Gynecological issues are very common among women; almost all get them at some point. Gynecological diseases primarily affect the reproductive organs of a woman and may interfere with her sexual functions as well. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of these conditions and seek a gynecologist appointment to avoid the complications.
10 Common Gynecological Issues.-
1. PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility and is a disorder in women due to hormonal imbalance. Reports say polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 27 percent of women during their childbearing years. The word “polycystic” means “many cysts” and some small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries of women affected with PCOS.
Those afflicted with PCOS generate greater amounts of male hormones and this imbalance causes irregularity in menstrual cycles and makes it difficult to get pregnant. Women with PCOS are found to get less than eight periods a year or none at all. Hair growth on the face and body and baldness is also caused due to polycystic ovary syndrome and in some cases, it leads to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Some experts believe it to be genetic. Many others say that those with PCOS are found to have defects in insulin secretion which is why diabetes is common in women with PCOS. Obesity can also be a cause of inflammation. Studies also reveal that excess inflammation is linked with higher androgen levels.
Symptoms include-
- Irregular periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Hair growth
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Male pattern baldness
- Dark patches on the skin
- Headaches
A gyno specialist doctor generally uses lab tests like Ultrasound and verifies your body weight, hair growth, and menstrual history to treat PCOS. They also recommend tests for diabetes, endometrial lining, etc. Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome largely includes birth control pills which regularise periods, and also medication like diabetes and high cholesterol drugs, hormones to increase fertility, and at times procedures to get rid of excess body hair. Weight reduction, exercising, and yoga help in alleviating the condition.
Also read: 10 Common Facts about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
2. Vaginitis
Vaginitis or inflammation in the vagina can occur to any woman in her reproductive phase. The condition occurs due to infection, sexual intercourse, or as a side effect of antibiotic medication and spermicidal creams. However, it can also happen as a result of hormonal changes.
Symptoms include pain while urinating, vaginal irritation or itching, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, etc. Your gyno specialist doctor might suggest certain pills, creams, or gels treat the condition.
3. Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Those having Genital Herpes get sores and blisters on or around their genitals. Viral infection by nature Genital Herpes occurs if one engages in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Signs include flu symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, and nausea.
Gynecologists prescribe oral drugs to cure the sores and blisters and also to prevent their spreading.
4. Pain or bleeding after sex or Dyspareunia
Having pain or bleeding after sex or Dyspareunia is a serious issue and can be due to some serious underlying complication. Dyspareunia happens due to structural issues in the body or because psychological reasons. Causes could be vaginitis, narrow vagina, vulval infection, or thick hymen. Symptoms include pain during penetration, which may stay for some hours after sex. Treatment is mostly based on the cause of the pain. Sexual education for both partners can help.
If you have any such issue, do consult a gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis. You can log on to DocGenie and book a gynecologist appointment in Delhi for a thorough consultation about your condition.
5. Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhoea or painful periods
Amenorrhea is a condition in which a woman or a girl does not get her periods. It could be physiological and pathological. Physiological amenorrhea occurs before puberty, during pregnancy and lactation, or after menopause. Whereas some associated disease leads to Pathological amenorrhea.
On the other hand, pain while menstruating is called dysmenorrhoea or painful periods. There are two types of dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea is not associated with any pelvic diseases. However, it is the underlying pelvic disorders that cause secondary dysmenorrhoea. Prostaglandins and natural chemicals in the body are the causes of primary dysmenorrhoea. Secondary dysmenorrhoea happens because of fibroids, endometriosis, or adenomyosis.
Symptoms include intense abdominal pain and cramping. Some may also experience pain in their lower back as well. Treatment is mostly based on the type of dysmenorrhoea. However, gynecologists also prescribe painkillers to relieve the pain.
6. Fibroids
Sometimes muscular tumors are formed inside the uterus. These tumors are called Fibroids and they are rarely cancerous. However, there could be variations in their location, size, and shape. Though there isn’t any known reason behind the condition, unstable hormones or genetics may cause fibroids.
Symptoms include heavy periods, pressure in the lower abdomen, pain during sex, and bleeding in between menstrual cycles. Depending on the severity of the condition and age gynecologists might suggest surgery to treat Fibroids.
7. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Hormonal disturbances, genetic factors, menstrual issues, or immune system problems are the common causes of this condition. Symptoms include painful menstrual cramps or spotting between the menstrual cycles. Some also experience digestive issues.
Doctors recommend painkillers, hormonal therapies, or surgery for treating Endometriosis according to the severity of the condition.
8. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease occurs in the fallopian tubes, uterus, pelvic peritoneum, and other surrounding areas of the upper genital tract. Women with multiple sexual partners, pelvic inflammation or those who are intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) users are prone to the condition.
Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, fever, and fatigue. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is generally treated with a course of antibiotics.
At DocGenie, we offer ‘online gynecologist consultation’, where you can get advice from our specialists who provide necessary medications and long-term treatments, screenings, and also gynecological surgery if essential.
9. Menopause
All women get menopause at a certain age (any time between 45-55 years) when their periods stop which marks the end of their reproductive life. Menopause leads to the shrinking of the reproductive system and there is also a yearly loss of bone mass. As a result, women get prone to osteoporosis and run the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms include –
- Hot flushes
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability and depression
- Painful sexual intercourse and lack of sexual drive
- Vaginal infections and dryness
- Painful urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
These symptoms occur because of estrogen deficiency that follows menopause. Doctors often treat the vaginal symptoms with topical hormonal therapy (HT), as they have fewer adverse effects. However, the vasomotor symptoms are treated through systemic hormonal therapy given for a very short time and in the lowest possible dose. Otherwise, the patient may get serious side effects.
10. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
If you are having abnormal, whitish, waterish, or smelly vaginal discharge, do note that you might have an infection. Book an online appointment on DocGenie for preliminary examination and treatment for abnormal discharge.
Gynecologists on DocGenie’s help ladies take responsibility for their bodies in new, empowering ways by suggesting lifestyle and dietary changes, helping them wean from their child, exercises during and after pregnancy, and other tips to enhance overall health.
Also read: Importance of Gynaecologist in Women’s Health – DocGenie
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.