Historically, the topic of biologically female reproductive health has been a polarized one, often glossed over or omitted entirely from primary and secondary education in the United States. Despite the inaccessibility of this foundational knowledge, having a strong understanding of how our bodies work is crucial to receiving the high-quality healthcare that humans have a right to experience. Some issues that people with uteruses may experience regarding their reproductive health include endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, and various cancers.
Recognizing symptoms early can have life-changing implications for treatment. Listed below are brief descriptions of some common reproductive conditions and what their symptoms may present as. While these are common diagnoses among people with uteruses, this is not an exhaustive list of all ailments one can acquire.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by tissue resembling that which is found in the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus. It has been found to be accompanied by depression and anxiety in many diagnosed individuals. Some symptoms include but are not limited to painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain after intercourse, and infertility.
PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS for short, is a condition characterized by many cysts on the ovaries. This tends to be accompanied by high androgen levels, which are hormones typically found in higher concentrations in biological males. Some symptoms include but are not limited to missing or irregular periods, extra body hair, weight gain around the belly, infertility, or skin tags around the neck or armpits.
Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths found in the uterus. These growths are common and vary in size, location, and shape. While they often cause no symptoms, in some cases, symptoms can include heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or pain, changes in urination behavior, pain in the stomach area or lower back, constipation, or pain during sex.
Gynecologic cancers: There are various types of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Attached below is an image outlining where each cancer is located in the body (note: the vulva is not labeled in this diagram, but it is pictured as the external structures of the genitalia). While symptoms vary for each type of cancer, there are some that cover multiple diagnoses. Abnormal discharge or bleeding are symptoms of all the aforementioned cancers except vulvar cancer. Abdominal or back pain accompanied by bloating and discomfort while eating is associated with ovarian cancer. Pelvic pain or pressure is common in uterine and ovarian cancers. These are just a few examples of symptoms associated with gynecologic cancers. It is important to stay informed about what to look out for in order to address these conditions appropriately.
While there is much work to do to destigmatize the conversation surrounding reproductive health, practicing healthy habits can help prevent conditions associated with reproductive diseases. Some habits to incorporate into daily life include eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and drinking, maintaining a healthy weight, and using contraception. For more information on how external factors relate to reproductive health, see the source below titled "Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease." For preventative measures, it is important to screen for cervical cancer with a routine Pap smear once sexually active or when it is suggested by your physician. Performing a self-breast exam around the same stage of your menstrual cycle every month is important in order to keep track of any new growths forming in the breast. See the figure below for guidance on how to perform a self-breast exam.
Seeking healthcare may not always be a feasible option for everyone. It can be a tedious, long, and often costly process. For assistance on where to get medical care, linked below are affordable alternatives that can be filtered by location, as well as helpful resources for more specific reproductive needs and education. Empowering ourselves with knowledge and advocating for our own reproductive health are vital steps toward achieving the quality care we deserve. By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our health is prioritized.
Seeking affordable care:
Sources:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Endometriosis: Yale Medicine
Fibroids: Mayo Clinic
Gynecological cancers: CDC
Self breast exam: Breastcancer.org
Diet and Fertility Status: Relevance in Health and Disease: NCBI Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board