female health

Question 1

inflammation of the bladder
urinary frequency
feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
cloudy, strong smelling urine
pain in lower back

Answer 1

cystitis

CAUSES
bacterial infection
sexual activity
urinary tract abnormalities
bladder dysfunction

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
may resolve without treatment
paracetamol or ibuprofen
Potassium citrate

avoid irritants
use a heating pad
wear loose fit clothing
practise good hygiene
avoid spicy foods

Question 2

lower abdominal pain
cramping
headache
fatigue
diarrhoea
constipation
feeling faint
nausea
GI discomfort

Answer 2

Dysmenhorroea (period pain)

CAUSES
period pains

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
1st line therapy: NSAIDs
ibuprofen (max 1200mg) taken after food
paracetamol
aspirin
hyoscine
caffeine

warmth: hot water bottle or warm bath
exercise
fish-oils
herbal remedies

Question 3

painful periods
pain during sexual intercourse
pain in lower abdomen
heavier periods than before
bleeding between periods

Answer 3

Endometriosis

CAUSES
genetic factors
hormonal factors
retrograde menstruation

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
birth control pills
fertility treatment

regular exercise
balanced diet
stress management

Question 4

heavy or more painful periods
bloating or swelling in lower abdomen
urinary frequency
constipation
pain during sexual intercourse

Answer 4

Fibroids

CAUSES
genetics
hormonal influence
age
dietary factors
uterine infections
Benign growth in uterus

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen
surgery: myomectomy or hysterectomy

lifestyle and dietary changes
watchful waiting

Question 5

infection of uterus and fallopian tubes
pain in lower abdomen
heavier periods
fever
pain during intercourse

Answer 5

Pelvic inflammatory disease

CAUSES
bacteria
gonorrhoea
chlamydia infections
unprotected sex
multiple sex partners

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
antibiotics

rest and recovery
get partner to get tested and treated to prevent the spread of infection

Question 6

symptoms occur each month before a period
mood swings
bloating
development of acne
tension
joint pains
poor concentration

Answer 6

Premenstrual syndrome

CAUSES
hormonal fluctuations
genetic factors
sensitivity to hormones
lifestyle factors (poor diet, lack of exercise, high levels of stress, inadequate sleep)

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
small amount of evidence to use calcium (1000-1200mg a day), magnesium (200-400mg a day)
pyridoxine (vitamin b6)
evening primrose oil may ease breast discomfort

maintain a healthy diet
stay hydrated
regular exercise
adequate sleep
stress management
regular meals and snacks

Question 7

discharge (cream-coloured, thick), odourless
burning itch
discomfort during urination
pain during sexual intercourse

Answer 7

Vaginal thrush

CAUSES
antibiotic use
weakened immune system
tight clothing
poor hygiene
diet

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
topical azoles (clotrimazole, econazole, pessaries)
oral fluconazole (150mg single dose)
natural remedies

avoid tight fitting clothing
cotton underwear
avoid perfumed products
do not use ‘feminine itching’ products
wipe from front to back after defecation