Like VIN, this condition may eventually turn cancerous if left untreated. Women who smoke, have multiple sexual partners, have genital warts, or first had sex before the age of 20 are at special risk of developing cervical dysplasia. Abnormal uterine bleeding occurs when menstrual periods are irregular, last longer, or are heavier than usual. PID affects one woman in seven at some point in life, causing chronic pain and abdominal abscesses. PID is also a leading cause of tubal pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus.
Tubal pregnancy can be a medical emergency.
If untreated, a tubal pregnancy may rupture the fallopian tube, causing the embryo to die and possibly endangering the mother's life. It is estimated that one out of every four or five women over the age of 35 has fibroids. These women may experience longer or heavier periods, irregular vaginal bleeding, abdominal or back pain, or frequent urination. It's estimated that as many as 40 percent of women develop these benign uterine growths by age 40. Few, however, experience any symptoms.