Women’s reproductive health often gets brushed under the carpet when it comes to funding and research in the medical world. That doesn’t in any way mean that advancements in women’s health are not happening, and that a diagnosis of any issues means that quality of life must be severely compromised.
A lot of these problems go undetected because dialogue around women’s health is actively discouraged and restricted, owing to cultural and religious taboos. Thus, people can spend a lifetime not knowing what the problem is. PCOS treatment, STD cures, and infertility treatments are all out of reach for women to pursue, which, in turn, causes more pain and discomfort. To dismantle that taboo, awareness and normalization are the tools we need.
The Most Prevalent Disorders in Women’s Reproductive Health
Although many diseases are plaguing specific demographics of women worldwide, the 4 main ones for the purpose of this comprehensive guide include-
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Genital Warts
- Breast Cancer
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, as it is commonly known, is by far the most common hormonal reproductive disorder in women. It induces menstrual irregularity, higher-than-average levels of androgen activity, and even infertility.
Research claims that the quality of a woman’s life decreases significantly after a PCOS diagnosis. The reason behind this assertion is that the corresponding signs and symptoms can cause extreme emotional damage and result in low self-esteem, leading to more neurotic thoughts and behaviors.
Unfortunately, there is no unanimously agreed cause for this disorder. Some say that it is passed down genetically, while others believe risk factors like obesity can be the dominant cause of PCOS. While there is no cure, there are several methods of treatment which enable a better quality of life for PCOS sufferers.
Endometriosis
When cells growing inside the uterus on the endometrium layer start growing outside of it, the result is a condition called endometriosis. Like PCOS, its exact cause is unknown, but scientists and doctors assume that genetics play a crucial role.
If you are directly related to a female diagnosed with endometriosis, it can increase your chances of contracting it tenfold. Certain studies also show that environmental factors can play a role, specifically exposure to a class of toxins called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.
These toxins are primarily taken in through food, water, and other beverages and can cause permanent damage to your biological hormonal system. Sadly, there is no cure for endometriosis as of yet. Pain medications and surgical interventions can alleviate some of the symptoms, though.
This disorder is complicated to diagnose, as only a biopsy can confirm it. Doctors usually dismiss the patient’s concerns and only prescribe painkillers instead of conducting proper investigations, so be sure to ask them to check again!
Genital Warts
If you start to get itchy warts around your genital area after one to eight months of sexual contact, then that means you might have genitalia warts. This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a specific type of HPV virus.
Like all viruses, it is possible to pass this on from mother to child in utero. However, this specific disease is highly dangerous as it can be passed down while changing diapers due to direct skin-to-skin contact. Studies are divergent on whether or not condoms prevent infections, but it is generally agreed that they decrease the risk of infection in men more than women.
Visual confirmation or biopsies are used to diagnose people with this specific disease. Genital Warts treatment usually includes the HPV vaccine, although it is more of a preventative measure than a therapeutic one. Ideally, it should be taken before the start of any sexual activity to prevent such issues. Many countries have made it a routine vaccination for girls.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that predominantly affects women and is thus riddled with misinformation and myths. A lot of symptoms often go undetected as women ignore their bodies and do not perform routine self-checkups regularly.
Any lumps or dimpling in the breast is the biggest physical indicator of the disease. Self-checks can be helpful and can make you aware of any abnormal changes in your anatomy. The risk factors can be as uncontrollable as being a woman and early menstruation to hormone replacement therapies during menopause.
It might seem like a cruel disease, and that’s because it is; it claims thousands of lives everywhere, the majority being women. Yet, research around the disease is still grossly underfunded, and dangerous myths still roam carefree.
Fortunately for us, Breast Cancer Awareness Week is a global movement that devotes an entire week to spreading awareness about the deadly cancer so that the next generation of young girls can stay vigilant of this disease.
All of these reproductive disorders have caused immense harm and anxiety to women all over the world, but change is happening slowly, and interest in these disorders is growing.
What Do Gynecologists Have To Say?
A leading gynecologist in Dubai was reported to have said that women today are more likely to be confident when it comes to their reproductive health and are willing to fight for a diagnosis that satisfies them. All of this bodes well for younger women, with serious and holistic health plans making their lives much easier.
