Winter 2014
Women’s health can be influenced by a variety of factors. It involves knowing your family history, preventative care, and attending to problems. During her lifetime, every woman likely will encounter some type of issue and should maintain routine gynecological care to stay as healthy as possible. We’ve highlighted the top five gynecological disorders most commonly seen in women today.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis creates chronic pelvic pain. It may be intermittent menstrual or daily pain and is the chief cause of infertility. Dr. Kerry Kirkman of Cypress Women’s Center explains that with endometriosis, small cells within the uterine wall are also outside the womb in the pelvic area. As the cycle ends, and the uterine lining shed, the cells in the pelvic area cannot be expelled. They gather water and inflame. If endometriosis is suspected, doctors prescribe birth control pills to suppress the cycle which works in 80% of cases early on. The danger lies, not in pain, but in possible obstruction from adhesions due to inflammation.
Priscilla Cordero suffers from endometriosis which began a decade ago. Her cousin was diagnosed, which led Cordero to seek treatment, and she remains hopeful. “My cousin is a barometer for symptoms and support,” says Cordero, who also sought an aid network. “Women diagnosed with this disease are Endo Sisters, who encourage and help one another in any way we can.”
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The human papilloma virus can cause pre- or cancerous changes to the cervix. If undetected, it also can affect the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and even head and neck. Vaccination, as early as 12 years in both males and females up to age 26, can protect health. This vaccine works on four forms of the virus, which cause cancer and genital warts. It can be detected via Pap smear and is usually treated with prescription cream. Regarding reproductive health, Dr. Jonathan Russell of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital suggests, “Have a good dialogue with your physician, listen to your body and seek attention when needed. The sooner we take care of problems, the better. And know your health history.”
Infertility
“There are three main components of infertility,” says Dr. Kirkman. “Forty percent is hormonal, 30% is male factor, and 15% is anatomical, while 5% unexplained.” Generally, if a woman under 35 years does not conceive naturally within one year, or a woman over 35 years in six months, she may have a problem. Hormonal issues might include not releasing an egg, while anatomical problems run the gamut from extra uterine tissue to lack of a uterus. For the male factor, a semen sample determines quantity and motility. Diagnosis is vital to guard against sexually transmitted disease or life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can be benign or malignant, typically presenting as pelvic or abdominal pain and bloating. Most cysts are benign, but one can twist during heavy exercise, causing severe pain and reducing the blood flow to an ovary. The bigger threat is ignoring a malignant cyst, which causes cancer. Dr. Russell says, “The first line of detection is listening to signs and symptoms and getting regular exams.” Physicians usually can catch changes in the pelvis and uterus through internal and external palpation.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This disorder presents in two ways: pelvic pain and irregular cycles over 45 days apart. Patients typically are overweight, glucose intolerant, and present male hair patterns. The name is derived from grape-like clusters on the ovaries shown in an ultrasound. It runs in families and can be determined from a hormone test. “Generally, estrogen levels are high, simulating pregnancy, so a patient doesn’t have regular periods,” says Dr. Kirkman. This becomes worrisome with age as the eventual cycles are heavy, increasing the chances of anemia and infertility. More progesterone added to the cycle often balances the problem. CFM