Top Reproductive Health Disorders Retirees Should Know About

Reproductive health doesn’t end with menopause or when you hit retirement season. In fact, ageing can introduce new reproductive health disorders or exacerbate existing ones.

Here’s a helpful guide to eight common reproductive health disorders retirees should be aware of, along with actionable steps to manage them effectively.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or on the uterus. Women will have fibroids, but many remain asymptomatic by age 50, up to 70–80% of For those who do experience symptoms, common signs include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.

What You Can Do:

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Schedule regular pelvic exams and ultrasounds to monitor fibroid size and location.
• Track Symptoms: Record menstrual flow, pelvic pressure, and urinary frequency to detect changes early.
• Explore Treatment Options: Discuss hormonal therapies, myomectomy, or hysterectomy based on severity.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintain a balanced diet to help regulate hormones, potentially reducing fibroid growth.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and sometimes infertility. Although commonly diagnosed in younger women, symptoms can persist or worsen with age.

What You Can Do:

• Seek Pain Management: Consult a specialist to develop a pain relief strategy tailored to your needs.
• Hormonal Treatments: Ask about hormone therapy to control the growth of endometrial tissue.
• Surgical Considerations: If pain is severe and unresponsive to medication, consider surgery to remove endometrial growths.
• Keep a Symptom Journal: Track pain levels, triggers, and menstrual irregularities to aid in diagnosis.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder marked by excess androgens, irregular periods, and cysts on the ovaries. While often diagnosed in reproductive years, PCOS can continue to impact health after menopause, increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.

What You Can Do:

• Regular Screenings: Monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure to catch metabolic changes early.
• Dietary Focus: Adopt a low-glycaemic, anti-inflammatory diet to manage insulin resistance.
• Exercise Regularly: Engage in consistent physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
• Mental Health Check: Address mood changes or depression with your healthcare provider.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID is an infection of the reproductive organs often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Left untreated, it can lead to chronic pelvic pain or infertility. PID can be asymptomatic, making regular check-ups crucial for older adults.

What You Can Do:

• Prompt Medical Attention: Seek evaluation for unusual pelvic pain, fever, or abnormal discharge.
• Complete Antibiotic Courses: Follow through with prescribed treatments to prevent complications.
• Sexual Health Awareness: Practise safe sex to minimise the risk of recurrent infections.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule post-treatment check-ups to ensure infection clearance.

Gynaecologic Cancers

The risk of gynaecologic cancers—including ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancers—increases with age. Symptoms such as unexplained bloating, pelvic pain, or unusual bleeding warrant immediate medical attention.

What You Can Do:

• Routine Screenings: Continue Pap smears and pelvic exams, even after menopause.
• Report Unusual Symptoms: Alert your provider to persistent bloating, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.
• Genetic Testing: Consider genetic counselling if you have a family history of gynaecologic cancers.
• Stay Informed: Learn the signs and symptoms to advocate for timely intervention.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis or IC is a chronic bladder condition characterised by pelvic pain, urgency, and frequent urination. It can significantly impact quality of life, especially for older adults.

What You Can Do:

• Bladder Training: Practise timed voiding to reduce urgency and frequency.
• Dietary Adjustments: Identify and avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods.
• Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate pelvic pain.
• Track Symptoms: Maintain a bladder diary to pinpoint potential food and drink triggers.

Menopausal and Hormonal Changes

Menopause brings hormonal changes that can increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and vaginal atrophy. Monitoring these changes can prevent complications.

What You Can Do:

• Bone Density Monitoring: Schedule bone density tests to assess fracture risk.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Discuss the pros and cons of HRT with your provider.
• Exercise Regularly: Weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone density.
• Nutritional Support: Increase calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections are not exclusive to younger populations. The rise in new relationships and lack of protection can lead to increased STI rates among retirees.

What You Can Do:

• Safe Sex Practises: Use condoms and communicate openly with partners about sexual health.
• Regular STI Screenings: Get tested regularly, especially when entering new relationships.
• Address Stigma: Normalise conversations about sexual health with healthcare providers.
• Stay Educated: Access resources on STI prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

Reproductive health disorders may change with age such as pelvic inflammation disease endometriosis, uterine fibroids and hormonal changes but proactive management can help retirees maintain well-being.

Regular screenings, symptom monitoring, and open communication with healthcare providers are essential to managing these conditions effectively.