When it comes to women’s health, ovarian health and ovarian cancer are often neglected, because more focus is placed on breast and cervical cancer.
Now efforts are being made to address these gaps and to ensure you have access to ovarian health screening. Radiology is a non-invasive and important tool that has made huge strides in improving screening.
In this article, we will explore
- Why has ovarian health been neglected?
- Why should women have ovarian health screens?
- What is an ovarian health screen?
- What are the risks of an ovarian health screen?
- The benefit of pelvic ultrasounds
- The role of radiology in ovarian screening and diagnostics
- Symptoms to look out for
- What to do if you are concerned about your ovarian health
Why has ovarian health been neglected?
There are several reasons why ovarian health has received comparatively less attention than other aspects of women’s health.
- A Lack of Early Symptoms: Detecting ovarian cancer early can be incredibly challenging, which is why ovarian cancer is also known as the “silent killer”. The first symptoms only appear late in the disease progression.
- Limited Screening Methods: Generally, there has been a lack of routine screening for ovarian health.
- Limited Awareness and Education Gaps: Ovarian health awareness and education are less prominent than other women’s health issues, potentially leading to gaps in understanding about conditions and risk factors.
- A Lack of Funding: There are disparities in funding and ovarian health hasn’t received as much attention as other women’s health issues. This has limited the development of effective screening methods and treatment options.
Why should women have ovarian health screens?
There are several reasons why you should consider having an ovarian health screen.
Health screening can help with early detection of ovarian cancer and they are also useful in giving an assessment of the ovaries. For example, a transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test can help assess ovarian health and identify cysts and abnormalities.
Ovarian health screens are also widely used if you’re experiencing issues with fertility or undergoing fertility treatment. Pelvic ultrasounds are able to monitor your ovaries’ response to medication and track follicular development.
If you have risk factors such as a family history of ovarian cancer or BRCA 1/BRCA 2 genetic mutations, then regular screening is recommended. The scans can identify ovarian cysts and determine if they are simple or complex – simple cysts are relatively harmless, whereas complex cysts may need to be monitored.
What is an ovarian health screen?
A health screen is a set of tests and diagnostic assessments that gauge ovarian health.
These tests are usually personalised and based on your individual needs and symptoms. Ovarian health screens are common in the context of fertility, diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – image 1, evaluating cysts, or assessing the risk of ovarian cancer.
The following tests may be advised:
- A Pelvic Exam is a physical exam that assesses the size, shape, and condition of the ovaries and surrounds.
- A Transvaginal Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the ovaries and can identify cysts, tumours, and other abnormalities.
- Blood Tests that measure hormone levels such as progesterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH) can assess ovarian function.
- A CA-125 Test measures the level of CA-125, which is a tumour marker. CA-125 can indicate some ovarian cancers but it can also be elevated for unrelated reasons.
- Ovarian Reserve Testing assesses your fertility potential by looking at the quality of your eggs.
What are the risks of an ovarian health screen?
One of the limitations of ovarian health screening is that false positives and false negatives are both relatively common.
As you can imagine, a false positive can have a psychological impact and cause a lot of anxiety for you. On the other hand, false negatives can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
That said, some cancer markers or abnormalities don’t necessarily indicate cancer.
An ovarian health screen may also reveal cysts and abnormalities that don’t need interventions and aren’t threatening. Cysts and abnormalities are relatively common, and there is often the tendency to perform unnecessary tests and procedures. Many of these tests and procedures are invasive and potentially risky, resulting in bleeding, infection, or discomfort.
Speak to your doctor about what to expect. They are there to guide and support you throughout the journey, no matter how difficult it may be.
The benefit of pelvic ultrasounds
Pelvic ultrasounds are non-invasive tests that use sound waves to create images of organs and structures in the pelvis. The use of ultrasounds gives a broad picture of ovarian health, and they are used in a range of different contexts.
- Ultrasounds can detect abnormalities in the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrial lining, and bladder. They can also identify ovarian cysts and fibroids.
- Ultrasounds are often used in fertility assessments to gauge the health of reproductive organs. They are a standard prenatal care tool to monitor the foetus, detect multiple pregnancies, and assess the placenta and amniotic fluid.
- They can diagnose and monitor endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and abnormalities in blood vessels.
- They are used as a guidance tool during certain medical procedures.
- They can determine the cause of pelvic pain and assess bladder function.
The role of radiology in ovarian screening and diagnostics
Generally, radiology is non-invasive and uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The choice of imaging modality varies according to the patient. Typically the findings are part of a broad diagnostic approach and may lead to further tests and evaluations.
In ovarian health screening, radiology provides a picture of your ovarian structures and identifies the size and shape of the ovaries as well as any abnormalities.
Modalities such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs can identify ovarian cysts and tumours. Because of their comprehensive cross-sectional images, CT scans and MRIs are valuable in evaluating ovarian cancer, and detecting whether it has spread to other organs.
Doppler ultrasound assesses blood flow within the ovaries, and can point to general health, the efficacy of fertility medications, and can potentially point to ovarian cancer.
Radiological imaging is also an effective way to guide certain procedures, such as inserting intrauterine devices (IUD) or performing biopsies.
Symptoms to look out for
It is often tricky to diagnose ovarian issues but there are common symptoms that may point towards ovarian problems that you should look out for.
- If you suffer from pelvic pain or discomfort, such as stabbing pain or even a dull ache.
- If you have abdominal bloating or swelling.
- If you have unusual bleeding, changes in menstruation, or painful menstruation.
- If you experience pain during sexual intercourse.
- If you experience frequent urination.
- If you have difficulty eating or feel full more quickly than usual.
- If you suffer from back pain.
- If you have unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
- If you are tired easily and feel fatigued.
- If you have changes in your bowel habits such as constipation.
What to do if you are concerned about your ovarian health
Communication is always the best option when it comes to managing your healthcare. If you are concerned about any symptoms or changes in your health, you should talk to a medical practitioner as soon as possible. Remember that it is very important to give them an accurate medical history and to flag any risk factors that may point to ovarian health issues.
A medical professional may suggest an ovarian health screening and radiology as options if they are concerned about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
If you’re based in Namibia, book your appointment at our Walvis Bay Branch.
Sources:
- Header Image by WangXiNa on Freepik
