possible cause of vaginitis is a yeast infection. Yeast normally grow in the vagina. A yeast
infection occurs when the yeast multiply too fast and cause symptoms. A yeast infection
can be treated with medication.
Endometriosisis a disorder that may affect several organs. It occurs when tissues that
normally line the uterus grow elsewhere. The tissues may grow on the uterus, ovaries, or
Fallopian tubes (Figure 22.15). The disorder causes pain. It can also cause abnormal
bleeding. In some cases, it prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. It is usually treated
with hormones or surgery.
Figure 22.15: In endometriosis, tissues that normally grow inside the uterus start growing
on the outside of the uterus. They may also grow on other reproductive organs. ( 13 )
A common disorder of the ovaries is anovarian cyst. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or
other material (Figure22.16). An ovarian cyst is usually harmless. However, it may cause
pain. Most cysts gradually disappear and do not need treatment. Very large or painful cysts
can be removed with surgery.
Many teen girls have painful menstrual periods. They typically have cramping in the lower
abdomen. Generally, this is nothing to worry about. Taking a warm bath or using a heating
pad often helps. Exercise may help, as well. A pain reliever like ibuprofen may also be
effective. If the pain is severe, a doctor can prescribe stronger medicine to relieve the pain.
The most common type of cancer in females isbreast cancer. It occurs when cells of the
breast grow out of control and form a tumor. Breast cancer is rare in teens. It becomes
more common as women get older. If breast cancer is detected early, it usually can be cured
with surgery.