Management of abnormal genital bleeding in girls and women

Article Abstract:

When diagnosing the cause of abnormal genital bleeding in a girl or woman, it is important to determine if disease is present. Most often, the diagnostic procedures and management of genital bleeding will depend on the age of the patient. In children, vaginal bleeding is always an important symptom; vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) is a common cause in this age group. The hygiene of children may be poor, and often a child will have inserted some foreign object. In many cases, the child cannot recall having inserted an object and, furthermore, is likely to repeat the act in the future. Trauma is also a cause of genital bleeding in girls and may be accidental, self-inflicted, or the result of abuse. Tumors and endocrine abnormalities are possible, though less common, causes of bleeding in this age group. Among women of reproductive age, the most common causes of abnormal genital bleeding are pregnancy and disorders of ovulation. In this age group, bleeding may also commonly result from benign polyps in the cervix or the uterus. Cancer of the uterus is also a potential cause of abnormal genital bleeding, but uterine cancer is more common among postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, about 5 percent of patients with endometrial carcinoma (affecting the endometrium, or lining of the uterus) are under 40 years of age. Among older women, the most common causes of genital bleeding are cancer and abnormalities of the hormone estrogen. It is possible, though uncommon, for genital bleeding to result from the effects of systemic disorders such as thyroid disease or leukemia. Most commonly, abnormal genital bleeding will ultimately be treated with medication rather than surgery, often with hormone treatments. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. The traditional surgical approach to unmanageable genital bleeding has been hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), but it is becoming more common for the surgeon to destroy the endometrial lining of the uterus rather than remove the entire organ. This procedure, endometrial ablation, has the advantage of being quick and having a rapid recovery period. However, the procedure is new enough that its possible long-term consequences are not yet known. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Uterine bleeding, Uterine hemorrhage, Girls

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Breast implantation - the quest for safety and quality

Article Abstract:

Despite the introduction of better-designed breast implants and improvements in surgical techniques, many women still experience complications. A 1997 report revealed that one-quarter of the 749 women followed after breast implantation surgery required a second operation for a complication related to the surgery or the implant. The most common complication was contracture of the scar tissue that normally surrounds the implant. Five-year failure rates are estimated to be 1% to 5%. However, most women are satisfied with their implants and research has failed to show an association between implants and connective tissue disease.

Editorial, Complications and side effects, Breast implants

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Physical activity and the risk of breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Regular physical activity appears to lower the risk of breast cancer. Researchers surveyed 25,624 women about their leisure activities and followed them for an average of 14 years. During the study, 351 women developed breast cancer. Women who exercised regularly had a lower risk of breast cancer and the reduction was greater in premenopausal women. Women with a low body mass who exercised at least four hours per week had the lowest risk.

Risk factors, Breast cancer, Exercise

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