May 12, 2025
10 common gynecological problems and how to treat them
A woman's health is significantly affected by the functioning of the reproductive system, which can be affected by various disorders or diseases at different stages of life. Understanding the most common gynecological problems and the ability to recognize symptoms in time is an essential step towards timely diagnosis and successful treatment. Therefore, in this article Health and Beauty Center Adoria gynecologist in Riga Jana Bjornsone provides insight into the 10 most common gynecological problems, their symptoms and treatment methods.
The most common gynecological complaints and their causes
The female reproductive system is complex, and a number of problems can arise due to various factors. Some of the most common complaints that women seek medical attention for include changes in their menstrual cycle (irregular, heavy, painful, or absent periods), unusual vaginal discharge (change in color, odor, or consistency), lower abdominal or pelvic pain (chronic or acute), itching, burning, or discomfort in the genital area, pain during intercourse, and urinary tract problems.
The causes of these symptoms can be very diverse – from infections (bacterial, fungal, sexually transmitted), hormonal fluctuations and disorders, such as those related to the thyroid gland or polycystic ovary syndrome, to structural changes, such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometriosis. Lifestyle factors – stress, diet, physical activity – can also affect gynecological health.
- Learn the most important things about women's reproductive health and the importance of regular gynecological check-ups by reading the article: "What is gynecology and why is regular care important?"
A closer look at 10 common problems
To better understand the diversity of gynecological problems, let's look at their symptoms and standard treatment methods in more detail.
1. Vaginal infections
One of the most common problems is bacterial vaginosis and thrush, or candidiasis. They are caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microflora. Symptoms can include increased discharge with an unpleasant odor (bacterial vaginosis) or thick, white, curd-like discharge and severe itching (thrush). Treatment usually involves specific antifungal or antibacterial medications.
2. Menstrual cycle disorders
They can manifest as irregular, too frequent or infrequent, heavy or painful periods. The causes can be various – hormonal imbalance, stress, rapid weight changes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Blood tests are often used for diagnosis to determine hormone levels and gynecological ultrasonographyTreatment depends on the cause and may include hormone therapy, painkillers, or addressing the underlying cause.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Hormonal disorders that affect many women of reproductive age. Typical symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, increased hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving. The diagnosis is confirmed by symptoms, hormone analysis, and gynecological ultrasound examinations.
PCOS is often caused by insulin resistance and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), which cause many of the characteristic symptoms. It is important to know that PCOS is also associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer later in life, so regular health monitoring is essential. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms, regulating the cycle, and controlling metabolic problems, often starting with lifestyle adjustments.
4. Endometriosis
A chronic disease that is unfortunately becoming increasingly common today. In this case, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) develops outside the uterine cavity. Most often, this tissue – the foci of endometriosis – spreads to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the outer surface of the uterus, the peritoneum, the bladder or the intestines.
The problem is that this tissue responds to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, much like the endometrium in the uterus, causing inflammation, scar tissue, and often severe, chronic pain. Typical symptoms include very painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, sometimes pain when urinating or having a bowel movement, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Diagnosis can be difficult; it often begins with symptom assessment and ultrasonography, but laparoscopy with tissue sample analysis is most often performed to confirm the diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, using painkillers, various forms of hormonal therapy, or surgical treatment, laparoscopic removal of endometriosis foci and adhesions, with the approach tailored to each patient.
5. Uterine fibroids
Benign tumors that form in the muscle layer of the uterus. They often do not cause any symptoms, but can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, and frequent urination. Large fibroids can interfere with the onset or course of pregnancy. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by gynecological ultrasound.
The need for and type of treatment depends on the size and number of fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and the woman's reproductive plans. Treatment options may include medication to control symptoms, surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy), uterine artery embolization, or, in more severe cases, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
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6. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Although urinary tract infections primarily affect the urinary system, women are more likely to get them than men. In women, the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus and vagina, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Symptoms such as lower abdominal discomfort or pain can overlap with gynecological complaints, so it is not uncommon for a patient to first consult a gynecologist to rule out other problems.
Classic signs of UTI include frequent and urgent need to urinate, painful urination, burning sensation in the urethra, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes blood. The most common cause of UTI is intestinal bacteria. Escherichia coli (E. coli), which enters the urethra from the perineum. Treatment is usually with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, and it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of resistance.
Simple preventive measures, such as adequate fluid intake and good intimate hygiene, can reduce the risk, but some women experience repeated episodes of UTI, which require further investigation and a more specific approach. It is important to treat UTIs early, as untreated infection can spread up the urinary tract and cause serious kidney inflammation.
7. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
This is a broad group of diseases that are acquired through various types of sexual contact – vaginal, anal, oral – the most common STDs are chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes. Some STDs, such as herpes and HPV, can also be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, even if there are no visible lesions.
Often, these infections initially occur without any pronounced symptoms, so the infected person can unknowingly pass them on, but if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and an increased risk of cervical cancer (in the case of HPV).
Therefore, regular testing is very important, especially if there are multiple sexual partners, as well as informing and treating the partner(s) if an infection is detected. Treatment depends on the type of infection: bacterial (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhea) and parasitic (e.g. trichomoniasis) STDs are usually completely curable with antibiotics or specific antiparasitic drugs.
On the other hand, STDs caused by viruses, including herpes, HPV, and HIV, are often not completely curable, but their symptoms and effects can be controlled with antiviral medications or other methods, such as removing warts in the case of HPV. Safer sex, consistent condom use, and HPV vaccination, which protects against the most common types that cause cervical cancer, play a significant role in STD prevention.
8. Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that develop on or inside the ovary. The most common are so-called functional cysts, which occur during the normal menstrual cycle and usually resolve on their own within a few months without any specific treatment. However, there are other types of benign cysts, such as dermoid cysts or endometriomas, which are less likely to resolve spontaneously.
Although in most cases, cysts do not cause symptoms, larger cysts can cause pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, irregular menstruation, or create an acute situation if they rupture, bleed, or twist around their axis (torsion).
Less commonly, especially after menopause or if the cyst has suspicious features on ultrasound, such as a solid structure, septa, increased blood supply, it may be malignant. Ultrasonography is the main diagnostic method that helps to assess the size, structure and other characteristics of the cyst to decide on further treatment. This may include observation in dynamics with repeated ultrasonography or surgical intervention, which is necessary in the case of large, symptomatic cysts or complications, as well as when there is a suspicion of the malignant nature of the cyst.
9. Cervical changes and HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. In most cases, the body's immune system clears the infection on its own, but some high-risk HPV types can persist in the body for a long time and cause changes in the cells of the cervix (dysplasia), which can progress to cancer over time.
Regular cervical cytology and HPV testing are essential for early detection of these potentially dangerous changes. Depending on the degree and type of cell changes detected, follow-up, additional examination (colposcopy with biopsy), or minor medical procedures may be recommended. A very effective way to primarily protect yourself from the most common high-risk HPV types, which cause most cases of cervical cancer, is timely vaccination, which is especially recommended for adolescents before they become sexually active.
10 Menopause symptoms
Menopause is a natural process in a woman's life when menstruation stops, usually around the age of 45-55, caused by a decline in ovarian function and a drop in estrogen levels. The transition period, or perimenopause, and menopause itself can be associated with a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort during sex, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and changes in libido.
It is important to note that long-term decline in estrogen levels can also affect bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and may be associated with changes in cardiovascular health. Individually tailored hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is available to reduce symptoms, but its suitability should be carefully assessed with a doctor, taking into account both the benefits and potential risks.
In addition to HRT, lifestyle changes can also improve well-being, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, stress management, topical products to prevent vaginal dryness, as well as specific non-hormonal medications to relieve certain symptoms, such as hot flashes, after consultation with a specialist.
Diagnostic and treatment approaches
When experiencing any unusual symptoms or discomfort, it is important not to delay and seek professional help. The first step is a consultation with a gynecologist. During this consultation, the specialist listens to the complaints, evaluates the medical history, and performs an examination, which may also include an examination of the pelvic organs and the taking of necessary tests.
Additional examination methods are often used to make an accurate diagnosis. Gynecological ultrasonography is very informative and widely used. It allows you to visualize the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs, helping to diagnose fibroids, cysts, signs of endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, assess the condition of the uterine mucosa and other pathologies.
Depending on the situation, blood tests to measure hormone levels, inflammation, and general health indicators, urinalysis, STD tests, or invasive procedures such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopy may also be necessary. A treatment plan is developed individually based on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, the woman's age, general health, and plans for pregnancy.
- Learn more about how modern medical developments are helping to improve women's reproductive health care by reading the article: "The latest innovations and modern treatment methods in gynecology."
Gynecology in Riga, at the Health and Beauty Center Adoria
The gynecology department of the Adoria Health and Beauty Center in Riga, A. Čaka Street 70-3, offers consultations from experienced specialists and modern diagnostic capabilities, ensuring high-quality gynecological services. Book your appointment now!
