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 Is it safe to have sex if I have a pelvic prolapse?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIt is safe to have sex if you have a pelvic prolapse, although it may be uncomfortable. Learn more this video with Dr. Oz, Dr. Elizabeth Mueller, Dr. MaryPat Fitzgerald, and Dr. Kimberly Kenton. Full Answer
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- Q What conditions can affect the uterus?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOccasionally, something happens that changes the integrity of this hardy muscular organ, causing everything from annoying abdominal cramps to more serious symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, bleeding, pregnancy loss, or bladder and gastrointestinal... Full Answer
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- Q Do I need to be worried about vaginal bleeding with a discharge?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyVaginal bleeding accompanied by a discharge, odor or severe pain are some of the types of abnormal bleeding that should be checked by your doctor. Watch Dr. Oz discuss abnormal vaginal bleeding and uterine cancer. Full Answer
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- Q How do vaginal support devices treat pelvic organ prolapse?
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Vaginal support devices known as pessaries are sometimes used to treat severe pelvic organ prolapse where an organ is protruding into the vaginal canal. A pessary is a small, removable device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organ... Full Answer
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- Q How do incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse affect a woman’s sexuality?
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Dr. Jill Rabin, Obstetrics & GynecologyRecent studies have shown that women with incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse experience the same amount of desire for intercourse, frequency of sexual activity, pain with intercourse, and satisfaction in their relationships as women without these... Full Answer
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- Q How does growing older increase the risk for pelvic organ prolapse?
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As you grow older, your risk for pelvic organ prolapse increases because the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments in the pelvis tend to become stretched and weakened over time. In addition, particularly after menopause, your body's reduced estrogen... Full Answer
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- Q How do I do the exercises that treat pelvic organ prolapse?
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A targeted type of exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscles is often used to treat the symptoms that accompany pelvic organ prolapse. Known as Kegel exercises, they target the pelvic muscles that help support the vagina, urethra, and rectum. In order... Full Answer
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- Q How does pregnancy increase the risk for pelvic organ prolapse?
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Being pregnant can increase the risk for pelvic organ prolapse by stretching and weakening the muscles, connective tissue, and other structures in a woman's pelvis. Vaginal delivery can also have this effect, and your risk for prolapse goes up with each... Full Answer
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- Q How can lifestyle changes help improve pelvic organ prolapse?
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Some of the potential symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can be improved with lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and weight loss. For example, dietary changes may help if the bladder or bowel is affected. Reducing the amount of fluids you drink... Full Answer
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- Q Does a hysterectomy increase my risk for pelvic organ prolapse?
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Having a hysterectomy can increase your risk for pelvic organ prolapse. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. This procedure can have a profound effect on the structures that surround the uterus, including other organs, muscles,... Full Answer
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