You have undoubtedly heard the advice at least once in your life that – “you should be aware of and pay heed to everything that goes on in your body.” Typically, this occurs at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. 

You may sometimes experience excessive bleeding, excruciating cramps, bloating, irrational mood swings, etc., during your periods. However, when these symptoms last for a more extended span than usual, it is time to sit up and notice. Your body is trying to alert you to the fact that something is seriously wrong.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a renowned gynecologist in Mumbai, says that while it is not necessary to become an expert in gynecology, it is a good idea to be aware of some of the common gynecological issues that women may have.

What are the common gynecological problems?

A gynecological problem is any problem with the female reproductive system, including the vagina, vulva, uterus, ovaries, or breasts. 

There are many different types of gynecological problems that women can suffer from. Some of the more common issues include:

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a condition a woman goes through during her menstruation days with intensely painful cramps and experiences pain in her lower back, hips, and inner thighs, nausea, and watery stools. The pain is often so severe that it interferes with a woman’s ability to work or perform daily activities.

The pain results from inadequate oxygen supply to the uterine muscles when they are contracting. Studies have revealed that, in most women, the level of pain lessens with age and is largely relieved after childbirth.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, an eminent gynecologist doctor in Mumbai, says that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat severe cases of dysmenorrhea. In contrast, moderate episodes can be managed with heat, mild pain relievers, and exercise.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) begins to grow outside of the uterus. The most common places for endometriosis to occur are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the outer surfaces of your uterus or intestines, and the tissue lining the pelvis. This can cause pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods.

Common treatments include over-the-counter pain medication, birth control pills, and hormone therapy. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, a highly-skilled gynecology specialist in Mumbai, also uses laparoscopic surgery to treat endometriosis. In this procedure, he makes a small incision close to your navel through which a thin viewing instrument (laparoscope) is inserted. A second small incision is used to insert instruments for removing endometrial tissue.

Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors that grow in the uterus. They are made up of smooth muscle and connective tissue. Fibroids can range in size from very small (the size of a pea) to very large (the size of a cantaloupe). Fibroids can grow on the outside of the uterus, in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), or the muscle of the uterus (myometrium).

They can cause heavy bleeding and pain, and put a lot of pressure on the bladder or rectum. These symptoms can be treated with medications that target the hormones that control your menstrual cycle. They may cause fibroids to shrink, but they do not remove them. 

Medications include OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers, birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, iron supplements, etc.,

Surgical techniques such as myomectomy procedures where the uterus is not damaged (to enable future pregnancies) include:

• Hysteroscopy: Hysteroscopy is a technique in which a hysteroscope (a flexible thin tube-like tool) is inserted through your vagina and cervix and into your uterus. The scope is utilized to scrape and remove the fibroids. There are no incisions made in this technique.
• Laparoscopy: As mentioned above, laparoscopic surgery involves multiple incisions to remove the problematic tissues.
• Laparotomy: A laparotomy is a type of surgery in which a large incision is made in the abdomen in order to access the abdominal organs.

If you do not wish to conceive in the future, then Mumbai’s accomplished gynecologist, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, may recommend a Hysterectomy.

• Hysterectomy: The uterus is entirely removed during this treatment. Your symptoms should go away, and the fibroids will not return when your uterus is completely removed. The only option for a long-term solution to fibroids is a hysterectomy.

Ovarian cysts

These are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the ovaries. They are usually harmless but can sometimes cause pain or bleeding. It is possible to treat certain cysts without removing the ovary; this procedure is called a cystectomy. 

However, in some instances, the ovary containing the cyst may occasionally be removed; this procedure is known as oophorectomy. Laparoscopic surgery, which uses a laparoscope and tools inserted through tiny abdominal incisions, is frequently used to conduct an oophorectomy surgery.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can be caused by an infection, irritation, or allergy. It can cause itching, burning, and discharge. Vaginitis is commonly treated with a course of antibiotics. However, in some cases, vaginitis can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast, in which case antifungal medication may be prescribed.

These are just some of the most common gynecological problems that women can suffer from. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please consult Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, often regarded as the best gynecologist in Mumbai, for his expert diagnosis and treatment.‌

Conclusion

It is, without any doubt, a fact that practically every woman on the planet experiences gynecological issues at some point in her life. Most of the time, these issues are minor and can be quickly resolved, but some of them can be substantial and impact a person’s fertility, and physical and mental health, significantly affecting their quality of life.

If you or a loved one is going through any gynecological discomfort or problems, please do not prolong seeking treatment. Visit a top-notch gynecologist like Dr. Hrishikesh Pai at the earliest for safe, reliable, and effective treatment options.