Two Common Health Concerns for Women

Some women suffer from painful abdominal cramping once a month. By simply taking over-the-counter pain relievers, they typically can find relief. However, sometimes the pain and discomfort are accompanied by other symptoms and it is time to seek medical care.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects the uterus. This problem occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other places such as on the ovaries, behind the uterus, on the bowels or the bladder. When the tissue grows outside of the uterus, it can cause pain in the abdomen, pelvis and lower back; heavy periods; spotting between periods and infertility. It can also cause bloating, nausea and fatigue and back pain.

“The two greatest effects of endometriosis are some pelvic pain and infertility,” said Shaina Lipchinsky, CRNP, a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with Penn Highlands Gynecology. “Some women are not aware that they have this condition until they have trouble conceiving or have gynecologic surgery for a different reason.”

Causes and Treatments

While the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, there are factors that can contribute to its development such as:

• Genetics play a significant role in the development

• Retrograde menstruation which means menstrual tissue flows backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis cavity where it can implant and grow

While there is no cure, a variety of treatment options are available. Treatment focuses on relieving or reducing pain; shrinking or slowing the endometrial growths; preserving or restoring fertility; preventing recurrences. Treatments could include:

• Pain medication to manage discomfort

• Hormonal therapies to suppress estrogen

• Laparoscopic surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women of reproductive age. They grow in and around the uterus and are made of muscle cells and other tissues.

“The common cause of fibroids is genetic predisposition,” said Shaina. “African American women have a greater risk.”

Symptoms and Treatments

While some women do not have any symptoms, the most common ones include:

• Heavy or painful periods

• Bleeding between periods

• Frequent urination

• Painful intercourse

• Lower back pain

• Infertility

• Multiple miscarriages

“Treatment varies based on many factors such as the severity of the symptoms, as well as the size and location of the fibroids,” explained Shaina.

Treatments range from pain relievers and hormonal medications to minimally invasive procedures that use heat to destroy the fibroids to surgical removal or a hysterectomy.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of endometriosis or uterine fibroids, it is best to consult a gynecologist or a specialist in women’s health. From preventive screenings to maternity care to the special needs of women after menopause, Penn Highlands Healthcare provides comprehensive women’s health services throughout Pennsylvania for women of all ages. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/women.