Millions of women currently live with or will have a major illness in their lifetime. While there are many illnesses that are more common in women, these diseases can affect anyone, regardless of gender. It's important to be aware of the most common illnesses affecting women so that you can get the appropriate treatment if needed.
AFC Urgent Care Bedford offers both primary care and routine physicals to all patients. Our board-certified providers know what to look for when it comes to chronic illness in women. Don't put your health on the backburner. Visit our walk-in center today.
Illnesses Common in Women
Understanding the beginning symptoms or warning signs, you can potentially catch an illness early on and improve your chances of a successful recovery. These are some of the most common conditions affecting women today:
Breast Cancer
This is the most common type of cancer in women, and about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives. Symptoms may include a lump in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, or pain in the breast.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in women, and about 1 in 70 women will be diagnosed with this disease during their lifetime. Symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to infertility or an increased risk for ectopic pregnancy. About 1 in 8 women will develop PID at some point in their lives.
Symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen, fever, unusual discharge from the vagina, or bleeding between periods.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are much more common in women than men, and about half of women will experience a UTI in their lives. Common symptoms include cloudy or bloody urine, burning while urinating, or the need to urinate more frequently.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida and are very common, affecting about 3 in 4 women. Symptoms may include itching, burning, or irritation of the vagina; unusual discharge from the vagina; or pain during sex.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It affects about 1 in 10 women and can cause pain, heavy periods, and fertility problems.
Symptoms may include pain during sex, pelvic pain, or heavy bleeding during periods.
Autoimmune diseases
There are many different types of autoimmune diseases, but some of the most common include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's disease. These conditions are more common in women than men, and they can be very debilitating.
Symptoms may vary depending on the specific condition but can include fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, and rash.
While these are some of the most common illnesses affecting women, it's important to remember that anyone can develop any of these conditions. Be sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups and if you experience any unusual symptoms. If you have any questions, you can also contact AFC Urgent Care Bedford for more information. Early diagnosis and treatment are often key to a successful recovery.
