Exam 3 - Menstruation, Vaginal, and Vulvovaginal Disorders Flashcards
3 menstruation disorders
Primary dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Toxic shock syndrome
What are the best OTC medications for prevention of strong uterine contractions (cramping)
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
3 vaginal and vulvovaginal infections
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Trichomoniasis
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)
Non-drug measures for menstrual pain
Heating pad
Stop smoking
Eat more fish/fish oil supplement
Regular exercise
What is the key to reducing pain when NSAIDs are taken?
Start taking NSAID when menstrual period begins
Take medication and regular intervals
Menstrual cycle
Time between onset of menstrual flow and the start of the next flow (menses to menses)
Menstruation
Monthly cycling of the female reproductive system
Why is aspirin NOT a recommended OTC medication for menstruation
It causes more bleeding
4 causes of painful periods
Prostaglandins
Endometriosis
Fibereosis
Adenomyosis
At what age does a girl’s first period (menarche) begin?
11-14.5 years
What is the mean blood loss during menses?
30 mL
What is the average cycle length
28 days
How long does menses usually last?
3-7 days
When is the most blood lost?
Days 1 and 2
Anemia can result from periods lasting longer than ____ or if blood loss is > ____
7 days
80 mL
Proliferative (follicular) phase
First flow to ovulation
Luteal (secretory) phase
From ovulation to next flow
What are the 2 principle reproductive events that occur during each menstrual cycle
Maturation & release of an ovum from ovaries
Preparation of endometrial lining of the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized ovum
In primary dysmenorrhea, increased levels of prostaglandins and leukotrienes cause _____
Strong contractions like labor
WITHOUT dysmenorrhea, contractions are ____ and pressure is up to ______
Rhythmic
120 mmHg
In primary dysmenorrhea, contractions are ____ and pressure is up to _____
NOT rhythmic
180 mmHg
In primary dysmenorrhea, more ____ and _____ cause _____
Ischemia
Tissue hypoxia
More pain
Primary dysmenorrhea
Cramp-like lower abdominal pain at menstruation
Pain related to onset of menstruation
Cyclic in nature
Described as continuous dull ache w/ spasmodic cramping in lower mid-abdominal region
What causes prostaglandins and leukotrienes to be released
Low progesterone levels at the end of the luteal phase
______ levels are twice as high in women w/ dysmenorrhea
Prostaglandin
What do leukotrienes cause
Vasoconstriction and uterine contractions, which cause pain
(T/F): dysmenorrhea may be worse after childbirth
False
Risk factors for dysmenorrhea
- Heavy menstrual flow/early menarche
- Tobacco use
- Low fish/vegetable/milk/dairy consumption
- History of sexual assault
- Stress/anxiety/depression
- BMI < 20 mg/kg2
(Having To Leave Has Some Benefits)
Primary dysmenorrhea responds to ____ or _____
NSAIDs
Combined oral contraceptives
At what age does primary dysmenorrhea occur?
6-12 months after menarche
Usually ages 13-17
At what age does secondary dysmenorrhea occur?
At least 2 years after menarche
Mid-late 20s or older
What is the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea
Associated with:
- endometriosis
- fibroids
- IUD
- pelvic pathology
Who is an exclusion for self treatment of menstrual disorders?
Pts experiencing severe dysmenorrhea
Symptoms not consistent w/ primary dysmenorrhea
Pts using warfarin, heparin, lithium, or have an allergy to NSAIDs
People w/ bleeding disorders
People w/ history of infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis
What are the 1st line pharmacological options for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea
NSAIDs
Hormonal contraceptives
(NOT aspirin though)
What are the treatment goals of primary dysmenorrhea
Provide relief or significant improvement in symptoms
Minimize the disruption of usual daily activities
Dietary supplementations for menstruation disorders
Fish oil
Vitamin D
What NSAID may increase flow, so it is not generally recommended
Aspirin
If APAP is used for primary dysmenorrhea, how should it be dosed?
