It is caused by the overgrowth of yeast that live in the vagina. Moreover, it is commonly associated with pregnancy, use of antibiotics and oral contraceptives, and uncontrolled diabetes.
When to Visit a Gynecologist?
When a woman suffers from any condition such as vulvar, pelvic, vaginal pain or abnormal bleeding from the uterus, it is better to treat her as soon as possible.
Some common conditions treated by gynecologists are:
- Pregnancy related Issues
- Fertility
- Menstruation and menopause
- Family planning, including contraception
- Sterilization and pregnancy termination
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Benign conditions of ovarian cysts, vulvar and vaginal ulcers, fibroids, and breast disorders
It is always advisable to visit the gynecologist for annual screening, pap smear tests and mammogram.