It’s no secret that women often deal with health issues that are unique to their gender. For example, women are more likely than men to get breast cancer and heart disease in their 20s and 30s. Although there are many differences between the genders regarding health care, both men and women can suffer from some same conditions during these years. So what should you know about common symptoms that could be affecting your health? Here’s a list of some of the most common ailments—and what you can do about them.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS is a common condition that affects many women. Symptoms of PMS include fatigue, irritability, depression, and headaches. You may also experience breast tenderness or bloating just before your period starts. PMS is often caused by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. A healthy diet and exercise can help you manage these symptoms. If your symptoms don’t go away with lifestyle changes or after three months of consistent use of birth control pills, talk to your doctor about options for treating PMS, such as medication.
Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses and not just a lifestyle choice. They are not about food—they’re about feelings. People with eating disorders have an extreme fear of weight gain, which causes them to eat much less than they need or engage in serious and unhealthy behaviors like binge eating, purging (throwing up), excessive exercise, or fasting.
If you think you might be suffering from an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help and get treatment right away because these diseases can be deadly if left untreated for a long time.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that can cause severe complications if not treated. PID can occur when bacteria enter the uterus through the Fallopian tubes, which are normally used to transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
Symptoms of PID include:
- fever or chills
- abdominal pain, usually in the lower abdomen or pelvis area
- bleeding between menstrual periods
The typical treatment for PID is antibiotics. If you have acute PID and show signs of sepsis or shock, surgery may be required to remove your uterus and Fallopian tubes.
Vaginal Infections
Vaginal infections are widespread and can develop due to many reasons. Sometimes, it can lead to serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease. There are many types of vaginal infections that a woman may experience in her lifetime, but they all have similar symptoms and treatments.
Common Causes:
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- Yeast infection — caused by Candida albicans (thrush), which is present in the body naturally but overgrows when conditions are right; this leads to itching and soreness in the vagina with small white patches on your vulva
- Bacterial vaginosis — common cause of vaginal discharge; occurs due to changes in pH levels inside your vagina, which affect its natural balance causing inflammation
Suppose you notice any unusual changes, including thick discharge with an unpleasant odor. In that case, you should see your doctor immediately because it could be an indication of bacterial vaginosis or another type of infection.
Infertility
You’re in your 20s, or you’re in your 30s. You have a job, maybe even a home. And yet you are not having children.
In the United States alone, infertility affects one in eight couples — so chances are that you know someone who has struggled with this condition at some point in their life. If you are among those who want to start a family but can’t conceive naturally, there are many options available to help you achieve pregnancy — and we’re here to discuss them!
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems women have in their 20s and 30s, according to the American Dental Association. The problem occurs when bacteria in your mouth eat away at your teeth and create cavities (holes) that need to be treated by a dentist. Although it’s not life-threatening like cancer, tooth decay can lead to toothache and tooth loss if left untreated.
This can be prevented by good oral hygiene habits like brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily between teeth, avoiding sugary foods, and reducing consumption of acidic liquids such as soda pop that erode the enamel on teeth. If you have pain or notice an unusual swelling around your molars, visit an oral clinic immediately because these are signs of infection!
In Closing
Since there are a good deal of health issues women face in their 20s and 30s, it’s essential to understand what they are and how you can prevent them from happening. The best way to do this is by knowing your body and knowing the symptoms associated with each disease. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or itching, then see a doctor immediately because these could be signs of something serious going on inside your body!