CH 20: Reproductive System Health Flashcards
effects of Aging on the Reproductive System in women
Hormonal changes _ vulva atrophy
Flattening of labia & loss of SQ fat and hair
Drier vaginal environment and thin vaginal epithelium _ uncomfortable intercourse
Atrophy of cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries atrophy
Uterus and ovaries decrease in size
Replacement of mammary glands by fat tissue _ Breasts sag and are less firm
Nipple retraction from shrinkage and fibrotic changes
Effects of Aging on the Reproductive System on men
Seminal vesicles have thinner epithelium _ Reduction in sperm count
Atrophy of testes _ decrease mass of testes
Slightly decreased testosterone
More time to achieve an erection and lost easily
Enlargement of the prostate gland
Reproductive System Health Promotion
Annual gynecologic exam for women
Women > 65 with 3 normal PAPs don’t need a PAP test unless
they have HIV, immunocompromised, exposed to
diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth, or cervical cancer
Men with prostatic hypertrophy get exams Q6months
PSA testing routinely for history of prostate CA
Self-breast and self-testicular exams monthly
Complete physical exam
Women: age related vulva disorders can lead to:
irritation and infection
indicates serious disease
what is vulvitits
inflammation of the labia majora and labia minora — the outer folds of the vulva and the parts of a woman’s genitals that are outside her body, rather than inside
causes of vulvitis
Poor hygiene and incontinence
s/s of vulvitis
pruritis
blisters
redness
swelling
tx of vulvitis
treat cause
good nutritional status
sitz baths
local application of saline compresses and
steroids
keep incontinent client clean and dry
vulvular cancer commonly diagnosed when
in the 70s
biopsy any mass of lesion
tx of vulvular cancer
radical vulvectomy
radiation (less
common)
counseling on sexual activity and body
image
reasons behind vaginitis
Increased fragility of vagina causes it to be more
irritated increased risk of vaginitis
s/s of vaginitis
soreness
pruritis
burning
reddened vagina
foul-smelling discharge that is brown/clear/white
tx of vaginitis
local estrogens (with teaching on med
admin)
things the pt can do at home to avoid vaginitis
- Avoid douches, perfumed soaps and spray to area
- If using a douche, measure solution temp. first; altered
sensory perception can cause injury - Wear cotton underwear
- Keep genital area clean and dry
- Use lubricants during sex
- Good hygiene
prevalence of cancer of the vagina
half of cases in women >60
risk factors of cancer of the vagina
HPV
smoking
previous radiation therapy to vagina
hx of cervical cancer
DES
treatment for cancer of the vagina
radiation
therapy
chemo
signs of cervical cancer in aged women
Vaginal bleeding
leukorrhea
generally no pain