Gynaecology is a difficult area to accurately pin something down as normal or abnormal. It is often confusing whether the heavy bleeding you had during your last periods was normal. Probably your friend who spends her day the exact way you do has average bleeding. But does that mean you have abnormal periods? Hard to tell. What’s normal for one person may not be for another.
It is crucial to address the gynaecological concerns in adolescent girls, especially when they might be hesitant to ask for help. Here are six major concerns you should be aware of if you are an adolescent girl or the parent of one.
1. Amenorrhea – No Menses
In simple terms, amenorrhea is the condition of not getting your periods. It is of two types: primary and secondary.
- Primary amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation and/or secondary sexual characteristics in adolescent girls aged 14 or above.
- Secondary amenorrhea: When your regular menses decide to not show up for 3 or more months.
Amenorrhea can occur due to deficiency of nutrients, excessive weight gain or weight loss, stress, etc.
2. Dysmenorrhea – Menstrual Cramps
Dysmenorrhea is painful menses. The pain occurs as a result of contractions caused by excessive levels of prostaglandins. Primary dysmenorrhea is very common in menstruating women. It may occur during your periods. The pain may last for up to 4-5 days. Secondary dysmenorrhea is, however, caused by other reproductive illnesses (endometriosis, adenomyosis, or uterine fibroids). The pain starts early and may last longer.
3. Menorrhagia – Heavy Periods
Menorrhagia is when you have heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding (lasting more than a week). If you have heavy bleeding, you have to frequently change pads/tampons or empty your menstrual cup. It can affect your daily life severely as well as cause anaemia, leaving you fatigued.
4. PCOS and PCOD – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Disease
PCOS is a syndrome in which eggs doesn’t develop properly and tiny cysts are there. There is hindrance to ovulation. It can be dealt with by a change in lifestyle like low carbohydrate diet, exercise and drugs.
5. Vaginal Discharge – White Discharge
Vaginal discharge could be either whitish and curdy or colourless and watery and is common in girls. However, sometimes it could be foul-smelling and cause itching or burning sensations. These abnormal discharges are caused by infections and should be treated.
6. UTIs – Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs, even though common, are more likely to develop in adolescent girls and women than men. This could be because of the physical differences in their urethras, making women more susceptible to this bacterial infection. Proper genital hygiene can help prevent UTIs.
Proper awareness is necessary for the early diagnosis and treatment of any gynaecological concern. Adolescents should be taught and encouraged to practise a healthy sexual and reproductive life. Adults should be willing to make it easier for them to open up.