Women are often more at risk of developing certain health conditions than men, and it’s essential to make sure that you’re taking the necessary steps to keep your health in check. Most women are more likely to be screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer than other common health issues.
The following common health issues sometimes get overlooked by women because they’re considered “female” problems. Still, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.
5 Common Health Issues Women Should Get Checked For
1. Uterine Fibroids
Most people don’t know what uterine fibroids are, even though they’re one of the most common medical conditions of childbearing age. Such fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors (not cancerous). They typically start developing during puberty and become more common with age. Technically speaking, uterine fibroids are noncancerous and rarely turn the uterus cancerous.
A fibroid is a mass that develops within the uterus. Fibroids can range from tiny seedlings to large masses that distort and enlarge the uterus. Multiple fibroids can make the womb grow too large, reaching the rib cage and causing excessive weight gain.
Uterine fibroids may affect many women at some point in their lives. Without symptoms or medical checkups, fibroids usually go undetected for a long time. Many uterine fibroid cases are discovered during a pelvic exam or a prenatal ultrasound. If the doctor detects any fibroids, you can begin uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN.
2. Problems with Menstruation
Period problems, such as heavy, scant, missed, or irregular periods, are widespread among women. Period cramps are still a common ailment among women.
Sometimes periods can be heavy. It’s estimated that 9 out of 100 women will experience heavy periods. The first step to take if this is a problem for you is to see a doctor to rule out the underlying cause.
However, heavy periods can impact a woman’s daily life and, in some cases, lead to anemia caused by iron deficiency. If you have been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, see your doctor diagnose the problem as soon as possible.
3. Thyroid Problems
Thyroid disease disproportionately affects women who are generally hypothyroid (with low levels of thyroid hormones). Symptoms are abrupt weight gain, extreme sluggishness, or being tired. This issue is compounded when a woman does not have a healthy hormone balance. High hormone levels can also cause an early onset of menopause.
Pregnancy is known to cause an increase in thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Autoimmune thyroiditis is another risk factor for hypothyroidism women should look out for. About 5-10% of women suffer from this condition within one year after birth.
4. Sexual Health and Bladder Issues
In this new era, women must be aware of the sexual and bladder Health Issues. Women are at higher risk than men of getting sexually transmitted diseases or urinary tract infections. For example, women often have less noticeable symptoms or a higher rate of misdiagnosis for STDs, so they’re not as likely to be treated as soon as men are. STDs can have severe implications for women, such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. Besides sexual health, women need to be mindful of their hygiene. For example, because the urethra is shorter in women, infections have a shorter distance to travel to get to their bladder and cause issues like UTIs. That’s why it’s important for women not to hesitate when they feel like something’s wrong and talk to their doctor.
5. Fertility Problems
According to a recent report, India’s fertility rate has decreased by more than half, from 4.97 to 2.3. The numbers will decline to 2.1 between 2025 and 30, 1.86 between 2045 and 50, and 1.78 between 2095 and 100. The current infertility rate ranges from 10 to 14 percent, with one out of every six couples experiencing infertility in urban areas.
PCOS, STDs, post-partum infections, pelvic inflammations, contraceptives complications, and other factors can all contribute to infertility in women. Infertility can be exacerbated by lifestyle issues such as smoking, drinking, eating processed foods, and being under physical and emotional stress.
Depending on the underlying cause, infertility could be treated with the help of a specialist. Your doctor may recommend specific hormone tests better to understand your condition, including the FSH test.
As a woman, eating healthy and taking care of your body is essential. It can be hard to do but try to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of exercises, and practice stress management. The most important thing to remember is to see your doctor regularly.