Uterine fibroids, being asymptomatic in most cases, are often detected incidentally during a routine pelvic examination, prenatal ultrasound, or during investigation for infertility. Since the symptoms of uterine fibroids may be similar to other gynecological disorders, it is important to consult with a gynecologist should experience any symptoms. The appropriate treatment for uterine fibroids will have to be decided upon by your doctor after taking into consideration all aspects of your health, medical history and any other risk factors.
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, fibromyomas, or myomas, are the commonest non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age. Uterine fibroids grow from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus and may vary in size from tiny seedlings to massive lumps that can distort and expand the uterus. They may be single or multiple, very often producing no symptoms at all, and are almost never associated with increased risk of developing cancer.
There are various options available for treatment of infertility such as fertility drugs, surgery, artificial insemination, assisted reproductive technology, or a combination of these, and obviously the treatment of choice will depend on the causes of infertility as well as on the couple’s personal preferences. The success of the various infertility treatment options may differ and is dependent on each individual case.
Infertility may be defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year (six months if the woman’s age is more than 35) of regular sexual intercourse, without the use of contraceptives. While the cause may lie in either partner, in some cases no definite cause for infertility can be identified. This is also known as primary infertility.
Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after successfully conceiving one or more children. The causes of secondary infertility tend to be the same as those for primary infertility. Sterility is a term used loosely but indicates the total inability to conceive, in other words, you can never fall pregnant or impregnate a woman. The causes of sterility are the same as infertility.
Douching is an old practice of washing out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. “Douche” is a French word that means to wash or soak and herbal concoctions, commercial preparations, as well as home remedies using baking soda or vinegar and water solutions are commonly used. These preparations or water alone are stored in a bottle is sprayed into the vagina through a tube. Although an old practice, douching is quite common among American women, and it is estimated that 20% to 40% of women aged between 15 and 44 years douche regularly.
Vaginal itching and discharge may occur at times in a woman’s life and while discharge may be normal, if it persists, is accompanied by itching or of an offensive odor, it should be investigated. Vaginal irritation, like discharge and itch, may be due to an infection or inflammation of the organs of the female reproductive system and usually the vulva of the vagina is also involved.
Normal vaginal discharge is often associated with a rise in the estrogen levels, around the time of ovulation, pregnancy, just before the first period in life (menarche) and may be caused by certain drugs. In these cases, the discharge is not usually considered to be a problem if there is an absence of other symptoms. However if other concomitant symptoms, like itching, burning during urination, a rash or pelvic pain, is also present, then further investigation is required.
