Women's Health

Common women’s diseases and health conditions in Singapore

Women's unique biological make-up predispose us to certain health conditions as we move through different stages of our lives.

In your 20s

While we may be in the prime of our lives in our 20s, many health conditions are "silent" and are not easily detected without screening. Early treatment and lifestyle changes give us the opportunity to reduce the risks or to even prevent these conditions.

Do get yourself tested if you have a family history of the following:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol)
• Cardiovascular diseases, including heart diseases and stroke

If you are sexually active or there is a change to your marital status, you may want to consider:

• HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine/Pap smear test for cervical cancer
• Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Preconception screening

Your 20s is also a good time for you to start visiting a gynaecologist annually for a routine checkup.

Learn more about what to expect at your first visit to the gynae.

In your 40s

As you reach your 40s, your risks for certain chronic conditions will start to rise together with your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Prolonged exposure to oestrogen may also increase the likelihood of breast cancer.

You may also find yourself experiencing digestive and urogynaecological conditions that commonly affect women.

Learn about common health issues for women in their 40s.

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of tissue in the breast that can sometimes be felt as a lump. It is the most common cancer among women in Singapore, but there are steps you can take to reduce your breast cancer risk.

Learn about mammograms and breast cancer screening in Singapore.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when the acid from the stomach flows back into the oesophagus. GERD can disrupt our daily routines and affect our quality of life. Learn how to recognise GERD symptoms and the treatment options available.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is an infection in your urinary tract that can affect your urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys. With more than 50% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime, learn what you can do to treat this uncomfortable and debilitating condition.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a non-cancerous growth in the womb that can grow on the inside of the uterus, within the muscle wall of the uterus or on the outer surface of the uterus. As many as 30% of women have fibroids but only 1 in 4 women show symptoms. Know some of the tell-tale signs of the condition and you need to seek treatment.

In your 50s and 60s

As you enter your golden years, you are likely to have more time for yourself as you prepare for retirement. Making changes to lead a healthier lifestyle can significantly improve your health and well-being now and in the years ahead.

Learning to recognise the signs and symptoms of these women's diseases early can help you live more years in good health.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is an abnormal growth in the colon or rectum that often begins as a polyp. Polyps can be present in up to 25% of individuals at age 50 and the prevalence increases with age. Most polyps (90%) can be removed at colonoscopy, and hence 5 yearly colonoscopies are recommended for screening from the age of 50 years old.

In Singapore, 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and it is most common in adults above 50.

Learn about preventing colorectal cancer as well as the risks, symptoms and treatment for colorectal cancer.

Heart disease

Women tend to develop heart disease up to a decade later than men, thanks to the natural protection of their hormones before menopause. Although heart disease is just as common in women as in men, the symptoms occurring in women could be different or atypical.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints, and is the most common form of arthritis (inflammation of the joints). 1 in 2 adults will develop this condition. Osteoarthritis is also one of the leading cause of falls in 1 in 3 adults above the age of 65.

Uterine prolapse

A uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops into the vaginal canal because the pelvic muscle, tissue and ligaments are unable to support its weight. Besides uterine prolapse, the walls of the vagina can become lax and present as a cystocele (weakened bladder and vaginal wall) or rectocele (weakened intestine and vaginal wall).

While women of any age can be affected, nearly half of all women between 50 – 79 years old experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse.

Learn about what to do if you have uterine prolapse.

Women's healthcare needs

Find out more about the key areas of women's health:

• Sexual and reproductive health
• Heart health
• Digestive health
• Hormonal health
• Gynaecological health
• Pelvic floor and bladder health (urogynaecology)
• Cancer care

Planning for a family

If you are trying for a baby, getting into the best reproductive health possible means good nutrition, an active lifestyle and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

But if you are above 35 or have been unsuccessful after trying to conceive for 1 year, it may be time to consult a fertility specialist.

Preventing women’s diseases

Make preventive care a vital part of living well and aging gracefully. Living a healthy lifestyle provides multiple benefits such as keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels under control and lowering your risk for women's diseases. Regular health screening can also help you to identify hidden risks early.