StayWell Health Library

Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea What is amenorrhea? If you don’t have your period for more than 3 cycles, it is called amenorrhea. It may be classified as primary or secondary: Primary amenorrhea. Menstruation never begins at puberty. Secondary amenorrhea. This type is due to some physical cause and usually of later onset. Your periods were at one time normal and regular but become increasingly abnormal and irregular or absent. What causes amenorrhea? There are several possible causes of amenorrhea, including: Pregnancy. Wh...

Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area
Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area Click Image to Enlarge Endometrium. The lining of the uterus. Uterus. Also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. Ovaries. Two female reproductive organs located in the pelvis. Fallopian tubes. Carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Cervix . The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which l...

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome)
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome) The risk for ovarian cancer and skin cancer is increased with basal cell nevus syndrome (also called Gorlin syndrome or nevoid basal cell carcinoma), a rare autosomal dominant cancer genetic syndrome. Features associated with basal cell nevus syndrome may include the following: Development of more than 2 basal cell carcinomas (cancer of the outer layer of the skin) before the age of 20 Cysts in the jaw Characteristic facial appearance Calcification of the falx...

Cancer Treatment: Overview
Cancer Treatment: Overview There are many different methods of treating cancer. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Treatment Protocols for Cancer: Overview Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Hormone Therapy Immunotherapy or Biological Therapy Investigational Treatment / Clinical Trials

Cervical Cancer: Introduction
Cervical Cancer: Introduction Click Image to Enlarge What is cancer? Cancer is when cells in the body change and grow out of control. To help you understand what happens when you have cancer, let's look at how your body works normally. Your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normal cells grow when your body needs them, and die when your body does not need them any longer. Cancer is made up of abnormal cells that grow even though your body doesn't need them. In most cancers, the abnorm...

Cervicitis
Cervicitis What is cervicitis? Cervicitis is an irritation or infection of the cervix. A number of different organisms can cause it. Cervicitis can be acute, meaning symptoms start suddenly and are severe. Or it can be chronic, lasting several months or longer. What causes cervicitis? Cervicitis may be caused by a number of sexually transmitted infections including: Gonorrhea Chlamydia Herpes Trichomoniasis Cervicitis may also be caused by vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis. It is often con...

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy What is chemotherapy? Chemotherapy refers to the use of medicines to treat cancer. It has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell's ability to grow and reproduce. Different groups of medicines work in different ways to fight cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone for some types of cancer or in combination with other treatments such as radiation or surgery. Often, a combination o...

Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview
Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview What are diagnostic procedures for cancer? When symptoms suggest cancer, your healthcare provider may request or perform any of the following procedures to help diagnose it: A detailed medical history—both family and personal Thorough physical exam Pelvic exam of the uterus, vagina, ovaries, bladder, and rectum Pap test at the time of pelvic exam (women only) Rectal exam of the prostate (men only) Other diagnostic procedures that may be requested include: Imagi...

Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea What is dysmenorrhea? Dysmenorrhea causes severe and frequent cramps and pain during your period. It may be either primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea. This happens when you first start your period and continues throughout your life. It is usually life-long. It can cause severe and frequent menstrual cramping due to severe and abnormal uterine contractions. Secondary dysmenorrhea. This type is due to some physical cause. It usually starts later in life. It may be caused by another me...

Endometrial Cancer: Diagnosis
Endometrial Cancer: Diagnosis Click Image to Enlarge How is endometrial cancer diagnosed? If your healthcare provider thinks you might have endometrial cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure. Diagnosing endometrial cancer starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. He or she will ask about your health history, your symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. Your healthcare provider will also give you a physical exam. This will include a pelvic exam. Diagnosis...

Endometriosis
Endometriosis What is endometriosis? The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the uterus. Each month, this misplaced tissue responds to the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. It builds up, breaks down, and bleeds. But, the blood has nowhere to go. This causes surrounding tissue to become inflamed or swo...

Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body
Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body Click Image to Enlarge What is estrogen? Estrogens are a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. They are also sex hormones. The woman's ovaries make most estrogen hormones, although the adrenal glands and fat cells also make small amounts of the hormones. In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, brea...

General Information About Cancer: Overview
General Information About Cancer: Overview Click on the links below to learn more about cancer and cancer treatment. Overview of Cancer Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview Grading and Staging of Cancer Cancer Treatment: Overview Treatment Protocols for Cancer: Overview Radiation Therapy Chemotherapy Hormone Therapy Immunotherapy / Biological Therapy Investigational Treatment / Clinical Trials

Genetics of Ovarian Cancer
Genetics of Ovarian Cancer Only a small portion of cancers involve inherited changes (mutations) that are passed from generation to generation. Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome)

Grading and Staging of Cancer
Grading and Staging of Cancer What is grading of cancer? Histologic "grade" is sometimes to used to describe what a cancer looks like microscopically. Most cancers are graded by how much they look like normal cells. Well-differentiated (low grade or grade I) tumors look more like normal tissue. Poorly differentiated (high grade or grade III) tumors look disorganized under the microscope and may behave more aggressively than grade I tumors. Those tumors that look neither well-differentiated nor poorly di...

Gynecological Cancers
Gynecological Cancers Several different types of gynecological cancer require the care of a health care provider. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Cervical Cancer Endometrial Cancer Ovarian Cancer Uterine Cancer Vaginal Cancer Vulvar Cancer

Gynecological Conditions
Gynecological Conditions Many different gynecological conditions require the care of a health care provider. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Recognizing Gynecologic Problems Pap Test Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Sexually Transmitted Diseases Safer Sex Guidelines Uterine Fibroids

Gynecological Inflammations and Infections
Gynecological Inflammations and Infections Click on the links below to learn more about these conditions that affect women. Vulvitis Vaginitis Cervicitis Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Home Page - Gynecological Health
Topic Index Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area Menstrual Conditions Menopause Gynecologic Conditions Gynecologic Inflammations and Infections General Information About Cancer Gynecological Cancers Hysterectomy Click on the links above to learn more about gynecological, reproductive, and sexual health.

Hormone Therapy for Cancer
Hormone Therapy for Cancer What is hormone therapy? Hormones are chemicals made by glands, such as the ovaries and testicles. Hormones help some types of cancer cells grow, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. In other cases, hormones can kill cancer cells, slow their growth, or stop them from growing. Hormone therapy as a cancer treatment may involve taking medicines that interfere with the activity of the hormone or stop the production of the hormones. Hormone therapy may involve surgically remo...

Immunotherapy/Biological Therapy
Immunotherapy/Biological Therapy What is biological therapy? Biological therapy is also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy, or biotherapy. It uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. The cells, antibodies, and organs of the immune system work to protect and defend the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. Healthcare providers and researchers have found that the immune system might also be able to both determine the difference between healthy cells and ...

Introduction to Menopause
Introduction to Menopause What is menopause? When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. Often called the change of life , this stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children. Many health care providers actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman's hormone levels begin to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year. The transition phase bef...

Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Hormone Therapy When a woman's body no longer makes estrogen, hormone therapy may be an option. But, hormone therapy (HT), in which estrogen and progestin (a synthetic progesterone) are used in combination, has been controversial over the years. To learn more about women's health, and specifically hormone therapy, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) did a study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) beginning in 1991. The study involved more than 161,000 generally healthy postmenopausal women. T...

Menopause
Menopause Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Introduction to Menopause Perimenopause Hormone Replacement Therapy Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body Staying Healthy After Menopause

Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia What is menorrhagia? Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding. It is characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe and relentless that daily activities become interrupted. Other types of abnormal uterine bleeding (also called dysfunctional uterine bleeding) include: Polymenorrhea Too frequent menstruation Oligomenorrhea Infrequent or light menstrual cycles Metrorrhagia Any irregular, acyclic nonmenstrual bleeding fro...

