Chapter 22: Reproductive System Health Flashcards
Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs with age
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Painful intercourse
Dyspareunia
Impotence problems in achieving or sustaining an erection for intercourse
Erectile dysfunction
Hormonal changes cause the vulva to __.
atrophy
There is a ___ of the labia and loss of subcutaneous fat and hair.
flattening
The vaginal epithelium becomes ___.
thin
The vaginal environment is __ and more __; these changes can cause intercourse to be uncomfortable for older women.
drier and more alkaline
What other 4 body parts atrophy?
cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
T/F: The endometrium continues to respond to hormonal stimulation.
True
The fallopian tubes undergo __ and __.
shortening and straightening.
The breasts sag and are less firm with age due to the replacement of __ __ by fat tissue after menopause.
mammary glands
Structural changes in the seminiferous tubules include:
increased fibrosis, thinning of the epithelium, thickening of the basement membrane, and narrowing of the lumen.
There is __ of the testes and a ___ in the testicular mass.
atrophy
reduction
Does testosterone decrease dramatically due to age?
No it stays the same or decreases slightly
An annual gynecologic examination, including a __ __, is essential for the older woman
Pap smear
Women should be knowledgeable about self-examination of the ___
breasts
Men with prostatic hypertrophy should be examined at least every __ months to ensure that a malignancy has not developed
6
T/F: Routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in men with no history of prostate cancer is recommended.
False.
The nurse should also ensure that older men know how to perform ___
testicular self-examination.
T/F: PSA testing is done routinely only when there is a history of prostate cancer, not prostate discharge.
True
Age-related changes to the vulva cause it to be more __ and more easily susceptible to __ and ___.
fragile
irritation and infection
Vulvar problems in the older woman may reflect serious disease processes such as:
diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia, and pernicious anemia.
__ __ is the term used to describe vulvar infection associated with hypertrophy or atrophy.
Senile vulvitis
Incontinence and poor hygienic practices can also be underlying causes of __.
vulvitis
__ is the primary symptom associated with vulvitis
Pruritus
The __ is commonly the site of a vulvar malignancy
clitoris
The postmenopausal woman experiences a variety of changes that affect the vaginal canal, including:
- reduction in collagen and adipose tissue
- shortening and narrowing of the vaginal canal
- decreased elasticity
- fewer vaginal secretions
- a more alkaline vaginal pH as a result of lower estrogen levels.
The increased fragility of the fragile vagina in postmenopausal women increases the risk for ___
vaginitis
Soreness, pruritus, burning, and a reddened vagina are symptoms, and the accompanying foul-smelling vaginal discharge is clear, brown, or white.
Vaginitis
How do you treat senile vaginitis?
Local estrogens in suppository or cream form are usually effective.
Nurses should advise the older woman to:
in regards to preventing vaginitis
- avoid douches and the use of perfumed soaps and sprays to the genitalia
- wear cotton underwear
- keep the genital area clean and dry
- use lubricants when engaging in intercourse.
- Good hygienic practices help treat and prevent vaginitis.
Occasionally, the endocervical glands can seal over, causing the formation of __ __.
nabothian cysts
With age, the cervix becomes __, and the endocervical epithelium ___
smaller
atrophies
The median age for diagnosis of cervical cancer is __ , with the highest rate for this disease being among __ women, and followed by __ women
49
Hispanic
Black
Vaginal bleeding and leukorrhea are signs of __ __ in aged women.
cervical cancer
Cancer of the endometrium primarily affects __ __.
older women
Dilation and curettage are usually done to confirm this diagnosis because not all cases can be detected by Pap smears alone.
Cancer of the Endometrium
This is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies.
cancer of the ovaries
___ ovarian tumors commonly occur in older women
Benign
___ women experience dyspareunia more frequently than women who have had children do.
Nulliparous
As a result of the stretching and tearing of muscles during childbirth and of the muscle weakness associated with advanced age, __ __ is a common problem among older women.
perineal herniation
3 types of perineal herniation that are most likely to occur:
Cystocele, rectocele, and prolapse of the uterus
Associated with this problem are lower back pain, pelvic heaviness, and a pulling sensation
Perineal herniation
Decreased fat tissue and atrophy in older women’s breasts can cause __.
tumors
Breast cancer is the __ leading cause of cancer deaths.
2nd
Annual mammograms are recommended for women starting at age __, and then at age __, every __ to __ years unless otherwise recommended by a health care provider.
40
75
2 to 3 years
T/F: Although the incidence of breast cancer rises with age, older women are the least likely group to receive mammograms and breast examinations by a professional or to perform self-examinations of their breasts.
True
Erectile Dysfunction is a problem affecting nearly half of the men over __ years of age
70
Symptoms of this problem are: the enlarging prostate puts pressure on the urethra; they begin with hesitancy, decreased force of urinary stream, frequency, and nocturia
Benign prostate hyperplasia
The most common prostatectomy approach used for older men with prostatism is ___ surgery.
transurethral
___ is rare and appears as a painless lesion or wartlike growth on the prepuce or glands.
Cancer of the penis
__ masses, usually benign, can result from conditions such as hydrocele, spermatocele, varicocele, and herni.
Scrotal
Conditions of the reproductive system can be related to undiagnosed disease processes that require attention, such as __ and __.
diabetes and infections.
Cancers of the female reproductive tract occur __ frequently with age
less
Ovarian cancer ___ in incidence with age
increases
The incidence of breast cancer __ with age
increases
Occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, allowing the bladder to bulge into the vagina
Cystocele
An area of the wall that separate the vagina and rectum gets weak, and part of the rectum bulges into the vagina.
Rectococele
