Women’s Services Conditions

Women’s Services Conditions

Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks contractions are contractions of the uterus which mimic labor contractions . They tend to occur randomly, last for 30 seconds to a minute, and begin in the second or third trimester. The discomfort of contractions can be alleviated by staying well hydrated, changing positions if sitting or lying down, or taking a warm bath.

Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia refers to the appearance of abnormal cells on the cervix when viewed under a microscope . While cervical dysplasia does indicate cancer, it is known as a pre-cancerous condition and up to half of untreated women may develop cancer. Regular pap smears are recommended.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus , typically in the fallopian tube. As the embryo grows, it will eventually burst out of the space containing it and cause severe bleeding and pain. Some medical conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) can increase a woman's risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue, which lines the uterus and nourishes an egg during pregnancy within the abdominal cavity or outside of other organs. Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of female infertility and can cause pain during menstruation or sex.

Female Infertility

Female infertility (less commonly called sterility) is the condition in which a woman is unable to become pregnant. This is often caused by hormonal imbalances, disorders of menstruation, being overweight or underweight, stress, or a medical problem - such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or a tumor.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. While many cases present with no symptoms, a number of herpes patients experience recurring outbreaks of small blisters on the genitals lasting up to a few weeks. There is no cure for genital herpes, but patients can manage outbreaks with medication and avoid passing the infection to others by using condoms.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are small, wart-like growths forming on the genitalia and anus as a result of exposure to the human papilloma virus, or HPV. The virus is transmited sexually and most cases do not present with symptoms; however, HPV exposure puts women at an increased risk for cervical cancer and anal cancer. While there is no cure for HPV infection, outbreaks of genital warts can be controlled with medication.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when a previously healthy woman develops an insulin resistance during pregnancy causing high blood glucose levels. Though having gestational diabetes does not mean that a woman will continue to be diabetic after giving birth, some women are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus typically due to serious health problems like cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or uterine prolapse. It is a fairly common operation - by age 60, 1 in 3 women in the United States has undergone a hysterectomy.

HPV

HPV, or the human papillomavirus, is a virus transmitted through sexual contact that can cause genital warts cervical cancer - though many cases present with no symptoms at all. HPV is one of the most common infections in the United States; condom use and regular STD screens are recommended to prevent contracting the infection.

Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (or UI) occurs twice as often in women than men. Sufferers may experience a brief loss of urine while running or coughing, while others may lose large amounts of urine following a strong urge to urinate. Kegel exercises, biofeedback training, medications and surgery can help treat incontinence.

Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone causing her to stop having menstrual periods. Menopause, defined as the point at which a woman has not had a period for one year, usually occurs around age 45. Women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or trouble sleeping.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia refers to heavy or prolonged bleeding during menstruation - sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Hormonal imbalances, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, an abnormal pregnancy, or other medical conditions can cause menorrhagia. It is commonly treated with oral contraceptives, hormone injections, or surgery.

No Period

Amenorrhea - the medical condition where a woman of childbearing age has no period - is most commonly caused by pregnancy. Amenorrhea is also common in women going through menopause and girls who have just begun to menstruate; however, medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal imbalances, or eating disorders can also cause a woman to stop having menstrual periods.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries causing pelvic pain, pressure or swelling in the abdomen, trouble urinating, vomiting, and pain during sex and menstruation. While many cysts may disappear without treatment, some women require surgery to remove them.

Pelvic Floor Disorder

A pelvic floor disorder is characterized by the weakening or damaging of the muscles of the pelvic floor which hold pelvic organs in place and allow them to function properly. Many women experience urinary incontinence, anal incontinence, or prolapse - a condition in which weighty pelvic organs begin to press down on the top of the vagina.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs causing abdominal pain, fever, irregular periods, pain during sex, and unusual discharge. PID is usually the result of an untreated sexually transmitted infection, and when right untreated, can cause infertility.

Perimenopause

The term perimenopause refers to the period in a woman's life surrounding menopause, wherein her body begins to undergo hormonal changes that cause her to stop menstruating. While menopause - defined as the point where a woman has not had a period in one year - is a marked point, perimenopause is a process lasting several years wherein women begin to notice menopause-related changes and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, missed periods, and mood swings.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a disease characterized by the growth of fluid-filled sacs called cysts on the ovaries causing irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, heart problems, acne, and excessive hair growth. PCOS is caused by high levels of male hormones called androgens in the body, which interfere with ovulation and pregnancy. Hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, and healthy lifestyle modifications can help treat the disorder.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder - or PMDD - is a collection of severe symptoms experienced in the weeks preceding a woman's menstrual period. In addition to physical symptoms like fatigue, body aches, breast tenderness, and bloating, women with PMDD may experience extreme mood swings and crying spells, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts. Oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medications can ease symptoms.

Preterm Labor

Premature labor, also called preterm labor, occurs when a woman goes into labor before her 37th week of pregnancy. Because premature birth is one of the top causes of infant death in the United States, medical staff will often take measures to stop labor if it begins too early. Certain infections, a shortened cervix, or a history of preterm labor can increase one's risk of giving birth prematurely.

Prolapse

Prolapse of the uterus occurs when the muscles stretching across the pelvis become too weak to support the uterus properly causing it to sink downward into the vaginal canal. Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis, pain during intercourse, frequent bladder infections, backache, and protruding of the uterus or cervix through the vaginal opening. Prolapse can be caused by normal aging or a history of vaginal births and can be treated non-surgically.

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is defined as a difficulty becoming aroused, having an orgasm, or simply a lack of desire. This can be related to physical, hormonal, psychological, or emotional problems. Treatment may involve medication, psychological therapy, or couples therapy.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs) are diseases or infections transmitted through oral or genital sexual contact. There are over 20 different types of STDs and, while many of them can be cured, a number of them can lead to permanent health complications such as infertility. Using condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome - or TSS - is a rare but serious bacterial infection associated with high-absorbency tampon use. Symptoms include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or mental changes such as confusion. Women are encouraged to change tampons frequently to prevent TSS.

Uterus Fibroids

Uterus fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are non-cancerous tumors consisting of muscle and other tissue which grow in and around the wall of the uterus. While many women will have no symptoms, some may experience heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, frequent urination, pain during sex, or reproductive problems. Medication or surgery can ease symptoms.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an uncomfortable inflammation of the vagina often caused by bacterial infection, yeast infections, irritating soaps or beauty products, or a natural loss of lubrication and thinning of the vaginal walls that makes the vagina more sensitive. Women may also experience discharge, odor, or pain during urination . Treatment typically consists of proper hygiene and medication.

Vaginosis

Vaginosis, or bacterial vaginosis, is a condition characterized by an abnormal balance of bacteria in the vagina causing pain, odor, discharge, itching, or burning. Treatment is typically a course of antibiotics, and women can reduce their risk of contracting the infection by avoiding douching and limiting their number of sex partners.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition marked by chronic pain in the vulva - the area surrounding the vaginal opening - with no clear cause. Women may experience different types and degrees of pain, and treatment may involve pain medication, topical creams, pelvic floor muscle therapy, or surgery.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections entail an irritation of the vagina and the vulva due to an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Symptoms may include swelling, burning, redness, soreness, and a thick, odorless, white discharge. Though most can be treated with over-the-counter medications, women who suspect that they have a yeast infection should see a doctor to be sure that they do not have a sexually transmitted disease.