The Bartholin's glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is a relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst. If the fluid within the cyst becomes infected, a collection of pus may form surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).
Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites. There are numerous causes of ascites, but the most common cause in the U.S. is cirrhosis of the liver (which accounts for approximately 80% of cases). Cirrhosis is a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and prevents the liver from working normally. Other common causes of ascites are cancer-related or due to heart failure.
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may vary in severity and can fluctuate or progress/get worse over time. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis, but the main goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life.
The seminal vesicles are two small glands that store and produce the majority of the fluid that makes up semen. Seminal vesicle atrophy is characterized by a reduction in the size and number of glandular components and lining epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle. Seminal vesicle atrophy may be congenital (from birth) or it can occur as an age-related change when the depletion of androgenic hormone has a profound atrophic effect on accessory sex organs. Treatment with anti-androgenic substances can also lead to the atrophy of the seminal vesicle.
An arcuate uterus describes a mild indentation of the top of the uterus (fundus). This is a congenital (present from birth) variation that does not cause symptoms, and is not typically associated with infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes. This variant is considered normal and no follow-up is needed.
Uterine and adnexal (ovaries and fallopian tubes) atrophy is a response to a hypo-estrogen state (low estrogen levels in the body). Atrophy describes when tissue “wastes away” or thins. The most common cause for a hypo-estrogen state is menopause. Other factors that can cause uterine and adnexal atrophy include prolonged oral contraception, ovarian dysfunction and tamoxifen use (estrogen-lowering medication). Atrophy is a normal change to the uterus and adnexa as a woman ages and goes through menopause.