Menstrual Conditions
Menstrual Conditions Many different menstrual conditions require the care of a health care provider. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Menorrhagia

Menstrual Cycle: An Overview
The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview Click Image to Enlarge What is ovulation? When a young woman reaches puberty, she begins to ovulate. This is a process in which a mature egg or ovum is released from one of the ovaries. The ovaries are the two female reproductive organs found in the pelvis. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm as it travels down the fallopian tube, then pregnancy occurs. The fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. The placenta then develops. The placenta transfers nutrition a...

Online Resources - Gynecological Health
Online Resources - Gynecological Health This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page ...

Ovarian Cancer: Tests After Diagnosis
Ovarian Cancer: Tests After Diagnosis What tests might I have after being diagnosed? If initial tests and exams strongly suggest that you have ovarian cancer, you’ll likely have other tests. These tests help your healthcare providers learn more about your cancer. They can help show if the cancer has grown into nearby areas or spread to other parts of your body. The test results help your healthcare providers decide the best ways to treat the cancer. If you have any questions about these or other tests, ...

Overview of Cancer
Overview of Cancer What is cancer? It is the nature of cells to divide and increase their number in a process called mitosis. Normal cells divide to replace those lost, or to repair injuries only, then stop dividing. Cancer is an abnormal, continuous multiplying of cells. The cells divide uncontrollably and may grow into adjacent tissue or spread to distant parts of the body. The mass of cancer cells eventually become large enough to make lumps, masses, or tumors that can be detected. However, not all t...

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. Scar tissue grows between internal organs leading to ongoing pelvic pain. It can also lead to ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. If left untreated, PID can lead to chronic infection. Also, you may not be able to get pregnant. What causes PID? Ba...

Pelvic Pain
Pelvic Pain What is pelvic pain? Pelvic pain is a common problem among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often unclear. In some cases, no disease is evident. Pelvic pain can be categorized as either acute, meaning the pain is sudden and severe, or chronic, meaning the pain either comes and goes or is constant, lasting for a period of months or longer. Pelvic pain that lasts longer than 6 months and shows no improvement with treatment is known as chronic pelvic pain. Pelvic ...

Perimenopause
Perimenopause What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. This time can last 2 to 10 years. During this time, your body: Releases eggs less regularly Produces less estrogen and other hormones Becomes less fertile Has shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles What causes perimenopause? Perimenopause is a natural process caused whe...

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome The risk for breast and ovarian cancer is increased with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare early-onset autosomal dominant disorder. It's associated with specific physical characteristics in addition to increased cancer risks. The features associated with PJS may include the following: Dark blue or brown moles These moles may be located around and/or in the mouth (including the lips), and around the eyes, nostrils, and anus. Dark moles may also appear on the fingers. These lesio...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a set of symptoms caused by a problem with a woman’s hormones. It affects the small organs that store a woman’s eggs (ovaries). But it can also affect the rest of the body. PCOS is a very common condition in women of childbearing age. In some cases, it can lead to serious health issues if not treated. Ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from an ovary. This happens so it can be ferti...

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may affect women of childbearing age. It’s a severe and chronic medical condition that needs attention and treatment. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms. What causes PMDD? The exact cause of PMDD is not known. It may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each...

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many women may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop once the period starts. It’s thought to be related to the changing hormone levels of the menstrual cycle. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicine are used to treat PMS. What causes PMS? The cause of PMS is unclear. It seems to be related to hormone fluctuations in the body. Changes in...

Radiation Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Radiation Therapy and Cancer Treatment Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy, therapeutic radiology or radiation oncology) uses X-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles to fight cancer. Like surgery, radiation therapy can be used in several ways depending on the type and location of the cancer. Certain levels of radiation work to kill cancer cells or prevent cells from growing or reproducing. This treatment may provide a cure for cancer, help control the disease, or help relieve its symptoms. Mos...

