Comprehensive understanding of gynecological diseases Diagnosis and treatment with the latest medical developments
In the world of Medicine and gynecological health, diseases affecting the female reproductive system pose an important challenge that requires careful understanding and specialized care.
Those gynecological diseases, whether they are the result of natural hormonal changes, or as a result of special health conditions, are a complex topic that requires to be considered in a comprehensive scientific way.
Almost every woman will have a gynecological problem at some point in her life. It may be painful, and the pain may be eliminated as usual because it may occur during the menstrual cycle.
The pain usually occurs in the pelvic area, so it can also be confused with other disorders such as gastrointestinal (for example, constipation, high perirectal abscess), urinary cystitis and musculoskeletal.
But pain can be distinguished from these disorders according to the duration and frequency of pain. Various gynecological diseases can produce the same symptoms, namely:
- Irregular or severe bleeding
- Post-coital bleeding (PCB)
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
What are gynecological diseases
Gynecological pathology is a disorder condition that affects the normal function of the female genital organs, including the breasts, organs in the abdominal and pelvic region, that is, the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.
Gynecological disorders also indicate health problems in the female genital organs. These include the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, external genital organs and breasts. Some relatively common gynecological problems are bound to affect a woman’s health at some point in her life.
However, some of these gynecological problems can hinder a woman’s reproductive abilities and sexual function. In some rare cases, her general well-being may be at risk if the problem remains untreated.
The most common gynecological problems
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a gynaecological disorder involving period pain that is severe enough to interfere in daily life. There are two types of dysmenorrhea, primary and secondary.
Primary dysmenorrhea is different from secondary dysmenorrhea because it does not involve any underlying condition in the pelvis. It occurs primarily throughout adolescence and coincides with ovulation. Once a woman is pregnant or gives birth, the pain goes away on its own.
The average start is between the ages of 12 and 14. The discomfort usually starts a few hours before the beginning of the period and lasts for a few hours; However, it can sometimes last a full day.
When there is an underlying health problem in the pelvis, you may suffer from secondary dysmenorrhea. Uterine fibroids or pelvic endometriosis etc are common causes. Patients are usually mothers in their 30s. The pain begins three to five days before the date of the period and recedes after the onset of bleeding.
Menopause
When the ovarian function decreases, menstruation stops permanently, which signals the end of the woman’s childbearing years. After a 12-month absence of menstruation with no other underlying disease, the diagnosis is considered final. The average age of menopause in women is 50 years.
While menopause is not one of the gynecological disorders per se but a normal part of the female aging process, it does come with some unpleasant symptoms that can be alleviated with proper treatment.
After menopause, a woman’s genitals begin to atrophy, and she loses between three and five percent of her bone mass every year. Postmenopausal women are more prone to osteoporosis.
In postmenopausal women, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is much higher. Hot flashes are the primary symptom of menopause. Stress, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, irritability and even depression are all possible.
Menopause refers to the absence of menstruation. There are two categories of this phenomenon, namely physiological and pathological. Physiological menopause occurs before adolescence and throughout pregnancy, lactation and postmenopause.
Pathological amenorrhea occurs when there are certain health problems accompanying a woman and can be classified into amenorrhea as well as primary and secondary amenorrhea.
Primary amenorrhea affects girls who have not had their first menstruation at the age of 16, most often due to adrenal and thyroid gland problems, chromosomal problems, etc. Secondary amenorrhea occurs in adult women who have not had menstruation for six months or more due to polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, tumors, malnutrition, stress, etc.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common gynecological problems affecting women. It is believed that the main cause of this problem is a stressful and inactive lifestyle.
The ovaries produce an abnormally high amount of testosterone, which is a characteristic feature of the condition. There are several follicular cysts, the diameter of each of which varies between two and nine millimeters, and the ovary is larger than usual.
Those with polycystic ovaries often experience weight gain, irregular menstruation, inability to get pregnant, other problems such as acne and they also become more susceptible to diabetes and develop insulin resistance.
