Causes of Stomach Ulcers in Women

Stomach ulcers are defined as sores that develop on the inner wall of the lower esophagus, stomach and duodenum. While, esophageal ulcers are rare, those of the stomach and duodenum are quite common. Ulcers that develop on the inner walls of the stomach are called gastric ulcers, whereas those on the duodenal wall are called duodenal ulcers. It has been noted that duodenal ulcers are the most common form of stomach ulcers (otherwise known as peptic ulcers). It is believed that duodenal ulcers are more commonly seen in men, as compared to women, who are said to have a higher risk of developing gastric ulcers. But now these observations are rubbished on the ground that both genders are equally prone to stomach ulcers, including both duodenal, gastric and esophageal ones.

Stomach Ulcer Causes

So, both men and women are equally prone to stomach ulcers. Then, what are the causes for them to develop this condition? Earlier, it was thought that regular intake of spicy food and other factors like stress play a vital role in causing ulcers. But now, the most common cause for stomach ulcers is found to be helicobacter pylori infection.

The inner surfaces of the stomach and the duodenum are protected with a mucosal lining. This lining protects these inner walls from the strong digestive juices. Hence, there is a balance between the production of acids and the amount of mucus required by the protective lining. This balance can be disturbed by various factors and if such imbalance causes damage to the protective lining, ulcers may develop. It is these factors that are the actual causes of stomach ulcers in women and men. The following are some of the common causes for stomach ulcers.

• As mentioned above, helicobacter pylori infection has been identified as the primary cause for stomach ulcers. These bacteria can bore through the protective lining and establish colonies on the walls of the stomach and duodenum. They secrete urease that neutralizes hydrochloric acid. This triggers production of excess acid that leads to erosion of the protective lining, thereby causing ulcers.
• Stomach ulcers in women can also be caused by regular use of certain drugs like NSAIDs. These drugs are found to disturb the natural balance between acid production and mucus producing mechanisms. This leads to erosion of the protective layer and ulcers. Even the blood flow to the stomach and duodenum can be disturbed by these drugs, thereby preventing chances of repair of the damaged cells.
• The above said are the most common causes of stomach ulcers. But, there are certain other factors that may contribute to the formation of these ulcers. Such factors include stress, regular smoking, excess alcohol consumption, food allergies, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies and diet that lacks fiber. In some rare cases, stomach ulcers (especially gastric ones) may be due to cancer too.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

Abdominal pain is the most common ulcer symptom in women as well as men. The pain may be gnawing, sharp and episodic in nature. In case of duodenal ulcers, the pain is said to be experienced three to four hours after the meal, but gastric ulcer pain usually develops right after the meal. Other symptoms include, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, belching and weakness. Stomach ulcer symptoms may also vary with the severity of the condition. In case of bleeding ulcers, the affected person may vomit like coffee grounds or may have tarry stool. Severe ulcers may also cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, decreased urine output and even shock. The treatment for stomach ulcers is decided as per the cause, severity of the condition, age and health condition of the patient. Nowadays, medication is sufficient for getting rid of this condition. They include drugs like antibiotics (in case of bacterial infection), acid suppressants and proton pump inhibitors. Some of the bleeding ulcers may require endotherapy. In some rare cases, where all other modes of treatment fail, surgery is done. Even perforated ulcers may require surgery. Surgery may include vagotomy (severance of vagus nerve to reduce acid production) antrectomy (removal of the lower part of the stomach) or pyloroplasty (widening the passage from the stomach to the small intestine).

So, causes of stomach ulcers in women and men are similar and they are equally prone to developing this condition. Some lifestyle changes may help you to prevent this condition. This includes adopting a high fiber diet and a good exercise regimen, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption and resorting to some stress relief techniques. But, if you develop symptoms of stomach ulcers, get it diagnosed and treated at the earliest, so as to avoid complications.