The lowdown on female medical issues

MANILA, Philippines - We often hear women tell their male friends or partners, “You just don’t know what it’s like to be a girl!” And true enough, there are some experiences that only the female gender is privy to or more likely to encounter.

At times like these, it is important that women know how to properly deal with common female medical issues. Dr. Celeste Aida Gali of leading health institution Makati Medical Center says: “By being aware of telltale signs and symptoms, risk factors, preventive measures, and simple yet effective remedies for each condition, women will be able to safeguard themselves from these ailments, or manage them well should they experience them.”

MakatiMed lets us in on some of today’s most common female medical conditions  from signs and symptoms, to do-it-yourself remedies and preventive measures.

Dysmenorrhea can cramp your style

Often, one of the major reasons behind seasonal irritability in women (thus prompting puzzled reactions from the men!), dysmenorrhea affects approximately 52 percent of the female population and is the medical term for menstrual cramps, which can range from mild to severe. Among those affected, 10 percent actually become incapacitated for two to three days at the height of the condition due to the intense pain and discomfort they experience.

According to Dr. Gali, there are two types of dysmenorrhea. “The first type is primary dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by midline, crampy lower abdominal pain caused by uterine hypercontractility which can be severe and disabling,” she reveals. This occurs in young women with a normal pelvic exam. Symptoms include backache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and even headaches.

 However, there is another type of dysmenorrhea, which can be caused by an underlying medical condition. “Secondary dysmenorrhea often points to a deeper medical culprit, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or adenomysosis,” Dr. Gali explains. “This is more common among older women.”

Yes, there’s yeast infection

One of the most common forms of vaginitis (the inflammation or infection of the vagina), yeast infection occurs when new yeast (which is a type of fungus) is introduced into the vagina. “Yeast presence in the vaginal area is found in 20-50 percent of women, and this is quite normal as yeast can reside in moist areas of the body such as the mouth and the vagina,” Dr. Gali says. “But when the amount of yeast increases significantly, then infection occurs. Up to 75 percent of women will actually experience this condition at least once in their lives.”

What are the symptoms of yeast infection? Dr. Gali reveals: “The most telltale sign of yeast vaginitis is itching in the vaginal area. However, there are other supporting symptoms, such as burning, soreness, pain throughout intercourse, and odorless vaginal discharge that is thick and whitish in appearance.”

Fortunately, yeast infection can be cured via over-the-counter topical treatments. “As soon as you encounter the symptoms, head straight to your doctor for a prescription,” Dr. Gali advises. “Your treatment can range from a single prescription to a combination of medications, depending on the findings on your condition. However, do-it-yourself remedies such as eating yogurt, which is full of live cultures, and eating garlic, which is known to have antifungal properties, are also said to be helpful.”

Let’s pause for menopause

Yet another condition that affects women exclusively, menopause can either be a natural and effortless experience, or a stressful and traumatic period.

“Each woman will have a unique experience of menopause,” Dr. Gali says. “Some hardly feel it, while others are barraged with a combination of symptoms. However, a woman typically begins to menopause between their mid 40s and 50s  although there is a tendency for the woman to menopause close to the age when her mother experienced it.”

Common signs and symptoms of menopause are irregular vaginal bleeding, hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness and itching, an increased disposition to Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), mood swings, and heightened fatigue. However, Dr. Gali points out that it is the emotional symptoms that are highlighted during this transition period, as other people are also affected by this.

“Managing menopause is a role taken on not just by the woman herself, but by the people around her,” she states. “It’s important that her family and friends understand  to some degree  the changes she is going through to help her cope with them better.”

She adds: “It’s important that you also try not to take things personally, as she will be more prone to mood swings. Lastly, if need be, visit the doctor together, as this is a strong show of your support for her  and this will also help both of you become more aware of what to expect from this major life change and how to adjust appropriately.”