CH4: Gynecologic, Reproductive/Sexual, Menopause Flashcards
What is the inframammary ridge
firm transverse ridge of compressed tissue which may be present along the lower edge of the breast(s)
What is a breast lobe
section of breast composed of glandular tissue and surrounded by the fatty and connective tissues of the breast. There are 15-20 lobes in each breast. Each lobe empties into a single lactiferous duct that opens out through the nipple
What is a breast lobule
These are small branching glands within each lobe that contain tiny, hollow sacs called alveoli which are responsible for milk production
What are the breast Montgomery’s glands
sebaceous glands that circle the nipple, located in the areola
Perineal muscle that surrounds the vagina and acts as a weak sphincter
bulbocavernosus
Perineal muscle that surrounds the clitoris and is responsible for clitoral erection
Ischiovernosus
Perineal muscles that converge with the urethral sphincter
superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles
Perineal muscle that surrounds the anus
External anal sphincter
(3) muscle components of the pelvic floor levator ani
pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, puborectalis
(4) bones of the pelvis
two innominate bones (hip bones), sacrum, coccyx
(3) components of the innominate bones that make up the pelvis
ilium, ischium, pubis
What is the mons pubis
Fatty tissue prominence overlying the symphysis pubis, often covered by coarse hair
What are the name of the glands on each side of the urethral meatus
Skene’s glands
What are the name of the glands with openings posteriorly on each side of the vaginal orifice
Bartholin’s glands
Approximate size dimensions of the vagina
7cm anterior and 10cm posterior in length
What cell type lines the vagina
stratified squamous epithelium
What are rugae
transverse folds in the vaginal sidewall that allow for distention during coitus and childbirth
Why is the vaginal pH normally acidic
prevalence of lactobacilli
Approximate size dimensions of the cervix
2-3cm in diameter and 2.5cm in length
What are the translucent nodules sometimes found on cervixes called
nabothian cyst - no pathologic significance
Expected change to the cervical os after childbirth
change from a round O to larger and slit-like
What is the squamocolumnar junction
juncture of the squamous epithelium covering the ectocervix with the columnar epithelium of the endocervix
Broad band of columnar epithelium surrounding the external os, more common in puberty or in folks on OCPs, is called…
ectropion
What is the process by which columnar cells of the endocervix are replaced by mature squamous epithelium
squamous metaplasia
Approximate size dimensions of the uterus
8cm in length, 5cm in width, 2.5cm in thickness
What type of cells lines the uterus and the endocervix
columnar epithelium
Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are types of ________ hormones
steroid
Approximate size dimensions of the ovaries
3cm x 2cm x 1cm
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released from the…..
hypothalamus
What are the 2 gonadotropins
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
Where are FSH and LH released from
anterior pituitary
What is the negative HPO-axis feedback loop?
rising E and P –> E/P reaches above set point –> hypothalamus decreases GnRH –> anterior pituitary decreases FSH/LH secretion –> decreasing E and P levels from ovaries –> E/P reaches below set point –> hypothalamus increases GnRH secretion –> anterior pituitary increases FSH/LH secretion –> rising E and P
What is the positive HPO-axis feedback loop?
E reaches a certain peak just before ovulation –> hypothalamus increases GnRH secretion –> FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary surge –> mature ovum is released from the ovary
(3) types of estrogen
estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), estriol (E3)
What are prostaglandins
A group of lipid compounds derived from fatty acids at different sites in the body via enzymatic actions that act at target sites near their area of secretion. In the uterus, they regulate contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle
Where is sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) produced
liver
What is the role of SHBG
a serum protein made in the liver that binds to estrogens and androgens in the blood, carrying them through general circulation so they can reach their target tissues in the body
(3) factors that increase amount of SHBG
hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, OCPs that contain estrogen
(3) factors that decrease amount of SHBG
obesity, hyperinsulinemia, androgens
Where is prolactin secreted from
anterior pituitary
What is the role of prolactin
Stimulates the synthesis of milk proteins in mammary tissue and epithelial growth in the breast during pregnancy
Which estrogen is the most potent and plentiful in the reproductive years
estradiol
Which estrogen is the major source of estrogen after menopause
estrone
Which estrogen is the least potent and the major source during pregnancy
estriol
Where is estrogen produced in the body?
