Common Gynaecological Conditions to Look Out For

There are several gynaecological conditions that commonly affect women. Knowing what symptoms and risk factors to look out for and what to expect in terms of treatment can go a long way in managing one’s health proactively.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that causes the ovaries to enlarge and contain numerous fluid-filled sacs. PCOS may result in irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and the development of small cysts on the ovaries. It is also linked to reduced fertility.

Symptoms: Irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, excessive facial and body hair, acne and oily skin, weight gain, and thinning hair.
Risk Factors: Family history of PCOS, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
Diagnosis: Physical examination, blood tests to measure hormone levels, and pelvic ultrasound to check for cysts on the ovaries.
Treatment Options: Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), hormonal birth control to regulate periods, anti-androgen medications to reduce hair growth, and medications like metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of it. This results in inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in the pelvic area; and it can affect other organs such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Symptoms: Chronic pelvic pain, severely painful menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility.
Risk Factors: Family history of endometriosis, primary infertility, having a BMI of under 22, and starting periods at an early age (younger than 12 years old).
Diagnosis: Pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI, and laparoscopy (a surgical procedure used to view the inside of the abdomen).
Treatment Options: Pain relief medications (e.g. NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (e.g. birth control pills, GnRH agonists, progestin therapy), and surgery.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that may appear during a woman’s childbearing years. This is a common condition and not usually dangerous. In some cases, the woman’s fertility may be affected.

Symptoms: Heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, and lower back pain.
Risk Factors: Being of reproductive age, having a family history of fibroids, being obese, and having an early onset of menstruation.
Diagnosis: Pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy (a procedure to view the inside of the uterus), and saline infusion sonography.
Treatment Options: Medications to regulate one’s hormones or for pain relief, minimally invasive procedures (e.g. laparoscopic myomectomy, uterine artery embolization), and traditional surgical procedures (e.g. conventional myomectomy, hysterectomy).

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary. There are different types of ovarian cysts, which can be categorised into functional cysts (e.g. follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts) and harmful ones (e.g. dermoid cysts and endometriomas).

Symptoms: Bloating, pelvic pain and pressure, painful bowel movements, needing to urinate more often, and menstrual irregularities.
Risk Factors: Having a personal history of ovarian cysts, certain hormonal problems, pregnancy, endometriosis, or a family history of ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis: Pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasound to confirm the presence of the cyst, its location, size and characteristics (e.g. whether it is solid or fluid-filled).
Treatment Options: Watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic cysts; hormonal contraceptives (this does not shrink existing cysts, but may lower the risk of developing new ones); and surgical removal for larger, persistent, or suspicious cysts.

Menstrual Disorders

Menstrual disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the regularity, duration, and flow of menstrual periods. A woman’s periods should be generally manageable. If your periods are severely painful, very irregular, or involve excessive bleeding, please seek medical attention.

Symptoms: Irregular periods, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), absent periods (amenorrhea), or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Risk Factors: Hormonal imbalances, underlying health conditions (e.g. uterine fibroids, PCOS), certain medications (e.g. hormone replacement therapy), eating disorders, obesity.
Diagnosis: Review of one’s medical history and symptoms, blood tests to evaluate one’s hormone levels, pelvic examination, and pelvic ultrasound tests.
Treatment Options: Hormonal contraceptives (to reduce heavy bleeding and regulate periods), pain relief medications, and surgery.

Understanding these conditions is important for women to know what symptoms to look out for and what to expect when they seek medical attention from a gynaecologist. To schedule an evaluation, please call our clinic at 6733 8810 today.