The uterus and its related organs are known to develop several common disorders that may go unnoticed. Uterine fibroids, PCOS, and Endometriosis are 3 top problems experienced by millions of women. Each of these conditions can involve many related disorders, all of which have potential for serious problems. Women ought to understand their risks and maintain appropriate gynecological exams.
The most common female disorder is fibromyoma, a condition frequently left undetected. Fibromyoma is defined as a uterus which develops many fibroid tumors, either inside, outside, or within the walls. The tumors are referred to as leiomyomata, and there are many types. Most tumors are benign, but they can still disrupt a woman’s ability to get pregnant.
Internal tumors may lead to a condition known as Menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is a heavy menstrual cycle lasting for 7 days or more. It can lead to anemia. Menorrhagia may be treated through hormone therapies, like birth control pills.
Tumors growing on the outside may cause pain. If leiomyomata develop stems, they are having the blood supply choked off, and this results in pain. Other factors creating discomfort or pain include large tumors which press against internal organs in the pelvis.
Approximately 50% of menstruating women experience fibroid tumors. Studies in post-hysterectomy organs suggest leiomyomata might occur as frequently as 80% of all childbearing-age women. Fibromyoma is the largest cause leading to hysterectomy.
Occasionally a Fibromyoma tumor can be cancerous. These tumors are called leiomyosarcoma. They are rare, occurring only in 0.1% of women or fewer. A sign of malignancy is growth of a tumor post-menopause.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often referred to as PCOS, is a disorder caused by hormonal imbalances. Symptoms may include development of cysts on the ovaries, weight gain, or the absence of menstrual cycles (Amenorrhea). Most women with PCOS do not experience full infertility, but it can interfere with the process of becoming pregnant. Extreme cases may experience full infertility.
Endometriosis is also a leading problem for women’s health. This may develop as soon as the 1st menses. The cells lining the uterine walls are called endometria, and they are expelled out from the body every 28 days. Endometriosis patients will suffer painful periods because their tissue is being retained inside the pelvic cavity. The Endometria sticks to all surrounding tissues, building up on the outer walls of the organ.
Endometriosis may cause problems with infertility. Patients suffering with this condition have increasing abdominal pain as the cells spread each month. The tissue can stick to other organs including fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the bladder. Many treatments exist including hormone pills, or radical hysterectomies for severe cases.
Women suffering with endometriosis may also experience adenomyosis. This indicates endometrial cells are growing into the muscle walls of the uterus. While not always occurring in conjunction with the more common disorder, adenomyosis has painful symptoms like difficult intercourse and heavy menstruation as well.
Other disorders related to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS include endometrial hyperplasia, cervicitis, prolapsed uterus, and polyps. If a woman believes she may be experiencing any of these physiological problems, she should seek treatment from an experienced Gynecologist immediately.
Learn more about PCOS, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids visiting pcosandfibroids.com