GYNECOLOGY CONDITIONS

GYNECOLOGY CONDITIONS

Gynecology Conditions

Women undergo various changes in their reproductive organs from their adolescence through menopause. These changes may include or result from regular sexual occurrences, pregnancy, and aging, among other conditions. As such, women are likely to experience particular gynecological conditions amid these changes. A gynecological condition is a disorder that interferes with the body’s reproductive organs such as breast, vagina, ovaries, and oviduct, among others. These disorders may range from mild to severe, which may require the attention of a gynecologist towards improving health standards or preventing further damages to the reproductive system. The following are among the most common gynecology conditions among women:

Vaginal Tissue Damage

Vaginal tissue damage, also referred to as vaginal tears, is a wound that affects the tissues of the vagina. The condition may be caused by various factors, abuseinserting foreign objects into the vagina and damages during sex and during childbirth, especially for first mothers (“Vaginal Tear (Non-Obstetric).” Mothers who experience long deliveries or who undergo assisted birth are also likely to experience vaginal tears. The tears can take up to ten days under the appropriate treatment of the patient. It is vital for women who undergo such circumstances to avoid touching the tear as a way of ensuring care for the tissues. In case vaginal tissue damage occurs during sex, it is advisable to use water-based lubricants to prevent similar damages in the future.

Prolapsed Womb

Prolapse womb occurs when muscles of the pelvic floor stretch to the extent of weakening the support for the uterus. As such, the condition may worsen to the extent of the womb sliding out to the vagina. While it is possible for all women, the prolapsed womb is common on women who had undergone vaginal deliveries, especially of weighty babies. Chronic condition of coughing may also cause this disorder. Mild cases of womb prolapse are challenging to detect, whereas, in moderate or severe cases, the victim may experience something falling out of their vagina. Also, difficulties in the movement of the bowel may be experienced (“Uterine Prolapse”). Avoidance of heavy lifting, controlled coughs, and controlled weight gain is among the self-care prevention measures on uterine prolapse.

Excess Menstrual Period

The excess menstrual, period also referred to as menorrhagia, is prolonged bleeding that occurring beyond 2-7 days of the normal periods (Somwanshi, Gaikwad, Dhamak, and Gaware, 2017, P. 141). Menstrual bleedings that affect one’s normal activities or require double protection are also considered excessive bleeding. During these periods, one may feel tired, moody, headache, or severe cramps. Imbalance of the hormone and abnormalities of the ovaries are some of the common causes of menorrhagia. Uterine fibroids and pregnancy complications may also cause the disease. The condition may result in severe pains to the victim or cause anemia. The excessive blood loss may reduce the red blood cells that circulate in the body hence leading to anemia.

Surgical Therapeutic Abortion

This is a pregnancy ending procedure done before the fetus reaches a stage of self-survival. There are various ways by which surgical therapeutic abortion (STA) can be achieved. Manual vacuum aspiration is an example of the STA (“Therapeutic Abortion: Surgical”). The process may be done to prevent foreseen cases of severe abnormalities during childbirth. Also, it may be done as a way of addressing the adverse health conditions of the mother. While the procedures are regarded as safe, various complications such as bleedings, infections, or cervix injuries may occur. It is safer to conduct surgical therapeutic abortion as early as possibleto avoid such complications.

Medical Therapeutic Abortion

Medical therapeutic abortion involves the use of medications towards ending a pregnancy. According to Harvard Health Publishing, medical abortion is done within seventy days of pregnancy (“Abortion (Termination of Pregnancy)” 2019). Conducting medical abortion involvesthe use of mifepristone and misoprostol. The medications have various side effects, including nausea and vomits, among others. One should not engage in medical therapeutic abortion if she is more than seventy days past the last menstrual period. Also, women with an uncontrolled seizure disorder and bleeding problems are most vulnerable to the risk factors associated with medical therapeutic abortion. Possible complications attributed to medical therapeutic abortion are similar to that of surgical one.

Post-Gynecology Surgery

After experiences such as uterine prolapse, gynecological surgery may be necessitated. It is the performance of surgical procedures on parts of female reproductive organs. It can be conducted on the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and cervix, among others (“Gynecologic Surgery”). It may also help in tumor removal. Gynecologic surgeries may function through alteration of the anatomy of the female genital tract. Post gynecology surgery causes urologic injuries. Like most other surgeries, post gynecology surgery presents risks such as infections, pain during sexual intercourse, blood clot, urinary tract damage, and belly pains, among other risks. It is, however, essential to conduct this surgery as a way of preventing further spread of disease, for example, by the removal of a cancerous tumor. Depending on the reason for surgery, follow up activities may vary.

Colposcopy

This is a procedure for close examination of the cervix, vagina, or vulva. A colposcope is used to examine any form of the disease in the woman’s reproductive system. The procedure is done mostly after a revelation of abnormalities through pelvic examination. Abnormal pep results are also likely to result in colposcopy. While colposcopy is mostly safe, it can cause risks, including infections, pelvic pain, or heavy bleeding. To ensure a safe procedure, doctors recommend that the victim avoids sex a day or days preceding colposcopy. Scheduling of the procedure during the menstrual period is also not advisable. Other vaginal medications should also be avoided a day or few days before the procedure is done. Colposcopy is a short procedure that takes ten to twenty minutes, where the patient lies on their back as a doctor uses a speculum alongside the colposcope to check for any abnormalities.

Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological cancers are cancers that occur at a female’s reproductive organs. Women are likely to suffer various types of cancers that pose potential effects on their reproductive organs. They may range from cervical, vaginal, uterine to vulvar cancers. It is crucial for every woman to keenly observe their bodies to understand their normality and detect any changes when they arise. For example, when a woman realizes the vaginal bleeding is abnormal, they should seek medical attention to understand the nature of the problem and address before it worsens. Some cancers, such as ovarian cancer, may be inherited from family members, increasing vulnerability to already affected families. Also, for cervical cancer, patients are likely to suffer Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Bibliography

“Abortion (Termination of Pregnancy),” n.d. Harvard Health Publishing. HARVARD

MEDICAL SCHOOL. https://www.health.harvard.edu/medical-tests-and-procedures/abortion-termination-of-pregnancy-a-to-z

“Gynecologic Surgery,” n.d. INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE. Retrieved from

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/womens-health/general-womens-health/gynecologic-surgery/

Somwanshi, S.B., Gaikwad, V.M., Dhamak, K.B., and Gaware, V.M., 2017. WOMEN‟ S

HEALTH ISSUE: A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON IRREGULARITIES IN MENSTRUATION.

“Uterine prolapse,” n.d. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases

conditions/uterine-prolapse/symptoms-causes/syc-20353458

“Vaginal Tear (Non-Obstetric)” n.d. FAIRVIEW. Retrieved from

https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/116680EN