Don't brush it off: Why your gynaecological health deserves attention

The importance of gynaecological health checks

Gynaecological health encompasses symptoms and conditions of the female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes, vagina, and cervix, as well as the breasts. Gynaecological health checks are vital in identifying, monitoring, and treating these problems, which include endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gynaecological cancers, as well as other women’s health issues such as menopause and infertility. 

However, reports show that women may delay seeking medical attention for gynaecological symptoms. This may be due to a multitude of reasons, including a lack of awareness and education, fear of stigmatisation, or being dismissed by medical professionals. In recent years, a number of initiatives have been launched to address these issues and to empower women to take control of their gynaecological health. 

The signs and symptoms of endometriosis

Despite affecting around 10% of women and people with uteruses, awareness around endometriosis remains limited. This is a problem seen across many gynaecological conditions and can contribute to lengthy diagnoses (it takes, on average, seven years to receive a diagnosis for endometriosis). So, what is this common condition, and how is it treated?

Endometriosis is characterised by the growth of tissue in areas of the body that it shouldn't be. The tissue, which resembles the lining of the uterus, may grow in other areas of the pelvis, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes, and in rarer cases, outside of the pelvic area. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Painful periods, including cramps
• Pain during or after sex
• Fatigue
• Heavy periods
• Some women may also find it difficult to get pregnant naturally.

Management of endometriosis and its symptoms can include the prescription of painkillers and hormone medications, and surgery. In some cases, cannabis-based medicines can be considered when conventional therapies have failed to achieve effective symptom relief.

The signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Another common gynaecological condition, PCOS affects around 1 in 8 people; however, PCOS charities estimate that around 70% of those affected by the condition are unaware that they have it.  But what is PCOS, and how can you spot the signs?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is diagnosed based on the presence of two of three key features:

•  Irregular periods
•  Excess 'male' hormones (androgens) 
•  Polycystic ovaries - ovaries become enlarged and may contain fluid-filled sacs

There are several PCOS symptoms to look out for.  These symptoms typically become apparent by the late teens or early 20s and include:

• Irregular periods (or no periods)
• Irregular ovulation (which can make it difficult to get pregnant)
• Excessive hair growth
• Weight gain
• Acne

Diagnosis of PCOS can involve blood tests and physical examinations, including a pelvic ultrasound.  Management of the condition and its symptoms often includes lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery.

Spotting the signs of gynaecological cancers

There are five main types of gynaecological cancer: cervical, ovarian, uterine (womb), vaginal, and vulval. Uterine cancer, the most common gynaecological cancer, accounts for around 5% of all cancers in females in the UK. When these cancers are suspected, patients will typically be referred to a gynaecologist for further investigation. 

Some warning signs to look out for include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Changes to your menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Lumps
• Changes in vulvar appearance
• Itching or burning
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Treatments for gynaecological cancers typically involve a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. In some cases, medical cannabis can be considered as an add-on therapy to help manage the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of its treatment, such as pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Stigma around women's health and gynaecological issues

According to the findings of a 2024 report by the Women and Equalities Committee, women with painful reproductive health conditions frequently find that their symptoms are 'normalised' and their pain 'ignored'.  Medical misogyny and a lack of education can mean diagnoses of these conditions often take years, leaving many women suffering unnecessarily.

But things are slowly improving.

Fighting the stigma

Improved awareness of these issues, thanks to national and international campaigns such as Cervical Screening Awareness Week and Endometriosis Action Month , has led to improved diagnosis and increased research into future treatments for gynaecological conditions.  However, it remains crucial that women feel empowered to advocate for themselves within healthcare settings.

Cervical Screening Awareness Week

Cervical Screening Awareness Week is an annual campaign that aims to encourage women to attend screening tests for their gynaecological health.  This is crucial as around 1 in 3 women do not attend their cervical cancer screening (smear) test - a swab test that checks for a virus called HPV and abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer.  This year’s event runs from the 19th-24th June.

Final Thoughts

The fear of stigma and medical misogyny as well as a lack of education on women’s health has meant that women and people with uteruses often do not feel empowered to listen to their bodies and seek medical attention for certain gynaecological symptoms. But with such a high prevalence of gynaecological conditions, it is crucial that any symptoms or abnormalities are not ignored. 

Acting early can help to identify any potential problems and ensure access to effective therapies that can ease the impact of gyanecological symptoms. Attending routine cervical screening appointments can stop the development of cancer before it starts. So, don’t wait. Check in with your healthcare provider today immediately if you notice any changes and, if you missed your last cervical screening appointment, book a new appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

There are many treatments available for gynaecological health conditions. While these can be very effective at managing symptoms, some patients may find them unsuitable. If you are interested in medical cannabis as an alternative or add-on therapy, talk to an experienced healthcare professional today.