Gynaecology Flashcards
Explain the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis in women
- Hypothalamus releases GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone)
- GnRH stimulates anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH
- LH and FSH stimulate follicle development in ovaries, causing theca granulosa cells to secrete oestrogen, which negatively feeds back to Hypothalamus and AP, reducing LH and FSH levels.
What is oestrogen and what does it stimulate
Steroid sex hormone (17-beta oestradiol is main active version).
- Breast tissue development
- Growth and development of female sex organs (vulva, vagina, uterus) at puberty
- Blood vessel development in uterus
- Development of endometrium
What is progesterone and what does it stimulate
Steroid sex hormone produced by corpus luteum after ovulation. In pregnancy, it is produced by placenta from 10 weeks gestation onwards. Acts on tissues previously stimulated by oestrogen.
- Thickens and maintains endometrium
- Thickens cervical mucus
- Increases body temperature
What age does puberty occur in girls, how long does it last and in what sequence do changes occur? Also why does low weight delay puberty.
What staging is used
- 8-14 years
- 4 years
- Growth spurt/breast buds, pubic hair, menarche
- Aromatase found in adipose tissue helps create oestrogen. More aromatase (fat) = earlier puberty. Low birth weight, chronic disease/ED, athletic hence can cause delays
- Tanner staging (under 10, no pubic hair or breasts = 1)
What are the 2 phases of menstrual cycle
Follicular phase (start of menstruation -> ovulation) - first 14 days
Luteal phase (ovulation -> start of menstruation) - final 14 days
What are ovarian follicles
oocytes are cells that have potential to develop into eggs. These are surrounded by granulosa cells, forming follicles.
Primary follicles are always maturing into primary and secondary follicles. When they reach secondary, they grow FSH receptors, which when stimulated, cause granulosa cells to secrete oestradiol (oestrogen).
Describe the follicular phase
Low oestrogen and progesterone causes endometrium shedding and bleeding.
FSH stimulates secondary follicles, causing them to grow, and for surrounding granulosa cells to secrete oestrogen. This reduces LH and FSH production (negative feedback). Rising oestrogen also causes cervical mucus to become more permeable, allowing sperm to penetrate cervix around ovulation.
One follicle will develop more than the rest (dominant follicle) LH spike causes dominant follicle to release an ovum. Ovulation occurs 14 days before end of cycle.
Overall: FSH stimulates oestrogen, which spikes ~day 12. There is an LH spike right before ovulation causing an ovum to release.
Describe luteal phase
The follicle that released the ovum collapses, becoming the corpus luteum. This secretes progesterone, maintaining the endometrial lining. It also causes the cervical mucus to become thick.
If pregnancy: the syncytiotrophoblast of the embryo secretes Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), maintaining the corpus luteum.
Without fertilisation the corpus luteum degenerates and stops producing oestrogen and progesterone. This fall causes breakdown of the endometrium and menstruation. The stromal cells in the endometrium release prostaglandins, causing uterus contractions. The fall in Oestrogen and Progesterone causes an increase in LH and FSH, restarting the cycle.
Menstruation marks day 1 of the menstrual cycle.
What is amenorrhoea? Give primary and secondary causes
Failure to establish menstruation at 15 with normal sexual development and 13 without.
Primary
- Gonadal dysgenesis (e.g. Turners)
- Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (deficiency of LH and FSH), Hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism (lack of response to LH and FSH by gonads)
- Pregnancy
Secondary - 3-6 months amenorrhoea when previously normal
- Hypothalamic (secondary stress, excessive exercise)
- PCOS
- Thyroid disease
- Hyperprolactinaemia
What is atrophic vaginitis?
Inflammation and thinning of vulvovaginal tissue due to a decline in oestrogen levels. Most commonly in post-menopausal women.
Oestrogen normally makes epithelium of vagina thick and lubricated. Absence causes it to become thin and dry, making it prone to inflammation and infections, due to alteration of pH and microflora.
Lack of oestrogen can also reduce healthy connective tissue in pelvis, causing pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence.
Presentation of atrophic vaginitis
- Thin/Pale vaginal mucosa
- Vaginal dryness/itchiness
- Pain during sex and post-coital bleeding
- Discharge, loss of pubic hair and pH>4.5
Investigations and management of atrophic vaginitis
Clinical exam including speculum.