Primarily ovaries. Also, adrenal cortex, peripheral conversion of androgens in adipose tissues, and the placenta during pregnancy
What are the main functions of estrogen? (6)
Maturation of the reproductive organs
Development of secondary sex characteristics
Closure of long bones
Regulation of menstrual cycle
Maternal physiologic adaptations of pregnancy
Metabolic effects on several other organs
Where is progesterone produced in the body?
Primarily, ovaries. Also, corpus luteum and adrenal cortex
Where are androgens produced in the body?
Ovaries, adrenal cortex
What are the main functions of progesterone? (3)
Contributes to mammary gland development
Regulation of menstrual cycle
Maternal physiologic adaptations of pregnancy
Where is testosterone produced in the female body?
ovaries, adrenal cortex, and through peripheral conversion in adipose tissues
What are the main functions of testosterone in the female body? (3)
Precursor to synthesis of estradiol
Contribute to long bone growth
Growth of pubic and axillary hair
What is androstenedione?
A weak androgen that serves as a precursor for estrogen synthesis that is produced by the ovaries and adrenal cortex
What is activin?
Produced by the ovaries and anterior pituitary gland, this hormone stimulates FSH secretion
What is inhibin?
Produced by the ovaries, this hormone inhibits FSH secretion by binding to activin
What is follistatin?
Produced by the ovaries and anterior pituitary, this hormone inhibits FSH by binding to activin
What is Anti-Mullerian Hormone?
Produced by ovarian follicles, this hormone plays a role in the selective recruitment of follicles that will continue to grow and develop by inhibiting FSH-dependent follicular growth of the primordial follicles. Expect to be elevated in PCOS
What is insulin-like growth factor?
Produced by the liver and ovaries, this hormone is involved in growth and differentiation of tissues in response to growth hormones, and promotes steroidogenesis by stimulating increase in size and number of FSH and LH receptors.
Typical age of puberty onset in females
9yo
Onset of breast development is called…
thelarche
Onset of pubic and axillary hair development is called….
adrenarche
Average age and timing of menarche
average age of 12.5, typically follows peak height velocity
Scale used to assess the progressive sexual maturity changes during puberty
Tanner stages
Definition of “delayed onset of puberty”
No breast growth by age 14yo, or no skeletal growth spurt by age 15yo. Usually a normal variant and catch-up occurs
Definition of “precocious puberty”
Thelarche or adrenarche before age 7yo in Caucasian females and 6yo in African American females - evaluate for congenital or neoplastic causes, however 75% are ideopathic
Average timing, duration, and blood loss during menstrual cycle
28 day cycle (+/-2 days), 4-6 days of bleeding (+/- 2 days), 40cc volume of blood loss
Describe the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle
Begins on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle and is variable in length. E and P levels are low from the end of the last cycle. Sensing low E/P levels, the hypothalamus increases GnRH which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH. FSH in particular stimulates ovarian follicular development, and the maturing follicles produce higher and higher levels of Estrogen. The dominant follicle emerges because it has the highest level of Estrogen Receptors. As the dominant follicle begins producing high levels of E2, the LH surge begins to initiate ovulation
Describe the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle
After the LH surge, prostaglandins and proteolytic enzymes break down the follicular wall and ruptures the dominant ovarian follicle, releasing an egg (oocyte). The oocyte can be fertilized for 12-24 hours after being released
The oocyte can be fertilized for ________ after being released
12-24 hours
LH surge peaks _________ before ovulation occurs
10-12 hours
Describe the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
Begins after ovulation occurs and lasts for approximately 14 days (+/- 2 days). The corpus luteum forms from the ruptured follicle and produces high levels of progesterone, which peaks 7-8 days after ovulation. The corpus luteum also produces moderate amounts of estrogen. If a pregnancy does not occur, then the corpus luteum regresses and levels of both E and P will drop, triggering shedding of the endometrial lining called menses.
What are the (3) phases of the ovarian menstrual cycle
follicular, ovulation, luteal
What are the (3) phases of the uterine menstrual cycle
menstruation, proliferative, secretory
Describe the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle
The endometrium grows and thickens under the influence of ESTROGEN. Lasts from the end of bleeding (menses) until ovulation (~10 days)
Describe the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle
After the proliferative phase, the endometrium hypertrophies and becomes more vascularized under the influence of PROGESTERONE from the oocyte’s corpus luteum. This creates a favorable environment for possible implantation. This lasts, on average, 12-16 days
Describe the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle
After the secretory phase and implantation has not occurred, the corpus luteum regresses. Under the influence of declining E/P, the endometrium undergoes involution, necrosis, and sloughing which causes bleeding. Typically lasts 3-6 days
Expected characteristics of cervical mucus at ovulation
Abundant, highly elastic, thin, clear (under the influence of high estrogen) – clinically, can stretch between thumb and forefingers (spinnbarkeit). Will cause ferning appearance under microscope
Use of basal body temperature in detecting ovulation
BBT is the temperature of the body at rest. It is lowest in the follicular phase and peaks AFTER ovulation under the influence of progesterone. It will remain elevated until 2-4 days before menses
ROUTINE screening pelvic and breast exams are not recommended before age…..
