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The term “menopause” denotes the final cessation of menstruation, either as a normal part of aging or as the result of surgical removal of both ovaries. The average age at menopause is 51 years. Menstrual cycles generally become irregular as menopause app... moreThe term “menopause” denotes the final cessation of menstruation, either as a normal part of aging or as the result of surgical removal of both ovaries. The average age at menopause is 51 years. Menstrual cycles generally become irregular as menopause approaches. Anovular cycles occur more often. Cycles become longer, with missed periods or episodes of spotting only. When no bleeding has occurred for 1 year, the menopausal transition can be said to have occurred. Hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue and vaginal dryness are the early symptoms. Osteoporosis may occur as a late sequela of menopause. Women are advised consumption of calcium supplements and vitamin D to lower the risk of osteoporotic fractures. less
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Dyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. Physical causes of dyspareunia are infections, endometriosis, tumors, xerosis (dryness), etc. The pain will, in almost all cases, disappear over the time or at least will b... moreDyspareunia is painful sexual intercourse, due to medical or psychological causes. Physical causes of dyspareunia are infections, endometriosis, tumors, xerosis (dryness), etc. The pain will, in almost all cases, disappear over the time or at least will be greatly reduced. Dyspareunia is treated by consultations on what has happened, including identifying the sites and causes of pain. A water-soluble sexual lubricant might be needed. For those who have pain on deep penetration because of pelvic injury or disease, a change in specific coital position is reccomended. less
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Is a common endocrine disorder affecting 4-6% of women of reproductive age. The primary lesion is unknown. These patients have a steady state of relatively high estrogen, androgen, and LH levels. PCOS is manifested by hirsutism (50% of cases), obesity (40... moreIs a common endocrine disorder affecting 4-6% of women of reproductive age. The primary lesion is unknown. These patients have a steady state of relatively high estrogen, androgen, and LH levels. PCOS is manifested by hirsutism (50% of cases), obesity (40%), and virilization. Fifty percent of patients have amenorrhea, 30% have abnormal uterine bleeding, and 20% have normal menstruation. Additionally, they show insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia when infused with glucose, and these women are at increased risk of early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients are generally infertile, although they may ovulate occasionally. In obese patients with PCOS, weight reduction is often effective. If the patient wishes to become pregnant, clomiphene or other drugs can be employed for ovulatory stimulation. less
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Ovarian tumors are common. Most are benign, but malignant ovarian tumors are the leading cause of death from reproductive tract cancer. Unfortunately, most women with both benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms are either asymptomatic or experience only m... moreOvarian tumors are common. Most are benign, but malignant ovarian tumors are the leading cause of death from reproductive tract cancer. Unfortunately, most women with both benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms are either asymptomatic or experience only mild nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms or pelvic pressure. Women with early disease are typically detected on routine pelvic examination. Women with advanced malignant disease may experience abdominal pain and bloating, and a palpable abdominal mass with ascites is often present. Surgery is the choice of treatment for ovarian tumors, followed by chemotherapy. less
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Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper genital tract associated with the sexually transmitted organisms. It is most common in young, nulliparous, sexually active women with multiple partners. The use of contraception may provide signific... morePelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper genital tract associated with the sexually transmitted organisms. It is most common in young, nulliparous, sexually active women with multiple partners. The use of contraception may provide significant protection. Patients with pelvic inflammatory disease may have lower abdominal pain, chills and fever, menstrual disturbances, purulent cervical discharge, and cervical and adnexal tenderness. Antibiotics are given as pelvic inflammatory disease treatment. less
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Uterine prolapse is falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. The uterus drops into the vaginal canal (prolapses) when the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvis weaken. Uterine prolapse u... moreUterine prolapse is falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. The uterus drops into the vaginal canal (prolapses) when the muscles and connective tissues in the pelvis weaken. Uterine prolapse usually happens in women who have had one or more vaginal births. Normal aging and lack of estrogen hormone after menopause may also cause uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse can also be caused by a pelvic tumor, although this is rare. Chronic cough, chronic constipation and the pushing associated with it can worsen uterine prolapse. Patients may have a feeling as if sitting on a small ball, low backache, pain during intercouse, frequent urination, vaginal bleeding or increased vaginal discharge. Many of the symptoms are worse when standing or sitting for long periods of time. Treatment is not necessary unless the symptoms are bothersome. Most women seek treatment by the time the uterus drops to the opening of the vagina. Uterine prolapse can be treated with a vag less
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Cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele are vaginal hernias commonly seen in multiparous women. Cystocele is a hernia of the bladder wall into the vagina. Cystocele may be accompanied by urethrocele, which is not a hernia but a sagging of the urethra followi... moreCystocele, rectocele, and enterocele are vaginal hernias commonly seen in multiparous women. Cystocele is a hernia of the bladder wall into the vagina. Cystocele may be accompanied by urethrocele, which is not a hernia but a sagging of the urethra following its detachment from the pubic symphysis during childbirth. Rectocele is a herniation of the terminal rectum into the posterior vagina. Enterocele is a vaginal vault hernia containing small intestine, usually in the posterior vagina. Enterocele may also accompany uterine prolapse or follow hysterectomy. The only cure for symptomatic cystocele, rectocele, or enterocele is corrective surgery. less
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Endometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which endometrial-like cells appear and flourish in areas outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries. These endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenc... moreEndometriosis is a gynecological medical condition in which endometrial-like cells appear and flourish in areas outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the ovaries. These endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle. Endometriosis is typically seen during the reproductive years. Its main symptom is pelvic pain in various manifestations. Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy or other types of surgery with lesion biopsy. Surgery for diagnoses also allows for surgical treatment of endometriosis at the same time. less
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Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare cancer that starts in the vulva. Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin outside the vagina. In some cases, vulvar cancer may start on the clitoris or in glands on the sides of the vagina opening. M... moreVulvar cancer is a relatively rare cancer that starts in the vulva. Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin outside the vagina. In some cases, vulvar cancer may start on the clitoris or in glands on the sides of the vagina opening. Most vulvar cancers begin in skin cells called squamous cells. Symptoms are itching around the vagina for years, bleeding, skin changes around the vulva, pain with urination or intercourse, and unusual odor. Surgery needed to remove the cancer cells. less
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It is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to play a role. Most cases of endometrial cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years. Diabetes, obesity, est... moreIt is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to play a role. Most cases of endometrial cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years. Diabetes, obesity, estrogen replacement therapy, infertile, never being pregnant, starting menstruation before age 12, and menopause after age 50 will increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Abnormal uterine bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and thin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause are the symptoms. Biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If cancer is found, other tests may be done to determine how widespread the cancer is and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment options involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. less
