1. Ovarian Cysts
What it is
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can be located anywhere in the body. The most common type of ovarian cyst is a functional cyst, which often forms during the normal menstrual cycle. Other cysts include endometriotic cyst (blood cyst), dermoid cyst as well as cancerous cyst. Generally, there aren’t any symptoms, but it is possible to have abdominal discomfort, menstrual cramps or painful intercourse. And if the cyst bursts or ruptures, the patient will experience severe abdominal pain.
Who gets it
Women in their 30s and 40s.
Solution
If the cyst is small, no treatment is needed. Oral medication may be used to control symptoms like cramps. If the cyst is large and causing pain and pressure symptoms, surgery may be required.
2. Menstrual Disorders
What it is
Menstrual disorders include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS), Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), Oligomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstruation), Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and Amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation). You might be familiar with PMS. The symptoms are tender breasts, weight gain, bloatedness, headaches, lower backaches, food cravings, fatigue, increased or decreased sexual desire, irritability and depression. Menstrual cramps can begin 2-3 years after the onset of menses. The "crampy" lower abominal pain can begin as early as 2 weeks before the menstrual period. The discomfort will ease with the period. However, if symptoms are disruptive to your lifestyle, consider seeing a specialist.
Who gets it
Any menstruating woman.
Solution
Treatments include painkillers, birth control pills, hormone therapy and even anti-depressants.
3. Vaginal Discharge
What it is
Vaginal discharge is fluid that is expelled on non-menstruating days. If the discharge is accompanied by a foul-smelling odour, there may be an infectious source. Physiologic factors like age, pregnancy and cyclical hormones can be a cause of vaginal discharge. Pathologic causes include thrush (candidiasis), bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis (a common sexually transmitted disease), chlamydia, gonorrhoea and tampons that are changed infrequently. Two common types: Thrush, characterised by a white chalky discharge, and BV, which has a fishy odour.
Who gets it
Any sexually active woman.
Solution
Women with severe vaginal discharge are prescribed oral preparations and vaginal pessaries (solid, bullet-shaped preparations for insertion into the vagina). For mild discharge, vaginal pessaries should suffice.
4. Subfertility
What it is
Subfertility is a delay of more than 2 years in conceiving after unprotected intercourse. It could be caused by sperm dysfunctions, ovulatory disorders, tubal blockage, endometriosis and non-consummation of sexual relationships.
Who gets it
Couples who have been actively trying for more than 2 years but cannot conceive, and older couples, especially if the woman is more than 35 years old.
Solution
It is recommended that you stop smoking and/or alcoholic bingeing, reduce weight if your BMI is greater than 25, take folic acid daily and screen for rubella. You will also need a pelvic assessment and blood investigations to check for ovulation, and immunity against rubella. Meanwhile, your partner will need to check his sperm quality. Some specialists may prescribe a course of Clomiphene Acetate to assist in the ovulation process and enhance the probability of pregnancy. If this fails, you can consider superovulation intrauterine insemination (SO-IUI) or test-tube babies (In-vitro Fertilisation).
5. Abnormal PAP Smears
What it is
PAP smears screen for cervical cancer and should be done every 3 years for sexually active women. Abnormal PAP smears could be due to infection, menopausal changes or even precancerous and cancerous changes.
Who gets it
Any sexually active woman.
Solution
Abnormal PAP smears need to be repeated every 4-6 months, or further assessed by your specialist with colposcopy, a method where the cervix (neck of womb) is examined under a magnified view. If there is abnormal tissue, a biopsy may be needed.