Gynecological diseases: Specialists and information

What are gynecological diseases?

Do you suffer from abdominal pain, have problems with your menstrual cycle or are you going through the menopause? Then your concern is a case for gynecology(women's medicine). Doctors in this medical field are also called gynecologists.

In the worst case, some gynecological diseases can lead to infertility. They can therefore have far-reaching consequences for women who wish to have children. Such diseases can pose a life-threatening risk to mother and child during pregnancy.

Examples of typical gynecological diseases are

• Bladder weakness(urinary incontinence)
• Prolapse of the vagina and uterus
• Myomas (benign tumors of the uterus): These are generally harmless, but can cause and intensify symptoms such as menstrual pain. The latter, together with premenstrual syndrome, are menstrual cramps.

Gynecological symptoms are

• Hormonal and menstrual cycle disorders
• Various inflammations
• Age-related hormonal changes
• Cyst formation (which occurs especially in connection with puberty and the menopause)

Cysts are fluid-filled cavities that occur in the uterus and ovaries, among other places.

Uterine cancer and breast cancer are examples of malignant diseases of the female reproductive organs.

Gynaecologists are the first point of contact for gynaecological diseases © zinkevych | AdobeStock

Symptoms of gynecological diseases

Common symptoms of gynecological diseases are

• Pain in the breasts, abdomen and lower abdomen
• Fatigue
• General malaise
• Irregularities in the monthly cycle

Depending on the clinical picture, there are serious differences in the type and severity of the symptoms.

Inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive organs are also common, such as

• Uterine inflammation: lower abdominal pain and fever. Bleeding and a foul-smelling discharge from the uterus can also occur in the postpartum period.
• Cervicitis: Often occurs as a result of a vaginal infection. If this remains untreated, the inflammation can spread to the entire lining of the uterus (endometritis) and the uterine muscles (myometritis).
• Vaginitis (colpitis): One of the most common diseases of the female reproductive organs. The most common symptoms include discharge, pain, burning and itching.
• Ovary inflammation or inflammation of the fallopian tubes: Pain, fever and discharge. Can lead to infertility.
• Breast inflammation (mastitis): Headache and aching limbs, chills and general fatigue. The breast is very swollen and reddened, very painful and feels warm.
• Cysts: Depending on their size and location, can cause severe pressure, pain, problems urinating, etc.

Gynecological diseases: Causes & risk factors

There are many possible causes of complaints.

An unhealthy lifestyle is often responsible for hormonal and menstrual disorders.

These include

• Excessive stress
• Lack of sleep and relaxation
• A diet low in vital substances
• Smoking, alcohol consumption and pill abuse

Other factors that influence cycle disorders are

• Psychological problems
• Intensive workouts
• Unfavorable weather conditions such as cold and draughts

Inflammatory gynecological diseases, on the other hand, are due to an infection with viruses and/or bacteria.

Cervicitis is caused by pathogens such as

• Viruses such as herpes simplex viruses and HPV viruses
• Bacteria such as gonococci and chlamydia

Ovarian and fallopian tube inflammation can also be caused by chlamydia bacteria.

Vaginitis can be caused by pathogens during sexual intercourse.

In addition to bacteria, hormonal fluctuations and stress are also responsible for inflammation of the breast and mammary glands.

Examination, diagnosis & treatment of gynecological diseases

Gynaecology is divided into various sub-specialties, with urogynaecology being responsible for bladder problems.

Gynecological oncology deals with gynecological cancers.

There is a broad spectrum ofdiagnostic procedures in gynecology. These range from mammography and ultrasound examinations to hormone testing.

Preventive measures include

• A regular check-up by the doctor
• Pregnancy check-ups
• Vaccinations such as the HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.

Mammography is currently the best method for examining abnormalities in the breast @ Peakstock /AdobeStock

As part of gynecological screening, the gynecologist collects information on the patient's medical history, offers guidance on independent breast checks and examines the cervix and internal genital organs.

The treatment depends on the respective symptoms or clinical picture. The doctor generally uses conservative procedures and surgical interventions. The latter include the removal of the uterus, ovarian cysts, etc.

The doctor often treatsmenopausal symptoms with hormone therapy. The patient is given hormone medication containing progestogen and oestrogen, which the body produces to a minimum during the menopause.

Progression & prognosis of gynecological diseases

Many of the complaints listed here can be positively influenced by a healthy lifestyle.

You should therefore pay attention to

• A balanced diet
• Sufficient sleep and relaxation
• Regular exercise

This can lead to a reduction in symptoms.

Typical menopausal symptoms are

• Hot flushes
• tiredness
• fatigue
• aches and pains

Medical research is constantly changing. New, innovative therapeutic measures can therefore also be expected in the future.