WOMEN’S HEALTH: OTHER BITS AND PIECES
As well as the reproductive organs, the pelvis also contains various other structures. Important amongst these are the ligaments and other vital bands that hold everything in position. In front of the uterus is the bladder which holds the urine. Behind is the bowel. On top, the large and small intestines are lot a led. All strut-lures are covered with thin slippery membranes which allow one organ to move against another.
Although most women have normal structures, occasionally there may be a developmental anomaly that can produce odd-ball anatomical effects. For example, the hymen may be devoid of a hole; when menstruation commences, blood simply builds up until it is discovered, usually by a doctor checking the girl for the non-appearance of her periods. Vagina and uterus may be choc full of accumulated blood.
Sometimes abnormalities in the shape and structure of the uterus may take place, or there may be a double uterus.
In other cases, the sex of a baby at birth may not be obvious. Male and female have com pot tents that arc physiologically similar —for example, the head of the penis equates with the head of the clitoris, and testes equate with ovaries. Each comes from a similar part in the developing embryo. At birth the penis may be excessively small; there may be unusual external openings. This is called ‘intersex’ and. it is believed, affects 2-3 per 1000 births. Cases may be detected at birth, when a decision is made which sex the child should be called; other cases may not be detected until puberty (when menstruation fails to occur) or by chance in later life. It is a difficult subject, and a little bizarre. It is one, understandably, that those involved prefer not to discuss with others.
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