650-100 mg q6h
This drug is effective for mild symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea but NOT as effective as NSAIDs
Acetaminophen
Optimal pain relief is achieved when NSAIDs are taken…
On a scheduled basis instead of PRN
Continue NSAID use for the first ___ hours
24-72 hours
Avoid ____ in adolescents under 20 years old
Aspirin
Oral contraceptives can ____ PMS
Worsen
Risk factors of PMS
Stress
Traumatic events
PMS can occur anytime after
Menarche
When does PMS occur
During luteal phase when prostaglandins are made
Does PMS occur regularly w/ every cycle
Yes
PMS symptoms
Physical
Emotional/mood
Behavioral
PMS symptoms improve by _____
The end of menses
PMDD interferes with
Social and occupational functioning
Diagnosis of PMS is made on the basis that symptoms are ____
Cyclical
PMDD requires
Physician referral (no OTC treatment)
Severe form of PMS
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Most common negative symptoms of PMS
- Fatigue
- Crying spells
- Breast tenderness
- Appetite changes
- Headache
- Irritability/anger
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety/stress
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Labile mood alternating sadness/anger
- Abdominal bloating
(Feeling Crappy? Bitch At HIM All Damn Day In LA)
Most common positive symptoms of PMS
Increased energy
Increased libido
Increased sense of control
Goals for PMS treatment
Achieve relief or significant decreases of symptoms
Limit discomfort, distress, and the disruption of personal relationships/activities
(T/F): therapy is considered effective if symptoms are reduced by 50% or more
True
Treatment of PMS w/ nonprescription meds
- Magnesium pyrrolidone (300-360 mg)
- Vitamin D (600 IU)
- Calcium (1200 mg)
- Pyridoxine (100 mg)
(My Very Crampy Pussy)
1st line PMS treatment
Calcium
Vitamin D
Is PMS self treatable
Yes, with stress reduction
Max daily dose of B6
100 mg
More risks neuropathy
Tampon use carries ___ into the vagina
Oxygen
4 conditions that promote toxin production
Elevated protein levels
Elevated CO2 levels
Elevated oxygen levels
Neutral pH
Do diuretics help w/ PMS symptoms
No because most people do not experience weight gain
TSS is caused by toxin producing strains of
S. aureus
TSS is most common in women ages ____
13-19
If TSS is suspected, it is best to
Seek treatment immediately
What is the best treatment for TSS?
Prevention
Use ___ not tampons for TSS
Pads
___ can be treated w/ topical heat
Primary dysmenorrhea
Bacterial vaginosis
Thin, off white foamy discharge
“Fishy” odor
Less irritation of vagina
Trichomoniasis
Yellow-green frothy discharge
Itching
Vaginal irritation
No symptoms in ~ 50% of women
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
Thick, white “cottage cheese” discharge with no odor
Itching and redness
Risk factors include antibiotics and type 2 diabetes
BV and trichomoniasis are linked w/ health problems such as:
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Preterm birth
Facilitating transmission of HIV
Treatment goals for VVC
Symptom relief
Infection eradication
Normal vaginal flora reestablished
What symptoms is most likely to differentiate yeast infection from BV and trichomoniasis
Absence of offensive odor
VVC exclusions to self-treatment
- Pregnancy
- Girls younger than 12
- Concurrent symptoms (fever or pain in pelvic area, abdomen, back, shoulder)
- Recurrent VVC
- First vulvovaginal episode
Do yeast infections alter pH
No
pH greater than ___ may indicate a bacterial or trichomonal vaginal infection
4.5
Key limitations to using vaginal pH tests
No testing until > 72 hrs since last vaginal preparation (contraceptives, spermicide, antifungal)
Test 48 hrs after sexual intercourse or douching
Test at least 5 days after period
Self treatment of VVC is most appropriate for people w/ what 4 criteria?
- Vaginal symptoms are infrequent
- 1 previous episode of VVC diagnosed by provider
- No foul odor
- Vaginal pH < 4.5
OTC treatment for VVC
Vaginal antifungals
Topical imidazoles can be applied to infected area ___________ for treatment of VVC
Twice daily for 2-4 weeks
Nonpharmacological therapy for VVC
Decrease consumption of refined carbs
Adding consumption of yogurt w/ live cultures
Discontinuing drug known to cause increased risk of VVC (antibiotics)
Sitz bath
Initial therapy recommended for uncomplicated VVC
Imidazoles
What drug needs monitored if taken concurrently w/ imidazoles
Warfarin
Are systemic or topical imidazoles more effective
Both are equally effective
VVC symptoms should improve within ___ days of initiation of therapy
2-3 days
Resolution of VVC symptoms within
1 week
Patients should contact their PCP about VVC if
Symptoms persist beyond 7 days or no improvement within 3 days
Persistent or new symptoms consistent w/ VVC
Atrophic vaginitis
Inflammation of the vagina related to atrophy of vaginal mucosa secondary to decreased estrogen levels
Common symptom associated w/ atrophic vaginitis
Dyspareunia (inadequate vaginal lubrication that can cause painful intercourse)
Exclusions for therapy for atrophic vaginitis
Symptoms not localized to vagina/bleeding present
Dryness not relieved by personal lubricants
Adverse effects of frequent douching
- STI
- Reduced fertility
- Disruption of normal vaginal flora & pH
- BV
- Low birth weight
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cervical cancer
- PID
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