PELVIC
DISEASE
There are many different types of diseases that can affect
the female genitals. Some of the most common diseases
are caught from a partner during sexual contact (e.g., Chlamydia,
Herpes, Vaginal Warts, AIDS, etc.). A detailed look
at these diseases is beyond the scope of this guide, and
is available in our Sexually
Transmitted Disease (STD) Online Guide. The guide
shows photographs and gives detailed information on detecting,
curing, and preventing the ten most common sexually transmitted
diseases. In addition to the STDs, there are many
other illnesses that can affect the female genitalia.
These can be grouped depending on whether they affect the
external genitalia (vulva) or the internal organs.
COMMON
DISEASES OF THE VULVA
Many of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases commonly
cause infection and damage to the vulva area. Condyloma
(vaginal warts) is a common STD caused by the Human Papilloma
Virus (or HPV for short). The photo to the left shows
a woman with vaginal warts (arrows) on her labia majora.
(The patient is also on her period and has a tampon in the
vagina.)
Bartholin's
Cysts
are infectious lumps that can occur if the Bartholin's
glands get clogged up. The opening of these glands
are located on either side of the vagina. Both sexually
transmitted diseases and non-STDs can cause swelling that
leads to this abscess. The photo shows yellow pus
being expressed from a woman with an infected Bartholin's
gland. The swollen gland is very tender and warm to
touch. Treatment is with antibiotics and often requires
an incision to allow the infected gland to drain.
Vulvar
Cancer usually affects woman in their 60s, and is often
triggered by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Any non-healing
area around the vagina or vulva must to be checked
by a doctor to be sure it is not cancerous.
COMMON
DISEASES OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS
Again, many of the STDs cause infection and damage
to the internal organs. These infections can sometimes
lead to sterility (the inability to ever get pregnant) if
not diagnosed and treated. Much more information on
this and other causes of pelvic inflammatory disease
is in our STD online guide.
The
entrance to the uterus from the vagina is called the cervix,
and is considered a part of the uterus. Cervicitis
(inflammation and swelling of the cervix) can be caused
by many things, including infections (e.g., chlamydia,
HPV) and cancer. A pap smear must be done regularly
in woman 18 and older, or whenever sexual relations start.
This is because it has been proven that HPV can lead to
cervical dysplasia (precancerous changes) and
cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer
thus include first intercourse at an early age and multiple
sex partners. As expected, studies have shown that
there is a much lower rate of cervical cancer in nuns and
virgins. With the exception of sexual abstinence,
the regular and correct
use of condoms is the best way to avoid this, and many
other sexually transmitted diseases.
Inside
the uterus, the inner lining (endometrium) can also get
infections and cancers. Endometritis is the
inflammation and disease of this tissue. Again, the
most common culprit are the STDs (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea),
but other things can also cause this serious infection.
Endometriosis (not to be confused with endometritis)
is a disease where the endometrium actually ends up on the
ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other places in the pelvis
where it shouldn't be. It is unclear how and why it
ends up outside the uterus. This tissue gets thicker,
and results in much pain and cramping with the hormonally-driven
menstrual cycle. Certain medicines that effect hormone
levels (like the birth control pill) can often be used to
treat this problem.
