Common Sex Related problems in Women

Miscarriage or abortion, which is an abnormal discharge of the growing baby in the uterus before 28 weeks of development, can be another reason for bleeding. Abortion could sometimes be a way in which nature eliminates an abnormal pregnancy, but most times this may not be the case. It could be caused by many factors: the most common reason could be ill health, hormonal or blood-grouping factor.

Miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy. It can occur in up to 20 per cent of all recognised pregnancies. A miscarriage is caused by the separation of the foetus and placenta from the uterine wall. Miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends without an obvious cause before the foetus is capable of survival, typically corresponding to the 20th to 22nd week. This time is measured from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period.

We also have the ectopic pregnancy, which happens when an embryo implants and begins growing somewhere outside of the uterus, usually the fallopian tube because the fertilised egg fails to make its way normally into the uterus. The symptoms include sharp pelvic pain or cramps (particularly on one side), vaginal bleeding, nausea, and dizziness. Ectopic Pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment. Placenta previa can also be another reason for bleeding, this type of bleeding most times occurs at around 5-6 months or 7-9 months of pregnancy. Placenta Previa is a case in which the placenta of the growing baby is not properly attached to the uterus. A normal placenta should be situated at the upper part of the uterus. However, in the case of placenta Previa, the placenta is situated wholly or partially in the lower part of the uterus. The stretching of the lower section of the uterus during the latter weeks of pregnancy causes premature separation of the misplaced placenta and consequently leads to bleeding. The bleeding is painless because blood is not normally retained in the uterus. Whatever may be the reason for vaginal bleeding, a visit to the doctor for proper investigation and treatment is most appropriate.

Abnormal vaginal discharges is another sexual health challenge faced by couples. This in particular prevent intimacy. Normal vaginal discharges consist of clear or cloudy white mucus; when it dries up it leaves a slight yellow colour with a mild odour but not offensive on the panties (the secretions are slightly acidic in nature.) The amount of vagina discharges differs from one woman to the other. Normally, the vagina will always be moist with a cleansing agent; this is the natural way of protecting and cleansing the organ.

At different times, the quality and quantity of its secretion maybe influenced by the release of some sexual hormones, ovulation, menstrual cycle or the use of some contraceptive pills, and sometimes due to sexual excitement. Yet, these changes are not out of proportion. However, when the quality, quantity and the texture changes to an abnormal colour, offensive smell, sometimes pus-like in nature, occurs accompanied by vagina itching, swelling, pains or irritations, this becomes abnormal.

The under-listed cases may be the reason for these abnormalities – infection with sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes and trichomoniasis or yeast infection. Trichomoniasis, otherwise known as thrust, is the most common vaginal infection. Seventy-five per cent of all women develop a yeast infection at some point during their lives. Recurring yeast infections may be a sign of a serious disease such as diabetes. Diabetes can lower the glycogen store in certain vaginal cells. Diabetes may also raise the sugar content (and pH) of the vagina, which increases the risk for developing a vaginal yeast infection.

Other causes of yeast infection include the use of douches or feminine hygiene sprays, scratches in the vagina (for example, caused during insertion of tampons or other objects), tight underwear that is made of materials other than cotton (this can increase temperature, moisture, and local irritation), hormonal changes such as ovulation , menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy, stress, leukaemia, or the use of steroids. Normally, the vagina is an organ that maintains its own balance of microorganisms, but when this balance is disrupted, such as when the fungus candida albicans is allowed to multiply unchecked, a vaginal yeast infection can result.

The following are some of the factors that can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms that live in the vagina:

The use of antibiotics taken to treat other conditions. This can destroy bacteria that protect the vagina. The following are the guidelines women should follow to prevent vaginal yeast infection. Keep the vaginal area dry, especially after a shower. Wipe from front to rear after using the toilet. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear; avoid tight-fitting jeans or pantyhose. This helps to keep the vaginal area dry and reduce irritation. Avoid chemical irritants in deodorant tampons and do not use douches or feminine hygiene products. Clean the hand and shaft of the penis of your husband with a ‘baby wiper’ or wet napkin before sex if he is reluctant to take a shower after work.

The endometrium is the inner layer of uterine tissue that is discarded during menstruation. The thickness of the endometrial layer is related to the egg-producing (ovulation) cycle and the hormonal levels that regulate this cycle. The endometrium is at its thinnest immediately following menstruation and thickens during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Once the release of the egg (ovulation) has occurred, the endometrial tissue becomes rich in glands. The whole process prepares the uterus for the attachment of a fertilised egg. If implantation does not occur, the endometrial layer is shed, and bleeding, known as menstruation (a period), begins. Endometriosis occurs when the growth of this endometrial tissue develops outside the uterus. This growth usually occurs within the pelvic region on the ovaries and other pelvic structures, such as the bladder and colon, but it may occur within the abdominal cavity and as far away as the lungs, arms, legs, and even the brain. Endometriosis affects women during their reproductive years. It can cause pelvic pain and infertility. You may be at risk for developing it if you have a family history of the disease. With endometriosis, uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus and may damage the ovaries and fallopian tubes. The most common symptom noted by women with endometriosis is pelvic pain that is worse just before menstruation, which then improves at the end of the menstrual period. Infertility is a common symptom of endometriosis, although not all women who have fertility problems have endometriosis.

One of the most serious complications of STDs is pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. This infection can cause permanent damage to the uterus, ovaries, andthe fallopian tube. In fact, it is the leading preventable cause of infertility in women. Symptoms include belly pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or urination. PID is treated with antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery.