Female genital tract Flashcards
What is the smear test for?
View of cervix and take a sample of cells to detect early stages of diseases. Every 3-5 years.
What is thought to be the main cause of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer?
HPV (human papilloma virus)
How is the human papilloma virus transmitted?
Sexual contact
what is cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia?
Microscopic lesion affecting the cervix and has the potential to develop into cervical cancer
Risk factors for cervical cancer
HPV, smoking, not attending screenings.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Abnormal discharge and bleeding
what are endocervical polyps
Small elongated tumours in the cervix. Usually presents with irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting
What is menorrhagia?
Heavy periods
Causes of menorrhagia
DUB
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Polyps
Treatments for menorrhagia
Mirena coil
Mefanamic and tranexamic acid
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
Hysterectomy
What are fibroids?
Common benign tumours that arise from the myometrium.
Symptoms of fibroids
Heavy/painful periods, pelvic pain or distension
What is endometriosis?
When the endometrial tissue is in the wrong place e.g. outside the endometrium
Presentations of endometriosis
Heavy/painful periods
Pelvic pain
Painful sex
Treatments for endometriosis
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Mirena coil
Zoladex
Surgery
What are endometrial polyps
Benign growths from endometrial cavity
What is endometrial cancer?
Cancer of the lining of the uterus
Endometrial carcinoma presentations and treatments
Usually presents as post-menopausal bleeding- early stage. Treatment is usually a hysterectomy
Risk factors for endometrial carcinoma
Obesity and oestrogen exposure
What are follicular ovarian cysts?
Benign cysts on follicles very common and often no treatment needed
What are cystadenomas?
Large fluid filled cysts on ovaries. Pressure effect symptoms
What are benign mature teratomas?
Large cysts on the ovaries filled with a solid substance
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
Common condition where there are multiple cysts on the ovaries.
Presentations of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Irregular periods, no periods, infertility
Treatments for polycystic ovaries
Combined oral contraceptives
Metformin
Clomifene
What percentage of pregnancies result in a miscarriage?
15%
Risk factors for miscarriage
Age, multiple pregnancies, smoking, alcohol, connective tissue disorders and diabetes
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An extra uterine pregnancy that is usually in the fallopian tubes. 1% of all pregnancies.
Treatment for ectopic pregnancies
Surgery
