Female Health Flashcards
What is labour defined as?
Onset of regular and painful contractions associated with cervical dilation and descent of the presenting part
Signs of labour
- regular and painful uterine contractions
- a show (shedding of mucous plug)
- rupture of the membranes (not always)
- shortening and dilation of the cervix
Stages of labour
Stage 1: from the onset of true labour to when the cervix is fully dilated
Stage 2: from full dilation to delivery of the fetus
Stage 3: from delivery of fetus to when the placenta and membranes have been completely delivered
What do you monitor in labour?
- FHR monitored every 15min (or continuously via CTG)
- Contractions assessed every 30min
- Maternal pulse rate assessed every 60min
- Maternal BP and temp should be checked every 4 hours
- VE should be offered every 4 hours to check progression of labour
- Maternal urine should be checked for ketones and protein every 4 hours
What is the normal delivery position?
The head normally delivers in an occipito-anterior position
When is instrumental delivery indicated?
If longer than 1 hour (can be left longer if epidural) consider Ventouse extraction, forceps delivery or caesarean section
What is the indication for elective c-section?
Breech
>2 previous CS
maternal request
Indication for emergency c-section
- Foetal distress
- Failure to progress
- cord prolapse
- footling breech
Indications for induction of labour
- prolonged pregnancy, e.g. 1-2 weeks after the estimated date of delivery
- prelabour premature rupture of the membranes, where labour does not start
- diabetic mother > 38 weeks
- pre-eclampsia
- rhesus incompatibility
what score is used to induce labour?
Bishop score
Methods of induction of labour
- membrane sweep
- vaginal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
- maternal oxytocin infusion
- amniotomy (‘breaking of waters’)
- cervical ripening balloon
Define HTN in pregnancy
systolic > 140 mmHg or diastolic > 90 mmHg
- -> No proteinuria, no oedema
- -> Resolves following birth (typically after one month).
Who are at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia?
- hypertensive disease during previous pregnancies
- chronic kidney disease
- autoimmune disorders such as SLE or antiphospholipid syndrome
- type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
What is pre-eclampsia?
Pregnancy-induced hypertension in association with proteinuria
Classic signs of pre-eclampsia
- Proteinuria
- High BP
- Oedema
Other signs & symptoms of pre-eclampsia
- Headache and visual disturbance (floaters)
- RUQ pain (liver)
- Acute onset oedema
- Hyper-reflexia (brisk reflexes) & clonus
What is eclampsia?
Grand mal seizures in a woman with preeclampsia
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
- Severe lower abdominal pain – usually unilateral
- PV bleeding
- Vomiting
Symptoms of ruptured ectopic pregnancy
- Shoulder tip pain
- Feeling faint/light-headed
- Collapse
Investigation for ectopic pregnancy
Diagnostic = Transvaginal USS
What is the most common cause of severe infection in neonates?
Group B Streptococcal disease (GBS)
What is gestational diabetes?
High blood sugars that develop during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery.
Screening for gestational diabetes
Oral glucose tolerance test
- fasting glucose is >= 5.6 mmol/L
- 2-hour glucose is >= 7.8 mmol/L
Targets for self monitoring
Fasting = 5.3 mmol/l
1 hour after meals = 7.8 mmol/l, or:
2 hour after meals = 6.4 mmol/l
Abortion time frame
<24 weeks – can be maternal choice
> 24 weeks if risk to maternal or foetal health
Medical TOP:
At how many weeks?
What medication?
Less than 9 weeks = mifepristone (an anti-progestogen) followed 48 hours later by prostaglandins to stimulate uterine contractions
Surgical TOP:
At how many weeks?
What method?
- less than 13 weeks: surgical dilation and suction of uterine contents
- more than 15 weeks: surgical dilation and evacuation of uterine contents or late medical abortion (induces ‘mini-labour’)
Define abruptio placenta
Separation of a normally sited placenta from the uterine wall
–> resulting in maternal haemorrhage into the intervening space
Clinical features of abruptio placenta
- pain constant + PVB *
- shock out of keeping with visible loss
- tender, tense uterus
- normal lie and presentation
- foetal heart: absent/distressed
- coagulation problems
- beware pre-eclampsia, DIC, anuria
Investigations in abruptio placenta
FBC + USS
Maternal complications of abruptio placenta
- shock
- DIC
- renal failure
- PPH
Foetal complications of abruptio placenta
Hypoxia
Death
Define placenta praevia
placenta lying wholly or partly in the lower uterine segment
Clinical features of placenta praevia
- shock in proportion to
- visible loss
- no pain
- uterus not tender
- lie and presentation may be abnormal
- fetal heart usually normal
- small bleeds before large
Investigations for placenta praevia
Usually picked up on 20- week USS
–> transvaginal USS (improves accuracy on placental localisation)
Define Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
blood loss of > 500mls
Types of PPH
Primary: occurs within 24 hours
Secondary:
occurs between 24 hours - 12 weeks
Symptom of PPH
Uncontrolled PV bleeding
Causes of PPH
- Tone - Uterine atony (failure of uterus to contract down post delivery) (primary)
- Trauma - perineal trauma (primary)
- Tissue - retained placenta (secondary)
- Thrombosis- clotting disorder (primary)
Define premature rupture of membranes
Rupture of the amniotic sac prior to the commencement of labour.
