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Signs of Reproductive DisordersA woman's reproductive system involves many parts and complex processes. If any of these is not working the way it should, that can affect your fertility. If you notice such symptoms as changes in your menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, bleeding, or other unusual signs, don't hesitate to call your health care provider. Finding and treating a problem early can prevent more serious complications later. Following are some types of problems you may notice with your reproductive system. Problems with your cycles Normal cycles can vary greatly from one woman to another. Most women have a period every 25 to 32 days, with an average cycle length of 28 days. Normal periods generally occur following normal ovulation. Irregularities in your cycle may represent passing influences, such as a brief illness or travel. Longer-lasting cycle changes, though, may represent disorders that can cause not only infertility but also other health problems. If you experience problems or changes in your menstrual cycle, don't wait more than three months to consult your physician. Doctors use the following terms to describe cycle abnormalities:
A variety of conditions can cause changes in your cycle. For example, hormonal changes that interfere with normal ovulation, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can cause irregular periods. Premature menopause (also called premature ovarian failure or POF) can cause cycles to stop long before menopause is expected.
Problems with your periods As with menstrual cycles, the definition of "normal" periods encompasses a great deal of variation. Most women have periods that last between two and seven days, during which they lose no more than 80 mL (4 tablespoons) of blood. Abnormally heavy or long periods (menorrhagia) can be a sign of a problem. Some discomfort at either the time of ovulation or with the start of the period is not unusual. Pain with periods is considered a problem if it is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Severe pain with periods can also be a sign of endometriosis, a condition in which tissue from the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Some women experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms in the days preceding their period. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Other pelvic pain and bleeding Many conditions can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or both. If you have pelvic pain or bleeding unrelated to a period, you should call your doctor. These symptoms might represent such problems as:
Cancer Cancers of the reproductive tract sometimes cause symptoms such as pain or bleeding. In many cases, however, cancers show no symptoms in their early and most treatable stages. Delay in diagnosing a cancer can be fatal; reproductive cancers, as a group, are the fourth leading cause of death in women in the United States each year. Regular gynecological checkups and routine screenings can increase your chances of finding a developing cancer early, while it is still relatively easy to treat. Most women should have a Pap smear annually to look for early signs of cervical cancer. Women who have abnormal uterine bleeding after age 35 should be checked for signs of endometrial (uterine) cancer. Ovarian cancer, however, typically has no symptoms until it is far advanced, and there is no good screening technique to find it in its early stages. For this reason, it is the deadliest of the reproductive tract cancers.
The Eye and How It Works
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amenorrhea: no periods for at least six months, or the failure of periods to begin by age 16 