If you are a woman reading this, you must be aware of those ‘crampy days.’ Yes, periods! Being the most common gynaecological condition, it comes with a wide range of symptoms, such as mood swings, tummy troubles, etc. Well, there are many other problems, too. We will discuss each of them below.
In most cases, symptoms are mild and do resolve on their own. But, upon prolonged persistence, they may denote an underlying issue that prompts you to seek urgent medical intervention. We do not want to create fear in your mind, but sometimes, a condition may turn too extreme to cause permanent fertility problems.
Thus, we bring this blog today – read until the end to learn about the available treatment options and embark on a healthy reproductive life from now on!
Gynaecological Disorders That You Must Not Ignore
Typical cases comprise heavy periods, intermittent bleeding, painful sex associated with blood, etc. Apart from that, endometriosis, PCOD, and UTIs are also included. A gynaecologist first evaluates your gynaecological issues intensity and then suggests a treatment method. We have comprehensively summarised some of the above conditions below.
Dysmenorrhoea
Dysmenorrhoea is a condition when a female gets severe crampy periods. Often, it is associated with other symptoms such as lower backache, pain in the inner thighs and buttocks, nausea, loose motions, etc. The possible cause is insufficient oxygen supply to the uterine muscles when they contract to expel blood and disintegrated tissue. However, as a woman ages, the intensity of pain decreases. During childbirth, it gets entirely resolved.
Other Causes
Here’s a list of some other reasons for dysmenorrhoea
- Fibroids: When a benign tumour grows within the uterus
- Endometritis: Triggered by uterine infection
- Adenomyosis: Characterised by a glandular outgrowth into the myometrium
- Endometriosis: Happens when the intrauterine tissue grows outside the uterus
- Insertion of intrauterine devices (IUD)
- Presence of ovarian cysts
How is it treated?
Mild symptoms of dysmenorrhea are treatable with hot bags, analgesics (or painkillers), and light exercises. Sometimes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also help.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
A menstrual cycle completes at an interval of 28 days, on average. The bleeding phase generally continues for three to five days, and any change in this cycle is considered ‘abnormal’. Abnormal uterine bleeding denotes a condition in which there is an excessive amount of blood loss, followed by infrequency in duration. It is mainly caused by hormonal imbalances, pregnancies, physical or metabolic disorders, etc. Sometimes, it is indicative of potential cancers, too.
Other causes
- If the patient is in her ovulation phase, abnormal bleeding may happen due to:
- Polycystic Ovarian Disease (or PCOD): it is a condition in which the ovaries produce follicles that slowly turn into small cysts. Over time, they grow large, especially if timely treatment is not given.
- Fibroids: Due to the formation of benign tumours in the uterus
- Endometritis: Uterine infection is the primary cause
- Urinary tract infection (or UTI): Infections that travel from the external excretory organs to the reproductive parts.
- If the patient is not ovulating, possible causes are:
- Perimenopausal bleeding
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (or DUB)
- Extrinsic hormone effects
- Menarche First period
How is it treated?
Surgical removal is the best option for treating cases of anatomic abnormality such as polyps or fibroids. If it is chronic endometriosis, antibiotics are used, and the intrauterine device is removed. Moreover, antibiotics can also help resolve UTIs. Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors can recommend an endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. For young girls who have just started on their periods or those experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, fluid treatment is prescribed. It also applies to those suffering from blood dyscrasia. In mild conditions, a progesterone shot and oral contraceptives are more than sufficient.
PMS or Premenstrual syndrome – Gynaecological issues
It is a condition that disrupts a woman’s emotional health, affecting her overall behaviour, besides her physical well-being. These symptoms generally happen a few days before she starts to bleed. It is caused due to changing levels of female hormones, namely oestrogen and progesterone.
How is it treated?
No medical treatments are needed to solve this condition. At the most, the doctor may prescribe certain micronutrient supplements such as calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B-6. You may also be required to:
- Exercise regularly
- Take less caffeine
- Practice stress management techniques
Urinary Incontinence
This condition is characterised by the incapability to hold urine. It is divided into two types, such as:
- Stress urinary incontinence
Triggered by sudden intra-abdominal pressure. For example, when you try to laugh, cough or sneeze hard.
How is it treated?
- Doing kegel exercises. They help strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
- Employing specialised devices that stabilise the bladder neck and optimise the intraurethral resting pressure. Sometimes, surgery may be opted for.
- Urge incontinence
It happens due to a condition – unstable urinary bladder, which is triggered by uninhabitable detrusor contraction.
How is it treated?
Doctors typically prescribe a bladder retainer for this. A surgical procedure is not applicable.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are mostly noncancerous. They may range from the size of seedlings to large compact masses. For oversized fibroid cases, the uterus grows abnormally, leading to its disfiguration. If you leave it untreated for long, severe complications may arise, for example, fertility problems. Depending on the location of the fibroids. They are classified into three types:
- Intramural fibroids: Found along the internal walls of the uterus
- Subserosal fibroids: Characterised by outgrowths on the uterus’s wall
- Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity
How is it treated?
Gynaecologists recommend the below procedures.
- Hysterectomy
It is a surgical procedure in which the doctor removes the whole uterus. This eliminates the fibroids present, providing a permanent cure for patients.
- Myomectomy:
It is one of the conservative surgical therapies where the concerned female health specialist removes strips of fibroid in the uterus. This may or may not include elimination of the uterus.
Conclusion
Several private gynaecology health clinics in London facilitate cost-effective treatment options for their patients. Thus, if you have been facing any reproductive or private problems, do not sit back. Compare the locally available clinics and book a private gynaecologist appointment in London before it gets too late.
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