SEXUAL HEALTH Inflammatory, Immunologic Flashcards
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle.
SYMPTOMS: Enlarged uterus.
Feelings of abdominal bloating, fullness or heaviness.
Heavy bleeding during periods (menorrhagia)
Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
Pelvic pain.
Severe cramps during periods (dysmenorrhea)
CAUSE: The cause of adenomyosis isn’t known. There have been many theories, including: Invasive tissue growth. Some experts believe that endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus invade the muscle that forms the uterine walls.
Bartholin’s Cyst
The Bartholin’s glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin’s cyst
SYMPTOMS: A tender, painful lump near the vaginal opening.
Discomfort while walking or sitting.
Pain during intercourse.
Fever.
CAUSE: Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin’s cyst is a backup of fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland (duct) becomes obstructed, perhaps caused by infection or injury. A Bartholin’s cyst can become infected, forming an abscess.
Endometriosis
A disease characterized by the presence of tissue resembling endometrium (the lining of the uterus) outside the uterus (1). It causes a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in the formation of scar tissue (adhesions, fibrosis) within the pelvis and other parts of the body.
SYMPTOMS:
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
Pain with intercourse. Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
Pain with bowel movements or urination. You’re most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
Infertility. Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
Other signs and symptoms. You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Other signs and symptoms
CAUSE: Retrograde menstrual flow is the most likely cause of endometriosis. Some of the tissue shed during the period flows through the fallopian tube into other areas of the body, such as the pelvis. Genetic factors. Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes
Nabothian Cyst
A lump filled with mucus on the surface of the cervix or cervical canal. The cervix is located at the lower end of the womb (uterus) at the top of the vagina. It is about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) long. The cervix is lined with glands that normally secrete mucus.
SYMPTOMS: Cysts measuring few millimeters to 4 centimeters in diameter.
Smooth texture.
White or yellow in appearance.
Severe pain in the cervical region, especially during sexual intercourse.
Pelvic pain.
Dragging sensation.
Raised bumps.
Irregular bleeding and vaginal discharge.
CAUSE: The glands in your cervix regularly produce mucus. Sometimes, though, healthy skin cells in the cervix cover these glands, creating a barrier that traps the mucus inside the gland. With nowhere to escape, the mucus swells inside the gland, creating a nabothian cyst
Prostatitis
Inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. It can be very painful and distressing, but will often get better eventually. The prostate is a small gland that lies between the penis and bladder. It produces fluid that’s mixed with sperm to create semen. Prostatitis can come on at any age.
SYMPTOMS: pain, which may be severe, in or around your penis, testicles, anus, lower abdomen or lower back – pooing can be painful
pain when peeing, needing to pee frequently (particularly at night), problems starting or “stop-start” peeing, an urgent need to pee and, sometimes, blood in your urine
not being able to pee, which leads to a build-up of urine in the bladder known as acute urinary retention – this needs urgent medical attention
generally feeling unwell, with aches, pains and possibly a high temperature
lower back pain and pain on ejaculation
CAUSE: Acute prostatitis is usually caused when bacteria in the urinary tract enter the prostate. The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), and the urethra.
