Common health conditions can cause gynecologic problems

Date published: 1/15/2006

WE ALL KNOW that smoking can lead to lung cancer or emphysema. But did you know that it also can increase the likelihood that you'll develop osteoporosis or cervical cancer?

Most of us also are aware that diabetes can cause heart or kidney problems. But how many know that people with diabetes also are at risk for uterine cancer or sexual dysfunction?

Many of the most common diseases and conditions in this country can cause gynecologic problems. But many women don't know what they need to be looking for, or when to be concerned.

Obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in the country, often leads to irregular periods and can lead to an increased risk for endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).

Other gynecologic conditions that are exacerbated by obesity are fibroid formation and infertility.

Related to obesity, diabetes affects approximately 21 million people in this country (close to 10 percent of the population), with many of them developing conditions such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.

But diabetic women also are at increased risk for endometrial cancer, as well as abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Endometrial cancer usually presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding. But the effect that diabetes has on hormone regulation can cause abnormal bleeding even without cancer being present.

Women may develop irregular periods or may have no period at all, and abnormal bleeding can sometimes develop way before diabetes ever does. Diabetic precursors such as insulin resistance (often involving polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition marked by infertility and abnormal periods) are notorious saboteurs of a normal, monthly period.

Diabetes also can lead to frequent yeast infections. In fact, the initial diagnosis of diabetes is often made because a woman starts having recurrent yeast infections.

Because of the vascular damage that diabetes can cause, sexual dysfunction is another gynecologic condition that diabetics often face. Vascular damage from hypertension also can cause sexual dysfunction.

Women with these conditions may experience a new onset of inability to achieve orgasm or to become well lubricated during intercourse. The female sexual response is very complicated, however, so other reasons must be addressed--such as the state of the relationship and medications that an individual may be taking.

Date published: 1/15/2006