Investigation for PROM
Speculum examination
Pelvic USS
What is Rh incompatability?
Rhesus sensitisation
- When a mothers Rh-ve blood mixes with foetal Rh+ve blood
- Mothers immune system develops antibodies against Rh+ve RBCs
This may lead to haemolytic disease of the new-born in future pregnancies:
- -> If in their next pregnancy the foetus is Rh+ve
- -> Antibodies attack RBCs -> haemolytic anaemia & neonatal jaundice
What tests need to be carried out in rh incompatability?
- all babies born to Rh -ve mother should have cord blood taken at delivery for FBC, blood group & direct Coombs test
- Coombs test: direct antiglobulin, will demonstrate antibodies on RBCs of baby
Features for rh incompatibility in affected foetus
- oedematous (hydrops fetalis, as liver devoted to RBC production albumin falls)
- jaundice, anaemia, hepatosplenomegaly
- heart failure
What is shoulder dystocia?
- complication of vaginal cephalic delivery.
2. inability to deliver the body of the foetus using gentle traction, the head having already been delivered.
Risk factors for shoulder dystocia
- Previous shoulder dystocia
- Diabetes
- BMI >30
- Macrosomia (large baby)
Complications of shoulder dystocia
maternal
- postpartum haemorrhage
- perineal tears
fetal
- brachial plexus injury
- neonatal death
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
- Family hx of BRCA1/2 gene mutation
- many ovulations: early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity
Clinical features of ovarian cancer
Usually vague:
- abdo distension + bloating
- abdo + pelvic pain
- urinary symptoms (urgency)
- early satiety
- diarrhoea
Investigations for ovarian cancer
- CA125 test
- -> raised: urgent USS of abdo + pelvis
- -> usually raised in endometriosis, menstruation, ovarian cysts - Diagnostic laparotomy
What is breast abscess?
localized collection of pus within the breast
- more common in lactating women
Features of breast abscess
- Red, hot tender swelling
2. O/E : tender fluctuant mass
Diagnosis of breast abscess
USS
Treatment for breast absecess
Abx + USS guided aspiration
What are breast fibroadenoma?
- Breast tissues are arranged into lobules which are milk secreting glands
- Fibroadenomas occur due to increase in size of these milk secreting glands.
- Fibroadenomas are benign breast tumours that are thought to occur due to hormonal fluctuations.
Features of breast fibroadenoma
Mobile, firm, smooth, non-tender breast lump - a ‘breast mouse’
Investigations for breast fibroadenoma
USS if pt < 40, mammogram & needle biopsy
Features of fibrocystic disease
- ‘Lumpy’ breasts which may be painful.
- Symptoms may worsen prior to menstruation
Investigations for fibrocystic disease
USS/ mammogram if suspecting breast cancer
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the breast.
–> usually occurs in lactating women
Features of mastitis
- A painful breast.
- Fever and/or general malaise.
- A tender, red, swollen, and hard area of the breast, usually in a wedge-shaped distribution.
Investigations for mastitis
send a sample of breast milk for microscopy, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity
When is abx indicated in mastitis?
- if systemically unwell
- if nipple fissure present
- if symptoms do not improve after 12-24 hours of effective milk removal
- if culture indicates infection’
What abx is given in mastitis?
1st line = flucloxacillin for 10-14 days
Allergic to penicillin: erythromycin
What is the most common infective organism in mastitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Complication of mastitis if left untreated
Develop into breast abscess
Clinical features of breast cancer
- breast lump
- Malignant –> painless - Nipple symptoms: change in shape or bleeding
- -> Tethering or peau d’orange
- -> Unilateral discharge, retraction
Investigations for breast cancer
Mammography and core biopsy
What is the 2 - week wait referral indication for breast cancer?