21yo
What are the ACS, ACOG, and USPSTF differences in recommendations for routine clinical breast exams
ACS & USPSTF do NOT recommend for those at average risk of breast cancer. ACOG recommends offering Q1-3 years ages 25-39, and annually >40
What is the basic pap test schedule for patients age 21-29yo
cytology alone Q3 years
What is the recommendation regarding patient self-breast exams
20yo and older, educate about breast self-awareness but it is no longer recommended to teach routine, systematic breast self-exams for any age group
What is the basic pap test schedule for patients age 30-65yo, per ACS, ACOG, and USPSTF
ACS & ACOG: Preferred is co-testing Q5 years; acceptable alternative is cytology alone Q3 years
USPSTF: Option for HPV alone Q5 years
What are the ACS, ACOG, and USPSTF differences in recommendations for mammography screening
ACS: Acceptable to begin earlier at ages 40-44 otherwise offer yearly at 45yo, 55yo+ can continue annual or choose biennial
ACOG: Offer starting at age 40 but acceptable to initiate anywhere from 40 - 49, annual or biennial is acceptable
USPSTF: Biennial screening ages 50-74yo
% of couples having unprotected coitus who will get pregnant by 3, 6, 12, and 24 months
3 months = 57%
6 months = 72%
12 months = 85%
24 months = 93%
Definition of infertility
inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected coitus ages <35yo, if 35 or older is after 6 months
Estimated infertility rate in the US of females
6-15%
Healthy sperm can survive in female reproductive tract and retain ability to fertilize an egg for ______
3-5 days
% of infertility that is female-factor, male-factor, and unexplained
female factor 25-50%
male factor 25-50%
combined 30%
unexplained 10-25%
Female infertility factors (8)
anovulation, luteal-phase insufficiency, poor ovarian reserve, inadequate cervical mucus, uterine anomalies, surgical adhesions, tubal occlusion, endometriosis
Male infertility factors (10)
low testosterone (hypogonadism), varicocele, toxin exposures (radiation, chemicals, drugs), chronic overheating of testicles, mumps orchitis (testicular inflammation), adhesions, hypospadias, phimosis, retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction
Penile phimosis
tight foreskin that cannot be retracted which can be congenital or a result of recurrent infections
Penile hypospadias
congenital defect in which the urethral meatus is located on the ventral surface of the glans, penile shaft, or perineal area
Varicocele
Abnormal dilation of the peri-testicular veins resulting in varicose veins in the spermatic cord
What (2) tests in the infertility work-up determine ovarian reserve
AMH level (serum) and antral follicle count (US)
Basic laboratory and diagnostics work-up for infertility
HOME: basal body temperature, ovulation prediction kits
LABS: AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), progesterone, TSH, prolactin, STI screening, semen analysis
IMAGING: pelvic US (for uterine anomalies, antral follicle count, and persistent ovarian cyst), & hysterosalpingogram (for tubal patency, shape of uterine cavity)
How do you manage ovulatory dysfunction as cause of female factor infertility
ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate or letrozole
How do you manage luteal-phase defect as cause of female factor infertility
vaginal or IM progesterone
What is IVF and its success rate
In vitro fertilization is the most common assisted reproductive technology used and has a 15-20% success rate overall. Oocytes are extracted, fertilized in a laboratory, and then transferred through the cervix into the uterus
What is gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
Placement of oocytes and sperm directly into the fallopian tube, carries a 25% success rate
What is zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
Placement of a fertilized oocyte (zygote) into the fallopian tube, carries an 18-20% success rate
What are the only contraceptive options that have <1 pregnancy per 100 users per year with TYPICAL use (3)
progestin-only implant, IUD, sterilization
Examples of common inducers of CYP450 which may lessen the effectiveness of OCPs due to rapid clearance
rifampin, some anticonvulsants, some antiretrovirals and TB medications, griseofulvin (antifungal), St. John’s wort
What is the only birth control method that is not affected in efficacy by concomitant use of CYP450 inducer medications (like anticonvulsants), excepting sterilization?
