Female Genital System

The female genital system includes :

• Internal genital organs, located in the pelvic cavity, comprising the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
• External genital organs (vulva), consisting of the mons pubis, clitoris, vestibule and its glands, as well as the labia majora and minora.

The main conditions affecting the female genital system include :

• Sexually transmitted diseases : gonorrhea, candidiasis, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.
• Endometriosis : the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
• Fibroids or myomas : benign tumors developing in the uterus.
• Endometritis : inflammation of the endometrium with various causes.
• Cancerous tumors.
• Fertility disorders : caused by factors such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine malformations, or ovarian insufficiency.
• Dysmenorrhea : painful menstruation.

Other conditions commonly found in women involve both the urinary and genital systems, including :

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a syndrome characterized by uncontrollable and involuntary urine leakage. It is generally painless unless an associated infection is present. Stress incontinence is the most common type in women and occurs when the muscles supporting the bladder lose their tone.

Treatment strategies are adapted according to the severity and type of urinary incontinence.

Treatment options include :

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation to strengthen the sphincter and prevent leaks.
• Antispasmodics, such as mirabegron, which promote urine storage by relaxing the bladder wall muscles.
• Neuromodulation for overactive bladder, stimulating the sacral nerve to restore normal bladder and sphincter function.
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures to reduce leaks, including the placement of suburethral slings to support the urethra and the implantation of an artificial sphincter, sometimes performed via laparoscopy.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse, or “organ descent”, occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the female pelvic organs weaken, causing them to shift downward. These organs exert pressure on the vaginal walls and may even protrude beyond the vulva.

The choice of treatment depends on the severity and symptoms of the prolapse :

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation is the first-line treatment.
• Conservative treatment using a pessary placed around the cervix to prevent vaginal wall displacement.
• Surgical treatment is preferred for symptomatic prolapse, aiming to reposition and support the displaced organs. Surgery can be performed vaginally or laparoscopically. If urinary incontinence is present, it can be treated simultaneously during the procedure.

Women’s health is influenced by biological and genetic factors related to the genital organs, as well as socio-environmental and behavioral determinants. These factors include age, medical and family history, ethnicity, lifestyle, and cultural influences.

Certain life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, increase the risk of developing various conditions.

At every stage of life, women can adopt measures to strengthen and preserve their overall health.