Today, a woman can’t find a moment to breathe, let alone taking care of her health. Many times, we don’t really take care of ourselves, amid running around with our never-ending daily routine and chores. But health must be a top priority for all women.
Do you know one of the most important systems in the body is the reproductive system? Good reproductive and sexual health is important for women’s general health and well-being. Every woman must be aware of the common reproductive issues. Girls or women belonging to rural areas have no access to such information. Let's see the common reproductive health concerns in women.
- Endometriosis – It is a condition that affects the uterus; wherein the tissue that normally lines the inside of uterus starts growing outside. It’s quite painful. The pain is in the abdomen, lower back or pelvic areas. It affects fertility and women get diagnosed with this problem only when they have trouble in conceiving.
- Uterine fibroids – These are common non-cancerous growth on the uterus. Fibroids are made of muscle cells and tissues that grow in and around the uterine wall. The cause of Fibroids is still unknown. There are no symptoms usually but few symptoms are heavy or painful periods, lower back pain, frequent urination and feeling full in the abdomen. Doctors detect it during your pelvic exam. They generally don’t tend to be an obstacle for you becoming pregnant. However, they boost the odds of miscarriage, infertility or other issues.
- Vaginal Yeast Infection – Vaginal yeast infections are quite common, caused by a fungus ‘Candida’, so also known as ‘Candidiasis’. It may happen at any time. They are itchy and can make you uncomfortable.
- Gynecologic Cancer – Gynecologic cancer means any cancer that occurs in a woman's reproductive system. There are 5 different types – Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine, Vaginal & Vulvar cancer. Of which, the most common are ovarian and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a serious threat that affects thousands of women. But early detection is possible by Pap smear test and HPV test. If detected early, the cure is possible.
- HIV/AIDS – Human Immunodeficiency Virus, everyone knows about HIV today. The cause of HIV may be due to sexual transmission or sharing needles of an infected person. HIV is not curable but controllable. AIDS is the last stage of HIV patient whose immune system is severely damaged. So, if a pregnant woman is HIV positive, it is possible that the baby doesn’t get contracted with HIV, with proper medical guidance.
- PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and is a common cause for infertility. Symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive hair growth, facial hair, skin pigmentation.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites, viruses that can affect both men and women. Common STDs are genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammation too and needs to be treated immediately. Chronic inflammation of the uterine tubes can occlude them resulting in infertility.
- Depression & Anxiety – Women are more prone to depression and anxiety these days. Women feel depressed for reasons not known to them. Post-partum depression is increasing in recent times with new mothers. Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in women.
Besides these, menopause, contraception, abortion, infertility and age-related disorders are other health concerns for a woman.
Being a woman is not easy, there are a lot of implications for her. Yet taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do for you and your family.