Glandular lumps
Glandular lumps, are growths near the uterus. These lumps form in the ovaries and fallopian tubes and can also develop in connective tissues. There are many types of adenomas that are classified according to their location (ovarian or non-ovarian) and if they are cancerous or not (benign or malignant).
Symptoms rarely occur, but they may include:
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Irregular periods in women suffering from menopause
- Bleeding at the tumor site
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Digestive disorders
Bartholin’s cyst
Located between the vagina and vulva, Bartholin’s glands are responsible for producing a liquid to provide moisture during intercourse. One of the symptoms of a Bartholin cyst may include a slight lump on the labia. Bartholin’s cysts are lumps that usually do not cause pain when they are small, but if the cyst grows, it can cause discomfort and pain in the vulva, especially during intercourse, sitting or walking.
Cervical dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is a gynecological disorder when healthy cells in the cervix, which are located at the bottom of the uterus and lead to the vagina, undergo abnormal changes caused by a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
These abnormal cells are often not cancerous but can be cancerous if not detected and treated early. You can reduce the risk of cervical dysplasia with the HPV vaccine. Symptoms are not uncommon for those who have been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, but sometimes abnormal bleeding may occur.
Fibroids of the uterus
Uterine fibroids, also called myomas or myomas, are benign tumors that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They may be inside, in the outer part, inside the walls of the uterus or connected to the uterus in a leg-like structure.
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign neoplasms that can affect a woman in connection with gynecological issues. About 20% of women over the age of 30 suffer from uterine fibroids. The vast majority of them do not show signs of the disease. Women who have not had children or have become infertile after having children are more likely to have them.
These growths may not grow for a long time and then grow quickly or grow slowly over the years. Symptoms may include the following:
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Pain (abdominal, lower back or pain during intercourse)
- Pressure (difficulty or increased frequency of urination, difficult bowel movements or abdominal cramps)
- Enlarged abdomen
- Frequent miscarriages
- Prolapse of pelvic organs
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles supporting the organs in the pelvic area become weak, as the weak muscles cause the organs to fall out or put pressure on the vagina. The symptoms may make women feel embarrassed, but the first step is to disclose your symptoms to the gynecologist.
Diagnosis of gynecological diseases
Effective gynecological diagnostic methods constitute the latest developments in the field of gynecology. The following are some of the advanced methods used in the diagnosis of these diseases:
Physical examination
The doctor’s examination of the patient includes breast examination, urinary examination, and bilateral examination. The doctor can detect any abnormal changes in the structure of the genitals.
medical imaging
Includes Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where medical imaging helps determine the size of tumors, and recommend surgeries if necessary.
Laboratory tests
Samples of blood or bodily fluids are taken for analysis in the laboratory. Laboratory tests can provide information about hormones, infections, and other health indicators.
Endoscope
It includes an endoscopic examination of the reproductive systems and this procedure allows doctors to see the internal organs directly, which facilitates the diagnosis of problems such as malformations or tumors.
Pap Smear
This test is done to examine the cells of the cervix and detect changes that may indicate the presence of cancerous changes.
Methods of treating common gynaecological diseases
Treatment of women’s disorders generally includes a comprehensive approach that takes into account the specific disorder, the underlying causes and the overall health of the patient. Here is a broad overview of methods of treating gynaecological disorders:
Medication therapy
Many gynecological disorders are treated with medication. This may include antibiotics for infections, hormone therapy for menstrual irregularities, pain relief medications, or medications to treat specific symptoms.
Hormonal therapy
Hormone therapy is often used to regulate the menstrual cycle, manage symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and treat hormonal imbalances.
Surgery
Surgical interventions may be necessary for various gynecological conditions. This can include minimally invasive procedures or major surgeries, depending on the nature of the disorder. Common surgical procedures include the removal of cysts, fibroids or abnormal tissue, as well as procedures such as hysterectomy.
Lifestyle changes
For certain conditions such as PCOS, lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving overall health.
Regular follow-up
Regular check-ups with a gynecologist are necessary to monitor the progress of treatment, adjust medications if necessary, detect any possible complications or recurrence of symptoms.
