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Common Reproductive Health Concerns for Women

The ability to reproduce comes with unique and sometimes complex health concerns. In fact, some of the most common health issues women report involve the reproductive system.

Endometriosis

common reproductive health concerns

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Each month, your body sheds the soft tissues of the uterus as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. With endometriosis, however, the tissue lines other parts of the body, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder. Unlike the tissue found in the uterus, this tissue has nowhere to go once it sheds. Over time, the tissue can build up and lead to painful menstrual cramps, lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, and heavy periods.

Because tissue grows where it’s not supposed to, it can leave scar tissue and even lead to infertility. This scar tissue can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. While there is no treatment for endometriosis, some medications can slow the tissue growth, and the tissue can be surgically removed.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV is one of the most common diseases, with more than 75% of sexually active individuals having it. One of the biggest challenges with HPV is not everyone who has it will develop clinical signs. Thus, affected individuals run the risk of spreading HPV to their sexual partners or developing cervical cancer without knowing they harbor the virus.

Fortunately, you can complete an HPV test from the comfort of home. The test identifies whether you’re positive for any of the 150 strains of HPV and whether they are low- or high-risk for cervical cancer.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can develop in, around, and on the uterus and womb. The fibroids are made of cells and tissues and can lead to feeling bloated, increased urination, heavy and painful periods, lower back pain, infertility, or early labor during pregnancy. The size of the fibroids often affects the severity of the symptoms. It is also possible for some women to have uterine fibroids without knowing it.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the body produces excess androgen hormones. This leads to the ovaries collecting small pockets of fluid that can prevent the body from releasing an egg. Women with PCOS often experience irregular periods, pelvic pain, increased levels of male hormones, severe acne, facial hair, and large ovaries with follicles.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome can also lead to infertility, as it prevents the body from ovulating. Fortunately, treatment options exist to help balance the hormonal irregularities, which can reduce the severity of symptoms and encourage the body to release an egg.

Knowledge is power when it comes to women’s reproductive health. When you are aware of the most common reproductive health concerns and their clinical signs, you can take the necessary steps to prevent and treat them.

With the convenience of modern-day telemedicine from online health providers such as Nurx, you can take charge of your health easily and discreetly. You can use these virtual services to get tested for common reproductive health concerns such as HPV from the comfort of your home and receive low-hassle, private health screening.

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