03/11/2025
Diseases and Disorders of the female reproductive systemFemale reproductive disorders include conditions like endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus; polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), which affects ovaries and hormone levels; and uterine fibroids, or noncancerous growths in the uterus. Other common disorders are infections such as vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), as well as menstrual problems like heavy bleeding or absent periods. Reproductive cancers, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and infertility are also significant disorders.
Common disorders
Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus.
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS): Ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones, which can lead to irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth.
Uterine fibroids: Benign growths in the uterus.
Vaginitis: Inflammation of the va**na, often caused by infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections (va**nal candidiasis).
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Inflammation of the reproductive organs, which can be caused by untreated STIs.
Menstrual disorders: Conditions like heavy or irregular bleeding (abnormal uterine bleeding) and painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
Infertility: The inability to become pregnant.
Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on or in the ovaries.
Cancers
Cervical cancer: Cancer of the cervix, often linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Ovarian cancer: Cancer of the ovaries.
Endometrial cancer: Cancer of the uterine lining.
Vulvar cancer: Cancer of the v***a, also associated with HPV.
Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections transmitted through sexual contact that can affect reproductive health if left untreated. Common examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and herpes.
Other conditions
Asherman syndrome: The development of scar tissue in the uterus, which can lead to menstrual problems or infertility.
Ovarian torsion: Twisting of an o***y, which can cut off blood flow.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): A collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before a menstrual period.
Prolapse: A condition where pelvic organs descend from their normal position, such as uterine prolapse.