Discharge should be infection screened.
- Transvaginal USS and Endometrial biopsy necessary to exclude endometrial cancer.
- pH >4.5
Non hormonal:
- Moisturisers and lubricants
Hormonal:
- Systemic HRT (Estriol cream/ estradiol tablets)
What is bacterial vaginosis
Overgrowth of anaerobic organisms (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis). Leads to a fall in lactobacilli which produce lactic acid, so vaginal pH rises.
Very commonly sexually active women (NOT sexually transmitted infection).
Presents as grey-whiteish watery discharge and fishy offensive smell.
Criteria for BV diagnosis
Amsel’s criteria (3/4 must be present)
- Thin, white, homogenous discharge
- Clue cells (stippled vaginal epithelial cells) on microscopy
- Vaginal pH >4.5
- Positive whiff test (adding potassium hydroxide causes fishy odour)
Management of BV
Not needed if asymptomatic
- Oral metronidazole 5-7 days (could have single oral, 2g metronidazole dose if issues adhering)
What is trichomonas vaginalis and how does it present
Flagellated protozoa parasite (STI)
- Vaginal discharge (offensive, yellow/green, frothy)
- Vulvovaginitis
- Strawberry cervix
- pH>4.5
Investigations and management of trichomonas vaginalis
- Microscopy of a wet mount shows motile trophozoites
- Oral metronidazole 5-7 days/ 2g dose one off
Risk factors for urinary incontinence
- Advancing age
- Pregnancy/childbirth
- High BMI
- Hysterectomy
- Family history
Types of urinary incontinence
Overactive bladder (urge incontinence)
- Caused by detrusor overactivity (Urge to urinate quickly followed by uncontrollable leakage)
Stress incontinence (Leaking small amounts when coughing or laughing)
Overflow incontinence (bladder outlet obstruction e.g. prostate)
Mixed (both stress and urge)
Functional incontinence (not enough time to get to bathroom / physical conditions)
Investigating incontinence
- Bladder diaries/3 days
- Vaginal examination to exclude pelvic organ prolapse and ability to initiate voluntary contraction of pelvic floor muscles
- Urine dipstick and culture
Management of incontinence
- Bladder retraining (6 weeks)
- Enuresis alarm (alarm wakes you up when it senses wetness, trains brain to wake before wetting)
- Bladder stabilising drugs (oxybutinin first line - avoid in frail old women)
If stress incontinence
- Pelvic floor muscle training (8 contractions, 3x a day for 3 months)
- Duloxetine (SSRI/SNRI)
What is menopause? With stages
Cessation of menstruation, average age 51. Clinically diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhoea.
Peri-menopause - First clinical signs of menopause appear (Vasomotor symptoms/irregular menstrual cycles). Ends 12 months after last period, leading into menopause. (usually start around 40s)
Post menopause - >12 months after last period.
Premature menopause - Menopause before 40 as a result of premature ovarian insufficiency
Early menopause - Ovaries stop functioning between 40-45 years.
Clinical features of perimenopause/menopause
- Hot flushes/night sweats (vasomotor)
- Emotional instability and/or depession
- Irregular, heavier/lighter periods
- Joint pain
- Vaginal dryness/atrophy, sex pain/bleeding
- Reduced libido
- Urinary incontinence, recurrent UTI, dysuria
- Weight gain
Long term consequences of menopause
- Osteoporosis/ fragility fractures - most commonly Colle’s fracture (distal radius), neck of femur and vertebrae.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Urogenital atrophy - causing frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence and recurrent UTIs. Vaginal dryness/atrophy symptoms
Investigations of menopause
- Clinical diagnosis >45 years old
Do Serum FSH if:
- <40 years with suspected premature menopause
- 40-45 if alterations to menstrual cycle
High FSH (>30), Low oestradiol.
Management of menopause
Lifestyle
- Education
- Regular exercise, weight loss, stress reduction (to aid against hot flushes)
- Sleep hygiene
- Contraceptive use until 2 years after last period if <50. 1 year after last period if >50. (Copper IUD)
HRT
What is vaginal candidiasis
Fungal infection AKA Thrush. 80% caused by candida albicans, a dimorphic fungus made of spherical yeast cells.
Characterised by an itchy, red vulva, cottage cheese discharge, fissuring and satellite lesions
Describe oral candidiasis
Creamy white/yellow spotty plaque adhered to oral mucosa. May be bleeding and redness under this. Most commonly found on buccal mucosa, tongue and palate.
Can also present atrophic with a burning pain or under dentures (denture stomatosis - negative test on mucosa but positive on dentures)
Risk factors for candidiasis
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Antibiotics use
- Immunocompromise/suppression
- Increased oestrogen levels (e.g. combined oral contraceptive)
Management of candidiasis
Single dose
- Oral fluconazole 150mg first line
- Clotrimazole 500mg intravaginal second line
If recurrent,
- High vaginal swab for microscopy and culture
- Induction-maintenance regime (oral fluconazole every 3 days for 9 days, followed by weekly fluconazole for 6 months)
What is adenomyosis, how does it present how is it investigated and treated
The presence of endometrial tissue in the myometrium (Inside uterus, as opposed to outside in the case of endometriosis), causing dysmenorrhoea (painful), menorrhagia (heavy) and an enlarged, boggy uterus.
Investigated with a transvaginal USS
Tranexamic acid to manage menorrhagia.
Hysterectomy may be needed
What is cervical cancer
Cancer of the cervix, mostly affecting younger women (<45).
90% are Squamous cell and 10% are adenocarcinomas. Caused by HPV 16,18 and 33.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
- Smoking
- HIV
- High parity (lots of kids)
- COCP
- Early first intercourse
How does HPV cause cervical cancer (mechanisms)
HPV 16 and 18, which code genes E6 and E7
E6 inhibits p53 tumour suppressor gene
E7 inhibits inhibits RB (retinoblastoma) suppressor gene
How does cervical cancer screening work?
Smear tests offered between 25-64
25-49: 3 yearly screening
50-64: 5 yearly screening
Cannot be offered to women over 64. In pregnancy it is delayed to 3 months post partum.
Women with low sexual history have very low risk
How is cervical cancer staged
FIGO Staging
IA - Confined to cervix, less than 7mm wide, only visible by microscopy. (A1 <3mm deep, A2 3-5mm deep)
IB - Confined to cervix, but visible. Less than 7mm wide. B1 <4cm diameter, B2 >4cm
II - Extended beyond cervix to pelvic wall. A - lower third of vagina, B - pelvic side wall
III - If causes hydronephresis or non functioning kidney.
IV - Extension beyond pelvis, or involving bladder or rectum.
A - Involvement of bladder/rectum
B - Involvement of distant sites outside pelvis
Management of cervical cancer (Surgical, and what chemotherapy used)
IA - Hysterectomy + lymph node clearance if A2. Cone biopsy if wanting to maintain fertility.
IB, II, III, IV - Radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Cisplatin most used.
What is CIN
Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Pre-invasive disease. Dysplastic but not malignant. 1/3 of women with CIN II or III develop cervical cancer in 10 years.
What to do if cervical cancer suspected but not confirmed?
2 week urgent referral to colposcopy and biopsy + gynaecology assessment
What is androgen insensitivity syndrome?
X linked recessive condition due to end organ resistance to testosterone, causing typically male children (46XY) to have a female phenotype.
How does androgen insensitivity syndrome present
Primary amenorrhoea
- Little/no axillary/pubic hair
- Undescended testes causing groin swelling
- Breast development may occur
Buccal smear or chromosomal analysis used to reveal genotype, testosterone may be high after puberty.
Management of androgen insensitivity
Bilateral orchidectomy and oestrogen (raise child female)
What is endometriosis?
Growth of ectopic endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. Affects 10% of women of reproductive age
Clinical features of endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Secondary dysmenorrhoea (pain starts days before bleeding)
- Dyspareunia
- Subfertility
- Urinary symptoms (dysuria, urgency, haematuria) and dyschezia (painful bowel movements)
Examination features of endometriosis
- Fixed and retroverted uterus
- Ovarian enlargement
- Tender blue nodules in posterior vaginal fornix
- Visible vaginal endometriotic lesions
Investigations of endometriosis
Laparoscopy gold standard
Management of endometriosis
NSAID and/or paracetamol first line for symptomatic relief
COCP can be tried if that doesnt work
What is the most common gynaecological malignancy in the developed world
Endometrial carcinoma
90% of which are adenocarcinomas
Pathophysiology of the endometrium/ endometrial cancer
Endometrium builds in response to oestrogen in menstrual cycle. Serves to provide an optimal environment for blastocyst implantation. In absence of progesterone the blood vessels constrict and the endometrial lining undergoes ischaemia and death, causing it to shed during menstruation.
