The female reproductive system consists of the organs that are necessary for the creation of new life. This includes the breasts, the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the cervix and the vagina. These organs work together to produce, nourish and transport the egg, which is the female reproductive cell. The female reproductive system is complex, sensitive and vulnerable to attack by a variety of diseases.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease that affects the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Normally endometrial cells are only present in the uterus. These are the cells that build up and then slough off during menstruation. In those who have endometriosis, however, the endometrial cells grow in other places such as the abdominal cavity, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. These cells, as they would in the uterus, build-up and then attempt to slough off but there is no place for this blood to go. The blood then pools, leading to a build-up of scar tissue or the formation of cysts or adhesions. The main complication of endometriosis is impaired fertility, according to doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is a term used to describe an infection of the reproductive organs including the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID is the result of bacteria that is able to get through the cervix and into the uterus, allowing the infection to spread. Most commonly PID is a result of a sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 1 million women in the United States experience an acute (sudden onset) case of PID each year. PID can be a serious disease that can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs. The infection, if left untreated, can cause scar tissue to form. This can block or partially block the fallopian tubes, which results in infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. PID can also cause chronic pelvic pain.
Chlamydia
Planned Parenthood reports that chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the U.S., infecting over 3 million American men and women each year. Although not all women will experience symptoms, some will experience abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, low-grade fever, painful intercourse and pain while urinating.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection of the reproductive system that is transmitted through sexual contact. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea causes painful urination, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
Cancer
Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells. Cancer can affect any part of the female reproductive system, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and breasts. Cancer can spread from the reproductive system to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system or through the bloodstream.