Recognizing Gynecologic Problems
Recognizing Gynecologic Problems Gynecological signs and symptoms that may require medical attention Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle before menopause. But, if you notice anything different or unusual, talk to your health care provider. Do not try to treat the problem yourself. Symptoms may result from mild infections that are easy to treat. But, if they are not treated properly, they can lead to more serious conditions, including kidney damage. Vaginal symptoms m...

Safer Sex Guidelines
Safer Sex Guidelines What is safe sex? Having sex with only one partner who only has sex with you when neither of you has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is believed to be safe. However, many health care professionals believe there really is no such thing as safe sex. They believe the only way to be truly safe is not to have sex because all forms of sexual contact carry some risk. For example, kissing is thought to be a safe activity, but herpes, and other diseases can be spread this way. Condoms a...

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? STDs are infectious diseases passed from person to person through sexual contact. Millions of new cases happen every year in the U.S. Half of the new infections happen in people between the ages of 15 and 24 years. How can you protect yourself from STDs? The best way to prevent getting an STD is to not have any type of sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. But you can take several steps to lower your risk for ...

Staying Healthy After Menopause
Staying Healthy After Menopause The key to staying youthful and active after menopause is good nutrition and regular physical exercise. Nutrition after menopause As you age, your nutritional needs change. Before menopause, you should have about 1,000 mg of calcium daily. After menopause, you should have up it to1,200 mg of calcium per day. Vitamin D is also very important for calcium absorption and bone formation. Vitamin D can greatly cut your risk of spinal fractures. But, too much calcium or vitamin ...

Topic Index - Gynecological Health
Topic Index - Gynecological Health Gynecological Health Home Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area Menstrual Conditions The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Menorrhagia Menopause Introduction to Menopause Perimenopause Hormone Replacement Therapy Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body Hysterectomy Staying Healthy After Menopause Gynecologic Conditions Recognizing Gynecologic Problems Pap Test Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Poly...

Treatment Protocols for Cancer: Overview
Treatment Protocols for Cancer: Overview How is cancer treated? Specific treatment for cancer will be determined by your healthcare provider based on: Your overall health and medical history Extent of the disease--type, grade, stage, and location Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference What are the goals of treatment? Remission (or cure) Prevention of cancer recurrence Prolonging life (when remission/cure is no...

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids What are uterine fibroids? Fibroids are firm, compact tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. It is estimated that between 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all are diagnosed. Some estimates state that up to 30% to 77% of women will develop fibroids sometime during their childbearing years. Although Only about one-third of these fibroids are large enough to be detected by a healthcare provider during...

Vaginal Cancer: Diagnosis
Vaginal Cancer: Diagnosis Click Image to Enlarge How is vaginal cancer diagnosed? If your healthcare provider thinks you might have vaginal cancer, certain exams and tests will need to be done to be sure. Diagnosing vaginal cancer starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. You will be asked about your medical history, your symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. Your healthcare provider will also give you a physical exam. This will include an exam of your vagina and other ...

Vaginitis
Vaginitis What is vaginitis? Click Image to Enlarge Vaginitis refers to any inflammation or infection of the vagina. It's common in women of all ages. One-third of women have at least one form of vaginitis at some time during their lives. When the walls of the vagina become inflamed, because some irritant has disturbed the balance of the vaginal area, vaginitis can occur. What causes vaginitis? Bacteria, yeast, viruses, chemicals in creams or sprays, and even clothing can cause vaginitis. Sometimes, it ...

Vulvar Cancer: Treatment Questions
Vulvar Cancer: Treatment Questions Talking with healthcare providers about cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all of the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down in a notebook. Make sure you ask how the treatment will change your daily life, including your diet, and how you will look and feel after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects...

Vulvitis
Vulvitis What is vulvitis? Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva. This is the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. It’s a symptom that can result from an array of diseases. This can include infections, injuries, allergies, or irritants. Because it can be challenging to find the exact cause, diagnosing and treating this condition can be difficult. What causes vulvitis? Vulvitis may be caused by one or more of the following: Toilet paper with perfume or dye Soaps or bubble baths with perfume Shampoos...


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