A woman's reproductive system is a complex set of organs prone to many common problems. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome are a few major troubles that may cause pain and infertility issues. Each of these 3 conditions is related to several other problems, although many women are unfamiliar with them. Left untreated, serious problems may develop. This is why every woman should visit her gynecologist regularly.

The most common female disorder is fibromyoma, a condition frequently left undetected. Fibromyoma is defined as a uterus which develops many fibroid tumors, either inside, outside, or within the walls. The tumors are referred to as leiomyomata, and there are many types. Most tumors are benign, but they can still disrupt a woman's ability to get pregnant.

Internal tumors may lead to a condition known as Menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is a heavy menstrual cycle lasting for 7 days or more. It can lead to anemia. Menorrhagia may be treated through hormone therapies, like birth control pills.

External tumors can occasionally cause pain. If the tumor is losing its blood supply, it will appear to be tethered to the exterior of the uterus by a tail. The tumors that are being strangled this way are more likely to hurt. Tumors that grow large enough to press into other internal organs can also cause pain by interfering with the internal anatomy.

At least 50% of childbearing-age women develop fibromyoma. Studies performed on tissue removed after hysterectomy surgeries suggest as much as 80% of women may develop fibroids. Because they rarely cause pain, the condition is often undiagnosed.

Occasionally a Fibromyoma tumor can be cancerous. These tumors are called leiomyosarcoma. They are rare, occurring only in 0.1% of women or fewer. A sign of malignancy is growth of a tumor post-menopause.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often referred to as PCOS, is a disorder caused by hormonal imbalances. Symptoms may include development of cysts on the ovaries, weight gain, or the absence of menstrual cycles (Amenorrhea). Most women with PCOS do not experience full infertility, but it can interfere with the process of becoming pregnant. Extreme cases may experience full infertility.

Endometriosis is also a leading problem for women's health. This may develop as soon as the 1st menses. The cells lining the uterine walls are called endometria, and they are expelled out from the body every 28 days. Endometriosis patients will suffer painful periods because their tissue is being retained inside the pelvic cavity. The Endometria sticks to all surrounding tissues, building up on the outer walls of the organ.

Infertility may occur in the endometriosis patient. The woman with this condition usually experiences increasing pains in the abdominal area as the endometrial tissue grows each month. It may stick to other organs such as the bladder, the ovaries, or even intestinal tracts. Treatments involve hormone therapies or total hysterectomies in extreme cases.

Occasionally, women with endometriosis suffer from another condition known as adenomyosis. This disorder involves endometrial cells growing into the walls of muscles in the organ. Not all adenomyosis patients have endometriosis. With only the latter condition, less pain is experienced. Symptoms may still include painful sex and heavy periods.

Other disorders related to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS include endometrial hyperplasia, cervicitis, prolapsed uterus, and polyps. If a woman believes she may be experiencing any of these physiological problems, she should seek treatment from an experienced Gynecologist immediately.