Page 105 - 86 human physiology part-2

Chapter 16

At least three quarters of all women will experience candidiasis at some point in their lives. The
Candida albicans organism is found in the vaginas of almost all women and normally causes no
problems. However, when it gets out of balance with the other "normal flora," such as lactobacilli
(which can also be harmed by using douches), an overgrowth of yeast can result in noticeable
symptoms. Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex after anal sex in an
unhygienic manner, and using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be causally related to
yeast infections. Diabetes mellitus and the use of antibiotics are also linked to an increased incidence of
yeast infections. Candidiasis can be sexually transmitted between partners. Diet has been found to be
the cause in some animals. Hormone Replacement Therapy and Infertility Treatment may be factors.

There are also cancer's of the female reproductive system, such as:

1. Cervical cancer
2. Ovarian cancer
3. Uterine cancer
4. Breast cancer

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is the most common gynecological diseases, affecting more than 5.5 million women
in North America alone! The two most common symptoms are pain and infertility. In this disease a
specialized type of tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus,(the endometrium) becomes
implanted outside the uterus, most commonly on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the tissue lining the
pelvis. During the menstrual cycle, hormones signal the lining of the uterus to thicken to prepare for
possible pregnancy. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, the hormone levels decrease, causing the thickened
lining to shed.

When endometrial tissue is located in other parts it continues to act in it's normal way: It thickens,
breaks down and bleeds each month as the hormone levels rise and fall. However, because there's
nowhere for the blood from this mislocated tissue to exit the body, it becomes trapped and surrounding
tissue becomes irritated. Trapped blood may lead to growth of cysts. Cysts in turn may form scar tissue
and adhesions. This causes pain in the area of the misplaced tissue, usually the pelvis. Endometriosis
can cause fertility problems. In fact, scars and adhesions on the ovaries or fallopian tubes can prevent
pregnancy. Endometriosis can be mild, moderate or severe and tends to get worse over time without
treatment. The most common symptoms are:

1. Painful periods Pelvic pain and severe cramping, intense back pain and abdominal pain.
2. Pain at other times Women may experience pelvic pain during ovulation, sharp deep pain
in pelvis during intercourse, or pain during bowel movements or urination.
3. Excessive bleeding Heavy periods or bleeding between periods.
4. Infertility Approximately 30-40% of women

The cause of endometriosis remains mysterious. Scientists are studying the roles that hormones
and the immune system play in this condition. One theory holds that menstrual blood containing
endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes, takes root and grows. Another hypothesis
proposes that the bloodstream carries endometrial cells to other sites in the body. Still another theory
speculates that a predisposition toward endometriosis may be carried in the genes of certain families.

Other researchers believe that certain cells present within the abdomen in some women retain their

320 | Human Physiology