Reedsburg Area Medical Center Health

Common Gynecological Issues

Women undergo multiple changes in their reproductive system throughout their lifetime. Gynecological issues are common because of different hormonal changes that occur. Gynecology experts recommend maintaining a regular schedule for expert medical examinations and the appropriate screenings based on demographics and risk factors. This is to maintain reproductive health and prevent any complications from arising in the future.

What are some of the most common gynecological issues that women may experience?

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Any bleeding that is not related to a woman’s menstrual cycle is considered abnormal vaginal bleeding. At times excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding is also considered abnormal. The normal menstrual bleeding takes about 5-7 days and is generally about 4 ounces or eight tablespoons. Most women experience one day of heavy flow preceded or followed by lighter flows. 

In abnormal bleeding, the bleeding takes more than seven days or even up to two months. In some cases, the bleeding is so heavy that it causes complications such as anemia.

Some of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding are

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Uterine Fibroids
• Sexual trauma
• Cancer or pre-cancer of the reproductive organs (cervix, uterus, vagina, ovaries)

Any form of abnormal bleeding should be consulted with a patient’s doctor for further investigation. Treatment for abnormal vaginal bleeding is not universal and will depend on the exact cause based on the doctor’s findings.

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain occurs when there is discomfort in the pelvic area within the lower part of the abdomen from below the navel to the groin. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the internal reproductive organs as a result of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) or endometriosis which can also cause significant pain in the pelvic region.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous nodules of smooth muscle tissue that form within the uterine lining. They often appear in women between the age of 30 to 40. Although non-cancerous, they can still cause significant symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, painful menstruation, increased urination frequency, and infertility. At times, fibroids can also interfere with pregnancy and giving birth. 

There are different approaches to treating or managing uterine fibroids depending on the woman’s age, plans of getting pregnant in the future, or if she is currently pregnant. However, it is important for women to seek medical help as soon as this condition is suspected. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis happens when the tissues on the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow outside the uterus within the surrounding organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the abdominal cavity. When this happens, the tissues become inflamed, causing symptoms of heavy bleeding, painful intercourse, or abdominal pain. There is no specific cure for endometriosis and only managed depending on the symptoms and the part of the body involved. 

Pain during urination

Painful urination can be a sign of many other conditions such as UTI, vaginitis, or Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Any form of discomfort during urination in women should be thoroughly evaluated to determine the treatment options.

Vaginal itching or discomfort

The vagina should not feel itchy or painful (even during intercourse). Although not uncommon, women are still encouraged to seek medical consultation should they feel discomfort around the vagina, especially if it does not go away the next day and is accompanied by abnormal and foul discharge. The most common cause of vaginal itching is Sexually Transmitted Infection.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections are characterized by discomfort within the vulva or vagina and are accompanied by vaginal discharges. There are many types of STIs that present different forms of symptoms. Most STIs are treated with antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the cause. 

Menopause

Menopause happens 12 months after the woman’s last menstruation period. The average age of menopause is 51 years old, however, a woman may begin to notice symptoms of it as early as several years prior. The period before the actual menopausal stage happens called perimenopause and is often associated with hot flashes, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes. Symptoms of perimenopause are normal and should not cause medical concern; however, if they begin to affect the woman’s quality of life, consulting the doctor is the best option for help.

Gynecological health is extremely important for all women, no matter what age. By following the advice of gynecological experts and maintaining a regular schedule for medical examinations and screenings, women can help to prevent any reproductive health complications from arising in the future. 

Have you scheduled your next gynecological visit? Make an appointment today at RAMC with Dr. Christine Trautman, Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist by calling 608-524-8611 or learn more at ramchealth.com.