DMPA (Depo Provera)
What does DMPA stand for
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
If you use the “quick start” method for switching between contraceptive medications, do you need back-up contraception?
Yes - follow backup contraception instructions for the new method just as if you had not used the quick start method (~7 days)
How long after taking ulepristal acetate for emergency contraception should you wait before starting a new method of birth control?
ideally, do not start a new hormonal method any sooner than 5 days after taking ulepristal acetate because of concern that it may decrease its efficacy; abstinence or condoms are recommended
Categories 1-4 from the CDC on eligibility for a contraceptive method
Category 1 = no restriction on use
Category 2 = advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks
Category 3 = The theoretical or proven risks generally outweigh the advantages (relative contraindication - refer to OB/GYN physician)
Category 4 = unacceptable risk (absolute contraindication)
How long is the copper-releasing IUD effective for?
10 years
How long are the (4) types of hormonal IUDs effective for?
Skyla = 3 years Liletta = 5 years Kyleena = 5 years Mirena = 5 years
MOA copper-releasing IUD
Inhibits sperm capacitation, alters tubal and uterine transport of the ovum, has an enzymatic influence on the endometrium
MOA LNG-IUDs
thickens cervical mucus, produces an atrophic endometrium unfavorable to implantation, slows ovum transport through the tube, inhibits sperm motility and function
Effectiveness of the IUDs, typical use
Copper - 0.8%
LNG - 0.2%
IUD in the postpartum period?
Can be used during lactation and placed immediately postpartum. Specifically, place within 48 hours of delivery or wait 4 weeks postpartum because placement after 48 hours and before 4 weeks is associated with increased risk for uterine perforation
copper-releasing IUD can increase _______ and _______ during menses
blood loss, dysmenorrhea (pain)
What is likely to happen to bleeding and dysmenorrhea with LNG-IUDs
irregular bleeding and spotting for the first 3-6 months of use followed by absence or decrease in bleeding and decrease in dysmenorrhea
The risk of PID is increased for the first _______ after IUD insertion
20 days
Category 4 (Absolute Contraindications) for IUD initiation
- known or suspected pregnancy
- postpartum or post-abortion sepsis
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- cervical cancer awaiting treatment
- breast cancer within previous 5 years (except for copper)
- uterine anatomic abnormalities that may distort the cavity
- current PID, G/C, or purulent cervicitis
- endometrial cancer
- rare: pelvic TB or gestational trophoblastic disease
Category 3 (Relative Contraindications) for IUD initiation
- ischemic heart disease (except for copper)
- h/o breast cancer >5 years ago (except for copper)
- high risk for GC STIs
- HIV-AIDS unless clinically well on ART
- liver disease
- lupus (except for copper)
- rare: solid organ transplant with complications, pelvic TB
How long should the uterus sound for best placement of the IUDs
6-9cm
How short should you trim the IUD threads after insertion
3-4cm
What type of follow-up is required after placement of an IUD
Advise to return an time to discuss side effects, problems, desire to change method – otherwise, no routine follow-up is required until it is time to remove or replace method
Do you need back-up protection after placement of an IUD?
LNG - yes, 7 days
Copper - no
Severe cramping or pain after IUD placement, rule out…. (3)
perforation, infection, pregnancy
Rate of IUD expulsion in first year
2-10%
Management of IUD expulsion
remove, rule out pregnancy or infection, replace if desired, and rx doxycycline for 5-7 days
How common is uterine perforation after IUD placement
1 in 1,000 insertions
What do you need to do if someone gets PID with an IUD in place
Treat PID with appropriate antibiotics. There is no evidence to support preventive antibiotics with IUD placement. Also, there is no need to remove the IUD after PID diagnosed unless they have no clinical improvement within 48-72 hours of antibiotic initiation
How long does the progestin-only implant (Nexplanon) work for
3 years
What type of progesterone is in the IUD and in the arm plant
IUD = levonorgestrel
arm implant = etonogestrel
MOA of Nexplanon / progestin arm implant
suppresses LH and thus ovulation in almost all users, produces an atrophic endometrium, and thickens cervical mucus
Effectiveness of the Nexplanon arm implant, perfect AND typical use
0.05%
Does obesity reduce the efficacy of Nexplanon?
