Common Gynecological Problems, Explained

For women with gynecological problems, taking control starts with understanding their conditions. Learn about the most common gynecological problems women face and their symptoms.

Five of the Most Common Gynecological Problems

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding means irregular vaginal bleeding. The meaning changes depending on a woman’s stage of life. For example, any bleeding is abnormal for girls who have not started their period, pregnant women, or women who have gone through menopause.

For women who get their periods, abnormal bleeding can include heavy bleeding during periods, bleeding between periods, or not bleeding at all.

Symptoms include:

• Spotting between periods
  
• Periods lasting longer than seven days
  
• Severe pain during periods or sexual intercourse
  
• Using more than one pad or tampon an hour for several hours
  
• Periods more than 38 days apart or less than 24 days apart
  

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common gynecological problem that happens when endometrial tissue, which should line the inside of the uterus, grows outside it. If a woman doesn’t get pregnant during her cycle, the lining inside the uterus is shed during her period.

When endometrial tissue is outside the uterus, it still sheds but has nowhere to go, causing pain, swelling and scar tissue.

Symptoms include:

• Ongoing pelvic pain, especially before and during a period
  
• Pain during or after sexual activity
  
• Trouble getting pregnant
  
• Pain during bowel movements
  
• Pain when urinating
  
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
  

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They can happen at any age but are most common in women aged 30-40 and occur more often in African American women.

Types include:

• Submucosal fibroids – grow under the uterus lining
  
• Subserosal fibroids – grow on the outside of the uterus
  
• Intramural fibroids – grow inside the uterine wall
  

Symptoms include:

• Long, heavy periods
  
• Lower back pain
  
• Pain during sexual intercourse
  
• Frequent urination or trouble urinating
  
• Pressure in the abdomen
  

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological problem that happens when the tissues and ligaments that hold the vagina, bladder, rectum and uterus in place become weak or damaged. This causes pelvic organs to drop or move out of place.

Symptoms include:

• Pressure in the vagina or rectum
  
• Organs bulging outside the vagina
  
• Trouble fully emptying the bladder
  
• Trouble with urination or bowel movements
  

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of control over urination and is a common gynecological problem in women 35 and older. While common, it can be treated and should not be accepted as normal.

Types include:

• Stress urinary incontinence – leaks happen during physical activity, coughing, sneezing, or laughing
  
• Urgency urinary incontinence – leaks happen after a sudden, strong urge to urinate
  
• Mixed incontinence – symptoms of both types
  

Many women deal with these gynecological problems, but treatment options are available. Finding the right one starts with seeing a gynecologist. If you don’t already have one, make an appointment with one of our ob-gyns at Baptist Health.