Female reproductive health problems can cause fear, worry and embarrassment to the individual suffering from it but yet are not commonly talked about in Singapore. Some women do not even know they have these reproductive issues.
This is why it is crucial to raise awareness of these problems so they can be treated and prevented by a gynaecology specialist. Here are three common female reproductive problems in Singapore that you should take note of.
1. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which a woman has cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on one or both of her ovaries. This causes the ovary to not release a mature egg every month, leading to missed periods and affecting the women's ability to get pregnant.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular periods
- Obesity, weight gain, or trouble losing weight
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or upper thighs
- Persistent acne
- Dark patches on the skin
- Difficulties getting pregnant
2. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the cells that line the uterine cavity (endometrium) grow outside such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Scientists do not know the exact cause of infertility in women with endometriosis. However, they suspect the following:
- Scar tissues may form between the ovary and pelvic wall, which obstruct and affect the release of the egg after ovulation.
- The amount of fluid inside the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) increases, which negatively affects the functions of the egg, sperm, and fallopian tubes.
- Chemical changes in the lining of the uterus affect the embryo's implantation and the woman to carry the foetus to full-term.
Common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Severe pain in the stomach that gets worse during your period
- Pain during or after sex
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or upper thighsConstipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your urine during your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
3. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition whereby the individual has an overactive thyroid producing too many thyroid hormones. Meanwhile, hypothyroidism is a condition whereby the woman has an underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough hormones.
Both high and low levels of thyroid hormones interfere with the woman's ovulation cycle, increasing the risk of not being able to conceive and the ability to carry a foetus to term.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland
- Irregular and/or fast heart rate
- Mood swings
- Having trouble sleeping
- Sensitive to heat
- Weight loss
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Sensitive to the cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Weight gain
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Depression
Schedule A Consultation With A Gynaecology Specialist In Singapore Today
As many women don't talk about these issues, they don't suspect they have them until they have trouble getting pregnant. If you suspect that you have any of the female reproductive issues above, seek consultation with a
gynaecology specialist in Singapore as soon as you can. With the right treatment, these problems can be controlled and treated.
At Seng OG, we focus on providing professional, compassionate and comprehensive gynaecological care to all women. Contact us at 6472 7988 to schedule an appointment today.