“cumulative evidence supports that obesity does not reduce efficacy”
Most users of Nexplanon arm implant ovulate within ____ of removal
6 weeks
Nexplanon arm implant in the postpartum period?
Can be used during lactation and immediately postpartum
Expected bleeding and dysmenorrhea patterns after Nexplanon arm implant insertion
Overall, reduced pain and dysmenorrhea. Pain and bruising is common at the insertion site. Bleeding patterns are likely to become irregular, prolonged, and more frequent in the first few months of use although may become amenorrheic eventually
Category 4 (Absolute Contraindication) for Nexplanon arm implant use
breast cancer within past 5 years
Category 3 (Relative Contraindications) for Nexplanon arm implant use
ischemic heart disease or stroke unexplained vaginal bleeding h/o breast cancer >5 years ago liver disease lupus
What follow-up is needed after insertion of Nexplanon arm implant?
Advise can return at any time to discuss side effects or problems - otherwise, no routine follow-up is required until removal or replacement in 3 years
Do you need back-up contraception after placement of the Nexplanon arm implant?
Not if inserted on days 1-5 of menses; otherwise, use back-up for 7 days
What is the MOA of the estrogen component of oral contraceptive pills?
inhibits ovulation through the suppression of FSH, stabilizes the endometrium for less unscheduled bleeding and spotting
What is the most common type of synthetic estrogen used in OCPs?
ethinyl estradiol
What is the MOA of the progesterone component of oral contraceptive pills?
the progesterone provides most of the contraceptive effect – inhibits ovulation through inhibition of the LH surge, inhibits sperm penetration by thickening cervical mucus
Characteristics of first generation progesterones (3) and common example (1)
norethindrone
- lowest potency
- shortest half-life
- lower doses are more likely to have unscheduled bleeding and spotting
Characteristics of second generation progesterones (4) and common examples (2)
norgestrel, levonorgestrel
- more potent
- longer half-life
- less unscheduled bleeding and spotting (d/t longer half life)
- more androgen-related side effects
Characteristics of third generation progesterone (1) and common example (1)
norgestimate
- maintains the potency of second gen with less androgenic side effects
Characteristics of fourth generation progesterones (1) and common example (1)
drospirenone
- antiandrogenic properties
Effectiveness of OCPs, perfect and typical use
perfect = 0.3% typical = 9%
OCPs reduce lifetime risk of (3) cancers
ovarian, endometrial, colorectal
Antibiotics and OCP use - counseling
Most broad-spectrum antibiotics do NOT lower hormone levels or affect efficacy (ampicillin, metronidazole, doxycycline, fluconazole). There are a few that do induce CYP450 and thus MAY decrease COC effectiveness (rifampin, griseofulvin)
Which (2) antibiotics are most implicated in reducing OCP efficacy
rifampin, griseofulvin
Which (4) anti-convulsants do NOT affect OCP efficacy
gabapentin, pregabalin (Lyrica), clonazepam, valproic acid
Estrogenic side effects of OCPs
nausea, breast tenderness, chloasma, telangiectasias, cervical ectropion, increased BP, blood clots, migraine headache, increased triglycerides & cholesterol concentration in gallbladder bile, hepatocellular adenoma
Progestogenic side effects of OCPs
breast tenderness, fatigue, depressive symptoms, increased insulin resistance, constipation, bloating, gall stones, cyclic weight gain
Androgenic side effects of OCPs
weight gain, hirsutism, acne, increased LDL cholesterol
Category 4 (Absolute Contraindications) to combined OCPs
- > 35yo and heavy cigarette smoker (>15 cigs/day)
- multiple risk factors for CVD
- ischemic heart disease, h/o stroke, valvular heart dz
- uncontrolled hypertension
- acute DVT or PE
- major surgery with prolonged immobilization
- clotting disorder
- migraine with aura
- breast cancer within last 5 years
- diabetes >20 years duration or with complications
- liver disease
- SLE lupus
- solid organ transplant with complications
- peripartum cardiomyopathy ( severe or <6 months pp)
- <21 days postpartum
combination OCPs in the postpartum period?
absolutely contraindicated within 21 days postpartum or with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Otherwise, relative contraindications for …
- 21-42 days pp with other VTE risk factors
- 21-30 days pp and breastfeeding without known VTE risk factors
- 30-42 days pp and breastfeeding WITH VTE risk factors