10 Common Gynaecological Problems - Causes, Symtoms and Treatments

Every woman wants to maintain good personal hygiene habits, but gynaecological problems might pop up like an uninvited guest at times. There arises an important question, “Which are common gynaecological problems that should be your matter of concern?” You may go through this blogpost to improve your general awareness by discussing about common gynaecological problems faced by women.

1. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS – Woman with this condition might have irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles. She will have increased amounts of androgen, which is a male hormone, within her body. Various follicles appear on the ovaries that can delay in releasing the egg.

• Causes - Common reasons are excessive levels of androgen in your body, genetic causes or excessive insulin in the body.
• Symptoms - Women might suffer from abdominal obesity, acne and get prone to diabetes, menstrual abnormality or infertility issues.
• Treatment - Reduce your weight by exercising and doing yoga. Medicines can be prescribed for symptomatic relief.

2. Vaginitis – Any woman in her reproductive phase may suffer from this condition due to inflammation in her vagina.

• Causes - Vaginitis might take place due to infection, sexual intercourse, antibiotic medication, spermicidal creams or changed hormones.
• Symptoms - If you have vaginitis, you may suffer from pain at the time of vaginal itching, peeing, irritation, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and other symptoms.
• Treatment - Your doctor will prescribe you pills, gel or cream to treat the condition.

3. Urinary Tract Infection or UTI – UTI is another gynaecological problem faced by women of all age group. This occurs when bacteria present in the anus or vagina move up to the bladder, urethra and kidneys.

• Causes - A woman might become susceptible to this infection when she faces some problem with her muscles or pelvic nerves due to narrow urinary tract or some blockage in the urethra, kidneys or bladder.
• Symptoms - If you have UTI, you might experience a burning sensation at the time of urinating due to strong odour, cloudy urine or blood tinge. If the infection affects kidneys, you may get chills, fever, nausea, backache or vomiting.
• Treatment - You will be given antibiotics medication and the dosage depends on the severity of the infection.

4. Dysmenorrhoea or Painful Periods – If a woman gets pain during menstrual cycles, it is known as painful periods or dysmenorrhoea. This condition can be divided into two categories which are – primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. While primary dysmenorrhoea is related to no pelvic diseases, secondary dysmenorrhoea means there are underlying pelvic disorders.

• Causes - Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs due to prostaglandins which are natural chemicals in your body. Secondary dysmenorrhoea take place due to adenomyosis, fibroids or endometriosis.
• Symptoms - Women might suffer from intense unusual cramping and pain that can sometimes be felt in the lower back.
• Treatment - The treatment depends on the kind of dysmenorrhoea you have. Your doctor will prescribe painkiller medicines to get rid of the pain.

5. Fibroids – Fibroids are muscular tumours that occur inside the uterus of woman. They vary in shape, size and location.

• Causes - There are no reasons that can lead to this condition. When genetics or hormones create confusion, it may cause fibroids.
• Symptoms - You may suffer from heavy periods, pressure in lower abdomen, pain during intercourse or bleeding in between your cycles.
• Treatment - Your doctor may suggest a surgery but the procedure can be determined based on your age and severity of the condition.

6. Endometriosis – This condition occurs when uterine lining grows outside the uterus or on other parts.

• Causes - A woman may face this problem due to genetic factors, menstrual flow issues, immune system problems or hormonal disturbances.
• Symptoms - The symptoms include spotting between the menstrual cycle, digestive troubles or painful menstrual cramps.
• Treatment - Hormonal therapies, surgery or painkiller medicines can be suggested depending on the severity of your condition

7. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – This problem occurs in upper genital tract organs of a woman’s body which consist of uterus, pelvic peritoneum, fallopian tubes and other surrounding structures.

• Causes - This may take place in women who have more than one sex partners, history of pelvic inflammatory or women who are IUCD users.
• Symptoms - Women with PID may face pain during sexual intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, lethargy or fever.
• Treatment - You need to take antibiotic medicines for treating your condition.

8. Genital Herpes – Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease due to blisters and sores.

• Causes - This viral infection occurs due to anal, oral and vaginal sex with an infected person.
• Symptoms - Women who develop herpes might get flu-like symptoms that include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea and chills. Blisters or sores usually appear on or around your genital organs.
• Treatment - Oral medication can treat blisters, sores and prevent them from spreading further.

9. Dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse – This condition might affect women due to structural issues in the body or occur due to psychological reasons.

• Causes - Causes are narrow vagina, vaginitis, PID, thick hymen or vulval infection.
• Symptoms - Symptoms are thrusting, pain during penetration, pain that may remain for a couple of hours after intercourse.
• Treatment - Sexual education can be provided to both the partners and the treatment mostly depends on the cause of the pain.

10. Ovarian Cysts – Ovarian cysts are common and might affect woman of all age group. There are pouches or sacs filled with liquid present in the ovaries.

• Causes - Ovarian cysts might cause endometriosis, hormonal problems or severe pelvic infections.
• Symptoms - Bloating, pain or swelling occurs in the abdominal area but nausea and vomiting might take place too.
• Treatment - There are different options available from oral medication to surgery. Based on the size and type of cyst, the treatment can be suggested.

Thus, you need improve your reproductive health condition by adopting healthy lifestyle and practicing safe sex with your partner. If you are residing in London, you should visit to your nearest gynaecologist in London for a sexual health check-up.