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Five Common Diseases That Affect Women

It is often said that the female internal body system is more complex than that of men. This puts them at more risk of contracting terminal illnesses than men. While women are often taught to constantly observe and report changes in their bodies, it is still highly recommended to always schedule a yearly appointment with a doctor for a full body check-up.

Many hospitals and organizations provide various women’s health check-up programs to detect certain illnesses early. These programs often provide convenient and comprehensive check-ups and treatments for some diseases. It is best to take advantage of such programs if available.

Common diseases women should be aware of

Below are the top 5 common diseases that affect women. Unsurprisingly, breast cancer ranks first in place as it is the disease that accounts for most deaths among sick women. What are the symptoms and treatments of these illnesses? Read on to find out.

1. Breast cancer

Cause: Breast cancer develops as a result of genetic mutation or damage to DNA. This is usually due to inheriting genetic defects or genes that can cause cancer. This causes abnormal cell division around the milk duct.

Symptoms: A lump in the armpit caused by enlarged lymph nodes, breast pain, a change in the size or shape of the breast, rash around the nipple, and bleeding from the nipple.

Method of treatment: There are many methods of treatment. But the top 5 methods that are effective are surgical treatment, radiation therapy, anti-hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and recommended drugs with specific effects.

2. Cervical cancer

Cause: Majorly caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. However, having HPV doesn’t automatically mean you have Cervical cancer. Some other things that may influence it alongside HPV are; smoking, having an impaired immune system, HIV, other STIs, having the habit of changing sexual partners often, etc.

Symptoms: Abnormal genital bleeding or after sex Blood in the urine or stools, white odorous discharge

Treatment methods: wide cervical surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

3. Uterine fibroids

Cause: Caused by changes in the normal muscle cells of the uterus, the exact cause is unknown, but some pointers are genetics, hormones, or other growth factors influencing fibroid growth.

Symptoms: Abnormal bleeding around the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty emptying the bladder, and prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Method of treatment: if there are no symptoms, No treatment is required, but continuous monitoring is done to see the size and location of the tumor. Where there are symptoms, it can be treated using medications first to reduce the size of the lump before undergoing surgery or uterine fibroids (laparoscopy).

4. Vaginitis

Cause: It is usually caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. This could result from a yeast infection, bacterial infection from douching or wearing too tight panties.

Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal discharge with color and smell, itching, and burning in the vagina.

Method of treatment: An oral medication, topical cream

5. Endometrial hyperplasia

Cause: Endometrial hyperplasia is caused by the thickening of the endometrium, the layer of cells that line the inside of your uterus. When your endometrium thickens, it leads to unusual bleeding. This condition on its own is not cancerous. However, it could lead to uterine cancer.

Symptoms: unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal menstrual cycle, severe menstrual cramps, bleeding after menopause, nausea, vomiting.

Method of treatment: Medication or surgery.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to always educate oneself on health and body. Have regular check-ups with your doctor and constantly look after your health. Also, Don’t forget to get health insurance, as it is important to always be prepared.

If you are living with one of these illnesses at some point, you should not feel too terrible. Start treatment immediately and always follow up with your doctor. Technology is much more advanced now, and you have greater chances of getting better.

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