Al-Abid, Ammar

Definitions

Endometriosis is a common condition in which small pieces of the uterus (womb) lining, known as the endometrium, are found outside the uterus. This could be in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder,bowel, vagina, rectum and other places. Endometriosis may not produce any symptoms, or it may commonly cause painful menstruation, and pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back. It may also lead to infertility. Those between age 25 and 40 are most affected. It is a long-term condition with no known cure, but symptoms can be managed and fertility improved with pain medication, hormone treatment or surgery, so that the condition does not interfere with daily life.moreGynaecological laparoscopic surgery is a procedure to examine and treat problems with a woman’s reproductive organs and other pelvic organs. Under general anaesthetic, a small viewing instrument(laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen at the navel. Other instruments may be inserted through other small cuts in the lower abdomen. While watching a video monitor, the surgeon can: look for the cause of any symptoms; remove scar tissue or other abnormal tissue; repair or remove part or all of the ovaries or fallopian tubes; remove an abnormal pelvic mass or ovarian cyst; look for the spread of cancer and perform a biopsy; remove lymph nodes or pelvic organs; evaluate and treat infertility; remove the uterus (hysterectomy); remove uterine fibroids (myomectomy); carry out sterilisation (tubal ligation); treat sudden, severe pelvic pain; treat a tubal pregnancy; and remove uterine tissue found outside the uterus in the abdomen (endometriosis). The average time of surgery depends on the procedure performed.moreMenopause is the period in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, when her ovaries stop producing eggs as well as less oestrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Specific symptoms and severity varies from woman to woman. Menopause symptoms may last five years or longer. Common symptoms include: heart pounding or racing; hot flashes; night sweats; skin flushing; and sleeping problems. There may be a variety of additional symptoms, including: headaches; joint aches and pains; mood swings, irritability and depression; vaginal dryness and painful sex; and decreased interest in sex. One management option is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It may not be suitable for all women as HRT carries the risk of developing breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Ways of reducing the risk and still getting the benefits of HRT may be required. As alternatives to HRT, there are medications available to help with mood swings, hot flashes and other symptoms. These include low doses of some antidepressants. Acupuncture has also proved successful for some women. Symptoms may also be reduced by lifestyle changes, including: avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods; dressing lightly and in layers; regular exercise, and using relaxation techniques; Kegel exercises to strengthen vaginal and pelvic muscles; and remaining sexually active.moreUrogynaecology involves treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders such as urinary or faecal incontinence (leakage of urine or faeces) and prolapse (bulging, sagging or falling) of the vagina,bladder and/or the uterus (womb). Urinary incontinence is a very common condition affecting at least 10–20 per cent of women under age 65 and over half of women over the age of 65. Prolapse can occur quickly, but usually happens over the course of many years. Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together.moreHysteroscopic surgery or hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for viewing the lining and interior of the uterus (womb). A flexible visualising scope is inserted through the vagina and intothe cervical opening to view the uterus, including the openings to the fallopian tubes, as well as to examine the cervix, cervical canal and vagina. Hysteroscopy may be performed to diagnose or treat abnormalities of the uterus or cervix. It is used to evaluate a range of problems, including: abnormal vaginal bleeding; retained placenta after a birth; scarring, or adhesions, from previous uterine surgery or instrumentation; and polyps or fibroid tumours inside the cervical canal or the uterus. During hysteroscopy samples of tissue may be taken for analysis (biopsy). Hysteroscopy can also be used to perform surgical sterilisation.more