- > 30 y/o + unexplained breast lump with or without pain
or
- > 50 y/o + unilateral discharge/retraction
What other symptoms which consider 2WW
- with skin changes that suggest breast cancer
or
- > aged 30 with an unexplained lump in the axilla
Non-urgent referral indication for breast cancer
< 30 y/o with an unexplained breast lump with or without pain.
Treatment for breast cancer
- Wide local excision or mastectomy
2. Chemo or radiotherapy
What is pelvic inflammatory disease?
sudden or severe inflammation of the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding areas in the lower abdomen
Features of PID
- lower abdominal pain
- fever
- deep dyspareunia
- dysuria
- menstrual irregularities may occur
- vaginal or cervical discharge - purulent
- cervical excitation
Investigation for PID
- pregnancy test - exclude pregnancy
- high vaginal swab
- screen for chlamydia + gonorrhoea
Diagnosis is usually clinical
What is menorrhagia?
excessive blood loss with regular menstruation (>80ml)
Common causes of menorrhagia
no underlying pathology - dysfunctional uterine bleeding
anovulatory cycles : chaotic cycles common at extremes of reprodutive life
fibroids
Hypothyrodism
PID
Investigations for menorrhagia
FBC
routine transvaginal US if sx like pelvic pain, intermentrual or post-coital bleeding
Is it necessary to measure blood loss to diagnose menorrhagia?
NO
What is endometritis?
infection or inflammation of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus
When is endometritis a common problem?
during pregnancy as bacteria can easily reach the uterus during childbirth
Sx of endometritis
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- dyspareunia
- fever
- abdominal swelling
- lower abdominal pain / discomfort
Causes of endometritis
- normal vaginal bacteria
- STI
How is endometritis tested for
- blood cultures
- FBC
- MSU
- high vaginal swab
- endometrial biopsy is diagnostic but rarely appropriate
What is urogenital prolapse
descent of one of the pelvic organs resulting in protrusion on the vaginal walls
Risk factors of urogenital prolapse
- increasing age (commonly post-menopausal women)
- multiparity
- obesity
- spina bifida
Sx of urogenital prolapse
pressure, heaviness, ' bearing-down' urinary sx (incontinence, frequency and urgency)
adenomyosis vs endometriosis
The difference between these conditions is where the endometrial tissue grows. Adenomyosis: Endometrial tissue grows into the muscle of the uterus. Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus and may involve the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic side walls, or bowel.
What is endometriosis?
growth of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity
clinical features of endometriosis
- chronic pelvic pain
- secondary dysmenorrhoea (pain often days before bleeding)
- deep dyspareunia
- urinary sx
Gold standard investigation for endometriosis
laparoscopy
treatment for symptomatic relief of endometriosis
NSAIDs +/- paracetamol (first-line)
Hormonal (COCP/Progestogens)
Features of adenomyosis
dysmenorrhoea
menorrhagia
enlarged, boggy uterus
What is a leimyoma also known as
fibroids
What is leimyoma
benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterus
epidemiology of leimyoma
more common in afro-carribean, rare before puberty
sx of leimyoma
- may be asymptomatic
- menorrhagia
- lower abdo pain
- bloating
- urinary sx e.g frequency
- subfertility
polycythaemia (rare)
how is leimyoma diagnosed
transvaginal US
treatment of asymptomatic fibroids
none-
periodic review to monitor size and growth
Risk factors for endometrial cancer
- obesity
- nulliparity
- early menarche
- late menopause
- PCOS
- Diabetes
- tamoxifen
Features of endometrial cancer
- postmenopausal bleeding
- change in inter-menstraul bleeding in premenopausal
When should a patient be referred under the cancer pathway for suspected endometrial cancer?
women >= 55 years who present with postmenopausal bleeding
First line investigation for endometrial cancer
transvaginal US
Other investigations:
- hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy
Which factors are considered protective in endometrial cancer
COCP and smoking
Symptoms of cervicitis
- purulent yellow/green discharge
- intermenstrual / postcoital bleeding
- dysuria
- Pelvic pain
main cause of cervicitis
STI
What is cervical dysplasia
abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix
The primary cause of cervical dysplasia
HPV
Risk factors of cervical dysplasia
multiple sexual partners
smoking
immunocompromised
symptoms of cervical dysplasia
usually asymptomatic
- genital warts can indicate exposure to certain types of HPV
How is cervical dysplasia diagnosed
smear - cervical screening programme , HPV first system
What is the HPV first system?
