Importance Of Screening For Intrauterine Disorders
What uterine problems can go undiagnosed when not screened?
Often the complex organs of the reproductive system in females develop some problems which may manifest themselves through unique symptoms or may be asymptomatic. Not until or unless they are screened, are they diagnosed. Therefore, some uterine problems that can go undiagnosed without screening include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding: This is a broad term encompassing medical conditions that affect the menstrual cycle by altering either of its four parameters which include: regularity, frequency, volume of flow, and duration,regardless of pregnancy (Sparzak, 2021).
- Bleeding & clotting disorders: Disorders such as hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders, and abnormal blood vessels affect the blood clotting feature which can result in excessive bleeding during menstruation in females (Bleeding Disorders, n.d.). And the early diagnosis of these disorders can help control and prepare against excessive bleeding during menses.
- Cancer of the endometrium, uterus, and cervix: The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus that nourishes the baby during pregnancy. When cancerous cells develop in this inner layer then this is termed endometrial cancer. It is the most common type of uterine cancer (team, 2019), accounting for about 80% of cases of uterine cancer being diagnosed with it. While cancerous cells arising in the myometrium muscle layer cellsor other supporting tissue cells account for about 2% to 4% of cases (Uterine Cancer: Introduction, n.d.). Cancer confined in the cervical region of the uterus is treated differently from that arising in the uterus. Cervical cancer begins when the cells in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina, change the structure and grow uncontrollably and form a malignant tumor possibly because of having a family history of it, or being chronically infected by human papillomavirus ‘HPV’(Cervical Cancer: Introduction, n.d.).
- Infection of endometrium or cervix: Infection of the endometrium or cervixcan happen when bacteria are introduced in the endometrium or cervix after undergoing a medical procedure, or from the cervix (in the case of the endometrium) which are normally not present in the uterus. The infection can be sexually transmitted as well. And these infections often result in inflammation of the endometrium or cervix.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: The pathogenic organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases are generally passed through sexual contact but can be passed unknowingly from mother to her offspring at childbirth, blood transfusion, sharing needles, or encountering infected body fluids such as semen, vaginal discharge, blood, etc. (Staff, 2021). Even a seemingly healthy person, showing no symptoms of STDs whatsoever can pass it on, therefore screening is necessary for diagnosing these diseases.
- Uterine fibroids: Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths present in the uterus that many women develop during their childbearing age. There is almost a nil chance of fibroid becoming cancerous. Most often they are asymptomatic and will be so small in size that they will be undetectable till they are discovered in a physical examination or a prenatal ultrasound. Some women can have single to multiple fibroids that in severe cases may contribute largely towards the bodyweight (Staff, Uterine fibroids, 2021).
Why is uterine screening important?
Uterine screening is important for ruling out life-threatening complications such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and gynecologic tumors so that timely medical intervention is provided to offset the symptoms or to fix the condition. In the case of females at high risk for developing cervical or uterine cancer, regular uterine screening is important to keep a tab on any suspicious changes occurring in these organs.Through uterine screening, discomforting and painful sensations arising from ovarian torsion, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and pelvic organ prolapse can be diagnosed precisely as well.
Abnormal uterine bleeding signs & symptoms
They include (professional, 2019):
- Substantial menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Bleeding between your periods
- Long duration of menses
- Unpredictable menstrual cycle
Uterine fibroid signs & symptoms
They include (Staff, Uterine fibroids, 2021):
- Miscarriage (rare cases)
- Pain, pressure, and discomfort in the pelvic region
- Frequent urge to urinate and difficulty in emptying the bladder
- Severe cramping in the pelvic region
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Menses lasting more than a week
- Constipation
- Backache and pain in the legs
Chronic complications of underdiagnosing uterine or pelvic pathology
Chronic complications of underdiagnosing pelvic pathology include (member, 2020):
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Formation of abscesses in the reproductive organs and tracts
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility
- High risk of cervical or endometrial cancer development
- Scarring in reproductive tissue
What are the risk factors for fibroids?
They include (Communications, 2018):
- Age
- High blood pressure
- African American race
- Consumption of soybean milk
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Family history of fibroids in the uterus
- Inability to get pregnant
- Excessive consumption of food additives and processed food
- Obesity
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Early-onset of menses
Why is early uterine ultrasound detection important?
Early detection of uterine pathology can prove helpful in the administration of timely treatment for the condition. It also helps in avoiding the chronic complications of uterine pathologies,such as permanent reproductive organ damage, that one may experience if their condition remains undiagnosed and untreated.
How do I decrease my risk for fibroid and other uterine problems?
In some cases, such as having a family history of uterine fibroids, they are unpreventable, however with maintaining healthy body weight and getting regular pelvic checkups one can remain informed of any unusual changes in the uterine region. If someone does have uterine fibroids or other uterine problems such as abnormal uterine bleeding, or has a clotting disorder, then they should talk to their healthcare provider so that their condition can be monitored regularly and at noticing any suspicious changes, treatment is administered without any delay. Lifestyle changes might be suggested too, such as cutting down the intake of high sugar foods, and including more cruciferous vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, broccoli, arugula, etc.,in the diet.
How are fibroid and abnormal uterine bleeding diagnosed?
With an ultrasound exam of the pelvic area, the healthcare provider can get a clear picture of the pelvic region and efficiently diagnose the cause of uterine bleeding including uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding.
What are the benefits of annual uterine screening?
With annual uterine screening,you can stay ahead of your medical condition if you do have uterine fibroids or bleeding disorders of any sort. One more benefit of annual screening is that you can detect endometrial cancer at a low stage and can considerably improve the chances of survival.Development of any unusual changes such as polyps or fibroids can be detected if you do get uterine screening done every year.