Gynecological Symptoms in Apparently Asymptomatic Women

Abstract

Objective: Exploring gynecological symptoms in apparently asymptomatic women to identify hidden portion of iceberg of diseases like malignancy and determining causes for delayed presentation. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted by giving preformed questionnaire to 100 female accompanying persons of the patients at government maternity hospital, Tirupati. The questionnaire contains leading questions regarding various gynecological problems. If symptoms were present women were asked whether they underwent medical consultation, if not the reasons for not consulting. Results: 75% of women had gynecological symptoms. Dysmenorrhea (31%), excessive bleeding during menstruation (26%) and icteric and menopausal symptoms like hot flushes (25%) were leading. Among these women, 46.6%(35) women consulted medical personnel and 72.5%(29) of them were relieved of symptoms. Among the 75% women symptomatic women, 46.6%(35) women didn't seek medical care, major reasons being lack of medical awareness (69%), financial problems (54%) and apprehension(22.8%) Conclusion: This study showed that most of apparently asymptomatic women have gynecological symptoms and half of them didn't seek medical consultation because of lack of awareness, financial problems and apprehension. This leads to progression of underlying disease and delayed presentation especially in malignancies. Health education in the form of social media, group discussions would help in early diagnosis.