The woman’s reproductive system is an intricate system in the body. A healthy reproductive system is an important part of a healthy life. Comprehensive reproductive care includes awareness of potential injury, infection, and disorders that may affect reproductive health in women.
Endometriosis involves the growth of the tissue lining the uterus (the endometrium) on nearby organs, like the fallopian tubes or ovaries. In rare cases, the endometrium may grow in the abdomen. This abnormal growth can lead to abdominal, lower back, and pelvic pain, heavy and irregular periods, and infertility. Some women don’t have symptoms of endometriosis and aren’t diagnosed until they struggle to get pregnant.
Uterine fibroids are benign(noncancerous) growths in the uterus, most commonly in women still in their reproductive years. They are comprised of muscle cells and other tissue types that make up the uterus. It isn’t clear what causes uterine fibroids. However, being overweight or African American are risk factors. Women may experience heavy or unusually painful periods, frequent urination, lower back pain or pain during sex, and trouble getting pregnant.
Cancer that begins in the reproductive organs is gynaecologic. There are five main types of gynaecologic cancer – cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks particular immune system cells until the immune system is no longer strong enough to combat disease. HIV has no cure and can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS occurs once severe immune damage has taken place. HIV can be controlled through medication. It’s important for pregnant women to inform their doctor if they are HIV positive. HIV can be passed from mother to child, as well as by sexual contact and needle sharing.
Interstitial cystitis is a long-term condition affecting the bladder and surrounding areas, causing pain, discomfort, and irritation. Women with interstitial cystitis often have inflamed bladders that are stiff and scarred. Symptoms experienced include abdominal or pelvic discomfort or pressure, high frequency of urination, tenderness, extreme pain in the lower back or bladder, and severe lower abdominal pain that only occurs when emptying the bladder. The symptoms can be treated.
PCOS occurs when a woman produces excess male hormones like testosterone in the adrenal glands or ovaries, leading to cysts growing on the ovaries. Cysts are little sacs filled with fluid. Women with PCOS may experience pelvic pain, excess hair growth on the toes, thumbs, chest, stomach, or face, thinning hair or baldness, dandruff, acne, oily skin, darker patches of skin, and infertility.
Obesity is a risk factor for PCOS. Complications of PCOS include developing diabetes and heart disease.
An STD is a disease spread through sex, whether vaginal, anal, or oral. STDs can be caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria. Bacterial and parasitic STDs can be treated with medication. Viral STDs cannot be cured but can be effectively treated using medication.
While condoms don’t completely negate the risk of contracting an STD, they can help decrease risk. It’s important to tell any sexual partners if you find out you have an STD. STDs can cause infertility in women if they go untreated. Pregnant women should be aware of any STDs, as these may affect the baby’s health.
Sexual violence refers to a sexual activity in which one party did not consent of their own free will. Women are most often victims of sexual violence. Men are the most common perpetrators. Victims of sexual violence often know or are familiar with the person who assaulted them. Examples include family members, friends, neighbours, and coworkers.