Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) overgrowths of fibrous and smooth muscle tissue of the womb. They are very common in women of reproductive age and rarely cancerous. Most women with fibroids are asymptomatic but some may have heavy menstrual bleeding, cramps or abdominal discomfort. Treatment options include observation, medication for symptom control or surgery.

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissues that line the inside of the womb (endometrium) are found outside the womb, in muscle layer of the womb (adenomyosis), ovary, bladder and bowel. Women may present with heavy bleeding or sometimes irregular periods, painful periods, pain during intercourse and lower abdominal pain in between periods. Endometriosis may also affect a woman’s ability to conceive. Treatment depends on symptoms and may involve medication or surgery depending on its severity.

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs. Most ovarian cysts are benign but some are cancerous, or may become cancerous over time. Ovarian cysts can vary in. They may be related to a woman’s periods (functional cysts) or may be due to pathology. Most ovarian cysts are do not cause symptoms.  However some ovarian cysts may cause problems such as abdominal swelling, lower abdominal pain (constant or intermittent), pain during intercourse, irregular or heavy periods. Sometimes a cyst may bleed into itself, burst or even twist (torsion). This can cause a sudden severe pain in the lower abdomen. Treatment depends on symptoms, size and nature of the cyst and may involve medication, surgery or close observation depending on its severity.