Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
What is it? Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) refers to bleeding from the uterus that differs in regularity, volume, frequency, or duration from normal menstrual patterns. Common Causes: The most common causes include hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, and malignancy.
Treatment: Treatment options vary depending on the cause and may include hormonal therapies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and surgical options like hysteroscopy or
endometrial ablation.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What is it? PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Symptoms: Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, acne, obesity, and sometimes
infertility.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on clinical presentations, ultrasound findings, and laboratory tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment: Management includes lifestyle modifications, hormonal contraceptives, anti-androgens, and insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin.
Endometriosis
What is it? Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the
endometrium grows outside the uterus, causing pain and sometimes infertility.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is often confirmed by laparoscopy, which allows for direct visualization and biopsy of endometrial implants.
Treatment: Treatment options include pain management, hormonal therapies, and surgical interventions to remove endometriotic lesions.
Cervical Cancer
What is it? Cervical cancer originates from the cells lining the cervix and is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Symptoms: Early-stage cervical cancer may be asymptomatic, but advanced stages can present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia.
Diagnosis: Screening with
Pap smears and HPV testing are crucial for early detection. Colposcopy and biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer.
Urinary Incontinence
What is it? Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine. It can significantly affect quality of life and is more common in women. Types: The most common types are stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and sometimes urodynamic testing.
Treatment: Management includes lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and surgical interventions like sling procedures or bladder neck suspension.
Ovarian Cysts
What is it? Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. Most ovarian cysts are benign and asymptomatic. Symptoms: When symptoms occur, they may include pelvic pain, bloating, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is typically made through pelvic ultrasound. Additional tests may be needed to rule out malignancy.
Treatment: Small, asymptomatic cysts may resolve on their own. Larger or symptomatic cysts may require hormonal treatment or surgical removal.
