Preventive Measures in Gynecology. Women health problems are a major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. So it is more important to know about these disease condition and its preventive measures. Gynecology deals with female reproductive system and looks after problems of reproductive tract. These problems are a major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. So it is more important to know about these disease condition and its preventive measures because these diseases are public health and social problem and are very important to deal with them at the level of primary health-care (PHC).
Most frequent gynecological diseases among women and young girls are:
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
- Vaginal infection
- Irregular / abnormal bleeding
- Sexual transmitted diseases
Cervical cancer: Primarily affects women from 45 to 50 years of age; approximately 37% of patients are younger than 35 years.
Causative organisms:
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- HIV
- Herpes simplex virus type II
Common risk factors:
- lower socio-economic class, with a lower possibility of regular health-care
- early age of coitus(sexual life)
- greater number of sexual partners
- frequent childbearing
Significant risk factor:
- Smoking and women who have for a longer period of time used contraceptives.
Preventive measures:
- regular systematic gynecological examinations
- avoid early age of marriage
- monogamy relationship
- safe sexual habits
- limiting childbearing
- pap smear screening (done once a year)
- screening should begin as early as at the age of 18 years or from the moment of sexual relations start
- Women aged over 30 years should do HPV deoxyribonucleic acid screening test.
Breast cancer: Occurs and develops from the milk duct epithelium and lobule. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the most common cause of death at the age of 45-55 years.
Common risk factors:
- About 80% occurs after menopause
- Women who were previously treated for breast cancer have two times greater risk of developing cancer in the other breast
- Hereditary factors
Preventive measures:
- Mammography (x-ray image of the breast , it should be start at age of 40 year )
- Clinical breast examination as part of a periodic health examination every 3 years for women aged 20-40 years, then every year.
- Breast Self-examination and it should begin at the age of 20 years
Vulval vaginal infection: Infections are caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Escheria coli, Neisseriagonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, HPV, and Cytomegalovirus.
Common risk factors:
- Genital tumors
- hormonal changes
- Poor personal hygiene
Preventive measures:
- Wash genitalia with mild soap(not antiseptic) daily
- After each void clean and dry the genital area thoroughly
- Avoid sexual intercourse with infected sex partner
- Limit the number of sexual partners or have one partner
- Partner can use condom
- During menstrual cycle change pad at least three times a day depending on flow
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing in genital area
- Avoid deodorant soaps, powder and perfumed spray
- Follow health life style and good personal hygiene
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): The most common reproductive and metabolic disorder in women of childbearing age.
Associated factors:
- obesity
- increase cholesterol level in the blood
- Insulin resistance and type II diabetes.
- premature menstruation
- Infertility
- abnormal pregnancies
Preventive measures:
- Consume fiber rich food like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, foods rich in vitamin and minerals
- Take lots of water and natural fruit juices like tender coconut
- To regulate menstrual cycles, eat a natural diet
- Perform regular physical exercises like walking, running, swimming, jogging and yoga
- Avoid taking fatty foods
- Diagnose and correct the hormonal level
Abnormal bleeding: Any bleeding from the uterus that is not regular menstruation is considered as abnormal bleeding.
Common risk factors:
- psychological factors, due to the threshold of sensitivity
- physically weak parsons (who are suffering from anemia, diabetes, tuberculosis )
- hormonal imbalance
Preventive measures:
- Maintain a healthy weight (avoid over and under weight)
- Practice relaxation exercises like simple muscle relaxation exercises and progressive muscle relaxation exercises
- Take birth control pills as directed and regularly (if applicable)
Sexually transmitted diseases: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. Anyone who has vaginal, oral, or anal sex with another person is at risk for catching one or more STDs. Those caused by bacteria and virus.
Common risk factors:
- Younger than 20 years
- Failure to use barrier contraceptives
- Sexually active
- Homosexuality
- Intravenous drug user
- Social deprivation
- Commercial sex workers
- Poor access to advice and treatment of STDs
- Sexual partner diagnosed with STDs
Warning signs of STDs:
- Any open sores, red or white bumps or rashes, or liquid-filled blisters
- Redness or swelling in the genital area
- Any unusual change in the amount, color, smell, or consistency of vaginal discharge
- Pain in the pelvis or abdomen, with or without nausea or vomiting
- Pain, soreness, irritation, or other discomfort during intercourse or bleeding after intercourse
- Fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes in the groin or neck
- Unusually severe menstrual cramps
- Recurring yeast infections or other infections
Preventive measures:
- Monogamous relationship
- Get vaccinated (HPV, Hepatitis A &B)
- Insist male partner to use condom
- Avoid casual sex
- Avoid sex with infected person
Padma priya S.
Professor, Vydehi Institute of Nursing Science and Research Centre,
# C-02 Vydehi Staff Quarters ( Hospital Campus),
82, E.P.I.P Area, Whitefield,
Bangalore – 560 066,
Karnataka.
