CA 125 blood test
CA 125 blood test measures the level of blood antigens that are considered tumor markers. Typically the CA 125 blood test is used monitor the progress of ovarian cancer. But the CA 125 blood test is not considered a very accurate diagnostic tool. This test is used in combination with transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination. CA 125 blood tests often return false positive results. Besides hardly about 50% of women with ovarian cancer have elevated levels of CA 125. CA 125 levels can be elevated due to menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids and pregnancy. The newer CA 125 blood test is said to be more accurate. This test is called CA 125 - II. Readings of above 35 U/ml are considered abnormal. CA 125 blood test is used to check the effect of treatment on women suffering from ovarian cancer. It is not used to check otherwise healthy women for ovarian cancer.
Placenta Previa
Placenta Previa is a condition where the placenta embeds itself in such a way that it partially or completely covers the cervix. In such a case, the placenta lies low in the uterus and is at risk of separation from the uterine wall during labor contractions. When a pregnant woman experiences painles vaginal bleeding during the third trimester, the doctor may conduct an ultrasound to check for placenta previa. Other symptoms that might indicate placenta previa are a large uterine size, breech or transverse position of the baby or premature contractions.
Usually placenta previa is detected during routine ultrasound scans of the growing fetus. Women who are over 35 years or have had multiple pregnancies are at higher risk of placenta previa. If a woman is diagnosed with placenta previa, she will need to take bed rest. Often hospitalization is necessary. Travel must be avoided and pelvic examination by the doctor is not advisable. Instead the doctor will resort to ultrasounds and MRI.
Placenta previa can cause growth retardation in the fetus due to irregularly placed placenta. This can lead to increased chances of congenital anomalies. The expectant mother is at risk for hemorrhage. Blood transfusion is resorted to in cases of severe bleeding.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual periods is a common complaint with many women and adolescent girls. It is characterized by cramps and pain in the lower abdomen. Dysmenorrhea can be broadly classified as Primary and Secondary. While primary dysmenorrhea is identified with menstrual cylcles, secondary dysmenorrhea can be traced to pelvic diseases such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, lesions and other causes such as IUD or uterine fibroids. Primary Dysmenorrhea usually surfaces with early ovulatory cycles and can start in the teens or 20s. Primary dysmenorrhea is not indicative of any abnormal condition. Accompanying symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal bloating. It is noticed that symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea reduce after pregnancy and in latter years. Pain can be a dull ache or spasmodic and cramping. Since the uterus goes into spasms to expel the endometrial tissue during menstruation, it leads to pain and cramps when the cervical passage is narrow. Pain radiates to the lower back and thighs.
A physician will conduct a pelvic examination to check for any possible growth, lesions or abnormalities.
Those with a history of dysmenorrhea are usually advised to take medications a couple of days prior to menstruation. Adequate rest, good diet and exercise play a role in relieving the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Mild analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can relieve the pain and discomfort. Often oral contraceptives are prescribed to regulate the hormones and alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.
Bibliography / Reference
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