Female Reproductive System Disorders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the female reproductive system is highly fragile and vulnerable to a number of infections, injuries and diseases. For this reason, it is crucial to visit your doctor annually, and take good care of your reproductive health. Health practices like having an annual pap smear and practicing safe sex can reduce your risk of many reproductive health problems. If you experience uncomfortable symptoms in your pelvic region including pain, itching, or unusual discharge, call your doctor. While some itching or discharge can be normal, these symptoms can sometimes be indicative of problems that need medical treatment.
Recently Answered
- Q What increases my risk for pelvic organ prolapse?
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Pregnancy and vaginal delivery of your baby are most likely to increase your risk for pelvic organ prolapse. The more babies you deliver vaginally, the more your risk increases. Also, having surgery in the pelvic area increases the likelihood that the... Full Answer
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- Q How does surgery treat pelvic organ prolapse?
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In severe cases of pelvic organ prolapse where other treatment methods have not alleviated the symptoms, surgery may be the treatment of choice. During this type of surgery, a surgeon repairs the weakened or damaged portion of the pelvic muscles and... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat pelvic organ prolapse?
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In some cases, some symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse might be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. For example, if bowel movements are an issue, your doctor might have you take laxatives to soften your stools. If you are... Full Answer
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- Q When should I call my doctor if I have pelvic organ prolapse?
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Call your doctor to schedule an appointment if: You notice a bulge of tissue inside your vagina or bulging out of your vagina. You have a sensation of pulling or increased pelvic pressure that is made worse when you strain or lift but is relieved when... Full Answer
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- Q What causes pelvic organ prolapse?
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Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by the failure of weakened or injured muscles and connective tissue in a woman's pelvis. The pelvic muscles and connective tissue stretch or break, allowing a pelvic organ, such as the uterus, cervix, bladder, urethra,... Full Answer
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- Q How does pelvic organ prolapse affect the body?
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With a pelvic organ prolapse, one or more of a woman's pelvic organs drop or push into her vaginal canal. Sometimes the organ protrudes out of the vagina as well. A prolapse is caused by a failure of weakened or damaged pelvic muscles, ligaments, and... Full Answer
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- Q How is pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed?
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Pelvic organ prolapse is generally diagnosed during a gynecological exam. Your physician will examine the position of the vaginal walls and cervix, and can identify if there are areas of prolapse. In some cases, defecography, an X-ray test, which is... Full Answer
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- Q Can pelvic organ prolapse be prevented?
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You can help prevent pelvic organ prolapse by addressing the risk factors that are within your control. For example, you can try to lose weight if you are obese. If you have a chronic cough, you can try to address the underlying cause, such as by... Full Answer
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- Q What is a pessary?
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Dr. Kevin Windom, Obstetrics & GynecologyA pessary is an intravaginal device that is usually made out of rubber. It is used to help with pelvic organ prolapse. When a patient has a cystocele, rectocele, or enterocele, these hernias can bulge into the vagina causing a significant amount of... Full Answer
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- Q What should I expect after having vaginal pessaries?
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Your pessary will be fitted at your doctor's office. You may need to experiment with different kinds of pessaries to find one that feels right for you. Your doctor will teach you how to remove, clean and reinsert the pessary on a regular schedule. The... Full Answer
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