Page 104 - 86 human physiology part-2

The Female Reproductive System

Diseases and Disorders of the Female Reproductive
System

Women are commonly dealing with many different diseases and disorders that pertain to the
reproductive system. Here are some of the most common:

1. Vulvovaginitis (pronounced:vul-vo-vah-juh-ni-tus) is an inflammation of the vulva and
vagina. It may be caused by irritating substances such as laundry soap, bubble baths or poor
hygiene such as wiping from back to front. Symptoms include redness and itching in these areas
and sometimes vaginal discharge. It can also be caused by an overgrowth of candida, a fungus
normally present in the vagina.
2. Nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding is most commonly due to the presence of a foreign body
in the vagina. It may also be due to urethral prolapse, a condition in which the mucous
membranes of the urethra protrude into the vagina and forms a tiny, donut shaped mass of tissue
that bleeds easily. It can also be due to a straddle injury or vaginal trauma from sexual abuse.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg or zygote doesn't travel into the uterus,
but instead grows rapidly in the fallopian tube. Women with this condition can develop severe
abdominal pain and should see a doctor because surgery may be necessary.
4. Ovarian tumors,although rare, can occur. Women with ovarian tumors may have
abdominal pain and masses that can be felt in the abdomen. Surgery may be needed to remove
the tumor.
5. Ovarian cysts are noncancerous sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material. Although they
are common and generally harmless, they can become a problem if they grow very large. Large
cysts may push on surrounding organs, causing abdominal pain. In most cases, cysts will pass or
disappear on their own and treatment is not necessary. If the cysts are painful and occur
frequently, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to alter their growth and occurrences.
Surgery is also an option if they need to be removed.
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone disorder in which too many hormones are
produced by the ovaries. This condition causes the ovaries to become enlarged and develop
many fluid filled sacs or cysts. It often first appears during the teen years. Depending on the
type and the severity of the condition, it may be treated with drugs to regulate hormone balance
and menstruation.
7. Trichomonas vaginalis inflammatory condition of the vagina usually a bacterial infection
also called vaginosis.
8. Dysmenorrhea is painful periods.
9. Menorrhagia is when a women has very heavy periods with excess bleeding.
10.Oligomenorrhea is when a woman misses or has infrequent periods, even though she has
been menstruating for a while and is not pregnant.
11.Amenorrhea is when a girl has not started her period by the time she is 16 years old or 3
years after puberty has started, has not developed signs of puberty by 14, or has had normal
periods but has stopped menstruating for some reasons other than pregnancy.
12.Toxic shock syndrome is caused by toxins released into the body during a type of
bacterial infection that is more likely to develop if a tampon is left in too long. It can produce
high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and shock.
13.Candidasis symptoms of yeast infections include itching, burning and discharge. Yeast
organisms are always present in all people, but are usually prevented from "overgrowth"
(uncontrolled multiplication resulting in symptoms) by naturally occurring microorganisms.

Wikibooks | 319