In endometrial cancer, there is normally a chronic, unopposed exposure to oestrogen.
Endogenous and exogenous sources of unopposed oestrogen
Endogenous
- Chronic anovulation (e.g. PCOS)
- Aromatisation of androgens
- Granulosa cell tumours
Exogenous unopposed oestrogen
- HRT
- Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (tamoxifen)
Risk factors and protective factors for endometrial cancer
- > 50
- Early menarche/late menopause
- PCOS
- Obesity
- Nulliparity
- Lynch syndrome/HNPCC
- Cowden syndrome
Protective factors
- Multiparirty
- Smoking
- Progestin use
How does endometrial cancer present
Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding!
- Inteermenstrual bleeding
- Abdominal/pelvic pain
- Anaemia, weight loss, dyspareunia
On examination:
- Enlarged uterus
- Fixed uterus with a mass
Investigation of post menopausal bleeding/ suspected endometrial cancer
ALL post menopausal bleeding should be sent via 2 week pathway
Transvaginal Ultrasound and Pipelle biopsy used to diagnose
FIGO staging of endometrial cancer
I - Confined to uterus
II - Cervical invasion
III - Ovarian, vaginal or adnexal (fallopian tubes) invasion or lymph nodes
IV - bladder, rectal, extra pelvic spread
Management of endometrial cancer
I and II - Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy.
How is endometrial hyperplasia different to cancer and how is it managed
Proliferation of endometrium more than normal but not malignant.
Simple - expansion of glands. Atypia if architecture change
Complex - Crowding and budding of glands.
Diagnosed with biopsy but treated with progestin-based therapy.
Complex may need hysterectomy
What is PCOS
Ovarian condition causing metabolic issues. Causes insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and high LH levels.
Features of PCOS
- Oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea (reduced/absent periods)
- Obesity
- Hyperandrogenism (hirsutism (abnormal hair growth on face/body, acne vulgaris)
- Male pattern baldness
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Sub/infertility
Investigations of PCOS
Pelvic USS - see cysts
Also helpful to look for FSH, LH, testosterone (total/free) and prolactin
Check for impaired glucose tolerance
Diagnostic criteria for PCOS
Rotterdam criteria
Two out of the 3:
- Oligo or anovulation
- Clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, elevated test)
- PCO by USS - 12 or more follicles in one or both ovaries, and increased ovarian volume
Management of PCOS
- Weight reduction
- COCP to regulate periods and acne
- Clomifene to manage infertility (encourages ovulation)
What are fibroids
Uterine fibroids, leiomyomas, are benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterus. Most common pelvic tumour in women. More in black women (50%). Develop in response to oestrogen
Features of uterine fibroids
- Possibly asymptomatic
- Menorrhagia
- Bulk related symptoms (lower abdominal pain, cramping)
- Urinary symptoms if severe
Diagnosis and management of Uterine fibroids
Transvaginal ultrasound
- Asymptomatic - just monitor.
- Shrink/remove fibroids - GnRH agonists (leuprorelin) short term - shrink fibroids especially before surgery (menopause side effects - decrease oestrogen)
- GnRH antagonists (linzagolix) (cause menopausal symptoms and loss of BMD)
- Surgery - myomectomy, uterine artery embolisation
What is ovarian torsion and what are some risk factors
Sudden onset deep colicky abdominal pain caused by torsion of the ovary. May present with vomiting, distress, fever.
Risk factors:
- Ovarian mass (90%)
- Reproductive age
- Pregnancy
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Investigation and management of Ovarian torsion
Whirlpool sign or free fluid on USS
Laparoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic
What is pelvic inflammatory disease
PID is an ascending infection from the endocervix, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding peritoneum.
