Gynecological issues
Marla Ahlgrimm says there is perhaps no more notable physiologic difference between the sexes than the reproductive system. Women are singularly at risk of:
● Menstrual irregularities – Changes in the menstrual cycle that result in pain, irregular, heavy, or light periods, or breakthrough bleeding.
● Pelvic floor disorders – Women face weakening pelvic muscles after childbirth. They are most common in older mothers and may lead to urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
● Uterine fibroids - Marla Ahlgrimm describes uterine fibroids as painful non-cancerous tumors. They often cause heavy bleeding, which can induce anemia, and may interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive or maintain a pregnancy.
● Bacterial vaginosis – This infection causes painful inflammation, vaginal discomfort, and malodorous discharge, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Women who are pregnant and experience vaginosis are at risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth.
Pregnancy issues
Though related to gynecological disorders, pregnant women face very specific and serious short-term risks. These include:
● Miscarriage
● Preterm labor – Marla Ahlgrimm explains that preterm labor is that which begins prior to 37 weeks gestation.
● Breastfeeding issues
● Prenatal care concerns – This comprises behavior changes such as paying careful attention to nutrition and abstaining from alcohol and other environmental factors that can harm an unborn baby.
Other disorders
● Turner syndrome – A condition where a female infant is born without a complete X chromosome (or it is missing completely). Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this can result in delayed puberty, short stature, learning difficulties, and heart defects.
● Rett syndrome – Although rare, Rett syndrome is a devastating neurologic defect that presents within the first six months of life. Baby girls with Rett syndrome may have difficulty with muscular coordination, developmental delays, behavioral abnormalities, and seizures.
