4 Conditions Affecting The Female Reproductive System and Their Treatments

Your female reproductive system has internal and external organs, such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and labia. Generally, the outer parts of your reproductive system safeguard the internal organs from infections and allow the entry of sperm into the vagina. Because of the complex nature of your reproductive system, it is often vulnerable to various diseases and dysfunctions. You may need the services of gynecologist Silver Spring if you have a condition resulting from abnormal fluctuations in reproductive hormones such as estrogen. Abnormal production and release of reproductive hormones may happen in the endocrine glands or ovaries.

Still, you may also have disorders or conditions that affect your reproductive system due to congenital abnormalities, genetics, tumors, or infections. In some instances, you may have diseases that have unknown causes.

Consequently, below are some common conditions or disorders that may affect your reproductive system and their potential treatments.

Endometriosis

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services estimates that more than 6 million women in America have endometriosis. When you have endometriosis, the tissue often lining your womb exists in other parts of your body.

The uterus lining often affects ovaries, fallopian tubes, and adjacent organs such as the bladder and bowel.

Your doctor may treat or manage your endometriosis through reliance on hormone therapy, pain medications, or the removal of ovaries.

Uterine fibroids

Also called uterine myoma, uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that often occur in the uterus during your childbearing years. The noncancerous growths of muscles and connective tissues can be large enough to cause heavy periods and severe abdominal pain and discomfort.

You can conservatively treat fibroids by making necessary dietary changes and using medications that regulate hormone levels. Avoid meat and foods rich in calories and instead regularly consume food and drinks packed with flavonoids. Also, drink green tea and consume cold-water fish such as sardines, salmon, cod, and tuna.

You can also relieve symptoms of fibroids using intrauterine devices (IUDs), oral contraceptive pills, or iron supplements. And if your condition is worse, your doctor may recommend fibroid surgery.

Gynecologic cancer

Cancer may affect your cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, or vulva.

Although cancer can start in a single part of your reproductive organ, it can spread throughout your body.

If your doctor diagnoses your cancer at an early stage when it has not spread and is not too large, that significantly improves the possibility of successful treatment.

Cancer treatments may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and bone marrow transplant.

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections

You will be infected if you have unprotected sex with someone with STDs or STIs such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, pubic lice, syphilis, or trichomoniasis.

STIs or STDs are infections transmitted through bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

There are no treatments to cure STDs. But, some treatments can help reduce the symptoms and severity of STDs. On the other hand, your health provider may treat your STI using antibiotics.

Contact Capital Women’s Care today to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist and learn more about potential conditions that may affect your reproductive system and their treatments and prevention options.