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6 Gynecological Conditions That Can Affect Your Uterus

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    A female reproductive system is quite vulnerable to many diseases and infections. The uterus is an organ that is located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. It has muscular walls and the lining (endometrium) that sheds during periods. In this article, we have gathered six gynecological conditions that can affect your uterus.

    1. Uterine fibroids

    Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the uterine walls, They can develop asymptomatically or cause certain unpleasant symptoms like spotting, pain during sex, heavy periods, lower back pain, etc. Uterine fibroids can vary in size. Some women have pea-sized fibroids while others may get a melon-sized tumor. 

    If your fibroids don’t cause any severe symptoms and don’t interfere with your normal activity, you can only monitor your condition. But if fibroids cause fertility issues or pain, it is better to remove them. 

    2. Uterine polyps

    Uterine polyps also grow on the uterine walls. They can cause irregular periods, spotting, and heavy blood flow during periods. In most cases, uterine polyps are benign but in five percent of cases, they can turn cancerous. That’s why it is recommended to remove them right after the diagnosis. 

    3. Adenomyosis 

    Adenomyosis is a condition in which the endometrial tissue starts to grow inside the uterine walls. Due to the fact that this tissue still grows and sheds throughout the menstrual cycle, adenomyosis can cause a lot of unpleasant symptoms. The most common of them are:

    • Heavy blood flow during periods
    • Prolonged periods
    • Severe menstrual cramps
    • Pelvic pain
    • Pain during sex
    • Pelvic pressure due to the enlargement of the uterus

    Even though adenomyosis doesn’t usually cause severe complications, pain and other symptoms can interfere with your regular activity. Treatment for adenomyosis usually includes anti-inflammatory medication and hormonal therapy. In most severe cases, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) can be the most effective option. 

    4. Endometriosis

    Endometriosis develops when the endometrium starts to overgrow and spreads on pelvic organs. This can result in pelvic pain, pain during sex, and severe cramping during periods. Due to the fact that endometrial tissue can grow on ovaries and fallopian tubes, endometriosis can cause infertility. Conservative surgery and medication can help ease your symptoms but only a hysterectomy can cope with this condition.

    5. Pelvic inflammatory disease

    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that affects pelvic organs including the uterus. It develops when the vaginal infection wasn’t treated properly or timely. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include chronic pelvic pain, pain during sex, abnormal discharge, unpleasant vaginal odor, and fever. PID can also cause scars that can cause infertility.

    If PID was caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection, your partner or partners should also be examined by a doctor and treated, if needed. Otherwise, you can become reinfected right after treatment. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated by antibiotics. 

    6. Uterine cancer

    Uterine cancer is a dangerous condition that affects the uterus. It can be divided into two types like endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. The symptoms of this condition include:

    • Bloody discharge or spotting
    •  Pelvic pain
    • Pain during sex
    • Difficulties during urination

    The most effective treatment for uterine cancer is hysterectomy. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can also help cope with this condition. You should understand that the earlier you start treatment, the more effective and easy it will be.

    The bottom line 

    Even though there are a lot of conditions that can affect the uterus, modern medicine can help you cope with them or at least ease their symptoms. To start treatment in time, it is essential to visit a gynecologist regularly to be diagnosed in the early stages.