Caused mostly by chlamydia trachomatis, but also N gonorrhoeae, M genitalium, M hominis
Clinical features of PID
- Lower abdo pain
- Fever
- Deep dyspareunia
- Dysuria and menstrual irregularities
- Vaginal/cervical discharge
- Cervical excitation
Investigations of PID
- Pregnancy test to exclude ectopic pregnancy
- High vaginal swab
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Management of PID
Low threshold for treatment
1 - stat IM ceftriaxone + followed by 14 days of oral doxycycline + oral metronidazole
2 - Oral ofloxacin + oral metronidazole
Complications of PID
- Perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh Curtis Sydrome) - RUQ Pain, may be confused with cholecystitis. (Ascending infection causes inflammation of liver capsule without involving liver)
- Infertility
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Ectopic pregnancy
What is urogenital prolapse
Occurs most after giving birth or menopause. Occurs when pelvic floor muscles weaken and the uterus, bladder, urethra and rectum prolapse through the vagina.
Classify pelvic organ prolapse by its compartments
- Anterior: cystocele (bladder)/urethrocele (urehtral herniation
- Middle: Uterine, and vaginal vault prolapse (post hyterectomy)
- Posterior: Rectocele (rectal) and enterocele (small bowel - pouch of Douglas)
Main symptoms of urogenital prolapse
- Pelvic pressure (heaviness, dragging, bearing down. Pain worsens throughout day, back discomfort)
- Vaginal bulging/mass (visible bulging or patient may feel something coming out when straining)
- Urinary symptoms (Stress incontinence, urgency/frequency, urine retention)
- Defecatory dysfunction (constipation, straining, incomplete evacuation. Splinting or need for manual support of vaginal wall during defecation)
- Sexual dysfunction (discomfort and pain)
Examination structure in urogenital prolapse
- Pelvic exam with patient in lithotomy (on back with legs flexed at 90 up) position, and during valsalva
- ID involved compartments using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification exam system (POP-Q)
- Bimanual examination looking for masses, tenderness, cervical motion tenderness
management of urogenital prolapse
No treatment for mild
- Weight loss
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Ring pessary or surgery
Risk factors for urogenital prolapse
- Increasing age
- Multiparity w vaginal delivery
- Obesity
- Spina bifida
What is lichen sclerosus
Inflammatory condition affecting genitalia - more common in elderly women. Leads to atrophy of the epidermidis, forming white plaques. Thought to be autoimmune.
In women affects labia, perineum and perianal skin. In men, affects foreskin and glans penis.
Clinical features of lichen sclerosus
White, shiny, tight, thin and raised plaques. Very itchy. (porcelain)
Diagnosis of lichen sclerosus
Diagnosis made on clinical grounds, but biopsy may be used if
- Woman fails to respond to treatment
- Clinical suspicion of VIN (vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia) or cancer
Management of lichen sclerosus
High potency topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment)
Second line:
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
- Topical retinoids
What is vulval intraepithelial neoplasia, what type of cancer does it predispose to
Precancerous skin lesion of the vulva. May result in squamous skin cancer if untreated. Average age >50
Risk factors for VIN
HPV 16 and 18
Smoking
HSV 2
Lichen sclerosus
Features of VIN
Itching and burning
Raised well defined skin lesions
Investigations of VIN
Punch biopsy (precancerous cells)
HPV testing
Management of VIN (pharmacological)
Imiquimod
5- fluorouracil
Surgical management if they dont work
What is ovarian cancer, what are its most common sites of metastasis
Highest mortality of any gynaecological cancer. Range of cells and peak incidence at 60.
Associated with BRCA1 and 2.
Diaphragm, right liver edge and omentum are common metastasis sites
Most common ovarian cancer types. What is found microscopically on the ovary?
Epithelial ovarian tumours (90%)
- May be benign, intermediate or malignant. Serous cystadenocarinoma is the most common subtype. Characterised by psamomma bodies (round microscopic calcium collections)
What is the tumour marker for ovarian cancer? What are 2 other investigations you could do? What calculation helps calculate risk?
CA 125 - antigen is elevated in peritoneal irritation, so not specific. Can be raised in endometriosis, adenomyosis, liver disease and pregnancy.
- USS Abdomen and pelvis
- Diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy
- RMI (risk of malignancy index) calculation.
NICE referral guide for ovarian cancer
2 week wait if:
- Ascites
- Pelvic mass, not due to fibroids
- Abdominal mass