sample tested for high-risk strains for HPV first and cytological examination performed if positive
What happens if hrHPV is negative?
return to normal recall
Positive hrHPV + abnormal cytology. What should you do next?
colposcopy
hrHPV +ve but cytologically normal- next steps?
repeat test in 12 months
inadequate hrHPV sample? - next step
repeat sample in 3 months
2 consecutive inadequate hrHPV samples - next step?
colposcopy
treatment of CIN
Large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ)
What is cervical insufficency / incompetent cervix
weak cervical tissue causes or contributes to premature birth or the loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy
Sx of incompetent cervix
discharge during pregnancy
usually asymptomatic
premature labour
How is incompetent cervix diagnosed
transvaginal US
what is a nabothian cyst
small bump or bumps on the cervix caused by a build-up of normal mucus that is produced by the cervix
How is a nabothian cyst diagnosed
pelvic exam
transvaginal US
How is a nabothian cyst treated
none necessary
Symptoms of vaginitis
- itchy, sore vagina
- vaginal discharge
- vaginal dryness
- dysuria
- dyspareunia
- spotting
causes of vaginitis and sx associated to each
thrush - white thick discharge STI - green/yellow/smelly discharge menopause (hormonal) - dry, itchy skin condition (eczema) - itschy, sore patches
investigation for vaginitis
pelvic examination and STI screen
Most common cause of vaginal neoplasm
HPV
Vaginal neoplasm sx
- lump in vagina
- ulcers and skin changes
- post-menopausal bleeding
- intermenstrual bleeding
- post-coital bleeding
- dyspareunia
management of women with an unexplained palpable mass in or at the entrance to the vagina
2WW referral
What is a cystocele
when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens (bladder prolapse)
sx of cystocele
- feeling of a vaginal bulge / pressure
- frequent voiding
- increased urgency
- urinary incontinence
- freuqnet UTI
major cause of cystocele
- multiparity
- difficult childbirth
diagnosis of cystocele
- pelvic exam
- cytsoscopy
- MRI / US/ Xrays
What is a rectocele
tissues between the rectum and vagina weaken, causing the rectum to bulge into the vagina - posterior vaginal prolapse
rectocele sx
may include pelvic, vaginal and rectal pressure
risk factors of rectocele
multiparity, age, obesity, chronic constipation
What is a Bartholin’s cyst
small fluid-filled sac just inside the opening of the vagina
sx of Bartholin’s cyst
soft, painless lump
usually only noticeable and uncomfortable after growth
- pain when walking
- pain during sex
What causes Bartholin’s cyst
Bacterial infections / STI which clog the bartholin gland
diagnosis of Bartholin’s cyst
- examination
- bacterial swab
- biopsy if ?Bartholin gland cancer
epidemiology of Bartholin’s cyst
sexually active women aged 20 to 30
Define Dysmenorrhoea
excessive pain during the menstrual period
How is dysmenorrhoea divided?
primary - no underlying pelvic pathology
secondary - underlying pathology including:
endometriosis
PID
fibroids
features of primary dysmenorrhoea
- pain before/ within few hours of periods starting
- suprapubic cramping pain radiating to back / thigh
Which phase of the menstrual cycle does PMS occur
luteal phase - after ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg) and before your period starts. During this time, the lining of your uterus normally gets thicker to prepare for a possible pregnancy.
sx of premenstrual syndrome
emotional:
- anxiety
- stress
- fatigue
- mood swings
physical:
- bloating
- breast pain
Define Primary Amenorrhea
failure to establish menstruation by 15 years of age in girls with normal secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast development)
or by 13 years of age in girls with no secondary sexual characteristics
Define secondary Amenorrhea
cessation of menstruation for 3-6 months in women with previously normal and regular menses, or 6-12 months in women with previous oligomenorrhoea (irregular periods)
initial investigations for amenorrhoea
- EXCLUDE PREGNANCY
- FBC
- TFT
- coeliac screen
- gonadotrophins (low = hypothalamic cause, high = ovarian problem)
- prolactin
- androgen level (high in PCOS)
- oestradiol
3 main features of PCOS
- irregular periods
- excess androgen (excess facial / body hair)
- polycystic ovaries
- sub/infertility
- obesity
Why might a woman with PCOS have acanthosis nigricans
insulin resistance is commonly seen with PCOS
investigations for PCOS
- Pelvic US : multiple cysts
- fsh, LH, (LH:FSH raised)
- prolactin normal/mildly elevated
- TSH
- testosterone normal/mildly elevated
- check for impaired glucose tolerance