Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

Vaginitis Common medical condition This is a vaginal infection or irritation Symptoms are similar in all types, a thick discharge, odor, itching, and burning during urination only a doctor can diagnose and provide medicine for it

Endometriosis Tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, in the pelvic cavity This causes pain in the pelvic area, especially during menstrual periods This can often lead to sterility This can sometimes be corrected with hormones or through surgery where they can remove unwanted tissue

Toxic Shock Syndrome A bacterial infection Usually found in menstruation women who use tampons although there is no connections between tampons and TSS, it is important to change tampons frequently to avoid infection Symptoms include sudden high fever, a rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness It is important to get to a physician or emergency room as this can cause death

Sterility Most common form is the blocking of the fallopian tubes, failure of the ovaries to release eggs, and endometriosis Forms can often be treated through surgery or hormone therapy

Cysts and Cancer an ovarian cyst is a growth on the inside of the ovary, small cyst are common in women of all ages can usually disappear on their own Large cyst can be painful and are surgically removed Cancer is a serious disease that affect many of the organs of the female reproductive system

Pap test A medical procedure in which a sample of cells us taken from the cervix and usually examined for signs of cancer Women should get Pap tests once they start menstruating and at least once a year