Gynaecology Flashcards
What is the average blood loss per menstrual cycle?
30-40ml
What are some systemic causes of menorrhagia?
Hypothyroidism
Chronic liver disease
Blood thinning drugs
Bleeding disorders (e.g. Von Willebrands)
What are some local causes of menorrhagia?
Vulval/vaginal/cervical cancer or malignancy IUCD DUB Fibroids Endometriosis Adenomyosis Endometrial polyp/malignancy PID Granulosa ovarian tumours
What is the commonest cause of menorrhagia?
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
What is DUB?
Heavy and/or irregular bleeding with no underlying pelvic pathology
What are the two commonest underlying causes of DUB?
Anovulatory cycles - often post-menarche or peri-menopause
Poor quality eggs leading to poor quality corpus luteums and luteal phase defects
What are the different medical management option for DUB?
Mirena IUS
Tranexamic acid
Mefenamic acid (not as effective as tranexamic)
COCP
Progestogens (depo-provera or oral norethisterone)
If anovulatory cycles, try COCP to regulate. If not, try tranxeamic acid. PATIENT CHOICE is important.
What are the surgical options for DUB?
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy
How many and for how long should medical management of DUB be done before considering surgical options?
Trial of 2 different options both for at least 3 months
What are some long term complications of endometrial ablation?
Decreases fertility
May lead to placenta percreta if do concieve
Woman presents with intensely itchy white vaginal discharge. Vulva sore and red.
Thrush
What is the organism causing thrush?
Candida Albicans (yeast)
How is thrush treated?
Topical clotrimazole 500mg pessary + cream
OR
Oral fluconazole 150mg stat
Woman presents with watery, grey, fishy discharge. Vaginal pH >4,5. Clue cells seen on HVS.
Bacterial Vaginosis
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
Overgrowth of normal vagina flora - Gardnerella vaginalis, mobiluncus, anaerobes
How is bacterial vaginosis treated?
Metronidazole 400 mg BD (7 days)
What chlamydia serovars cause genital infection?
Serovars D-K
A-C cause trachoma. L-lymphogranuloma
How does chlamydia present in females?
Asymptomatic. Post coital/intermenstrual bleeding. Lower abdominal pain. Dyspareunia. Mucopurluent cervicitis.
How does chlamydia present in males?
Urethral discharge, dysuria, urethritis, epididimo-orchitis
How is chlamydia/gonorrhoea diagnosed?
Combined test for both organisms
Females - HVS for PCR/NAATs
Males - first void urine for PCR/NAATs
How is chlamydia treated?
Azithromycin 1g stat
If allergic, doxycycline 100mg BD (7 days)
What are some complications of untreated chlamydia?
PID, pelvic pain, sexually acquired reactive arthritis, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.
How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?
Metronidazole 400mg BD and Ofloxacin 400mg BD (14 days)
How does gonorrhoea present in men and women?
Asymptomatic, altered/urethral discharge, dysuria
How is gonorrhoea treated?
IM ceftriaxone 500mg and oral azithromycin 1g stat
What is the causative organism of syphilis?
Treponema Pallidum
How does primary syphilis present?
Chancre - indurated, firm papule, with raised edge. Usually heals itself without treatment.
How does secondary syphilis present?
Maculopapular rash and flu like symptoms. Occurs when the organism is in the blood stream.
How does tertiary syphilis present?
Neuological/cardiovacular complications
How is syphilis diagnosed?
If lesion present - swab lesion for PCR
If none present - bloods
What blood tests are done to diagnose syphilis?
Combined IgG and IgM ELISA test (IgM positive in active infection)
TPPA (stays positive for life even if syphilis treated)
VDRL and RPR (non-specific tests of inflammation. Useful for assessing response to treatment)
How is syphilis treated?
Long acting injectable penicillins
What organism causes genital warts?
HPV 6 & 11
How are genital warts treated?
Cryotherapy or Podophyllin toxin
What causes genital herpes?
Herpes Simplex Virus I and II
How does genital herpes present?
Painful, multiple small vesicles that are easily deroofed. May be dysuria, discharge, lymphadenopathy
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
Swab for PCR
How is genital herpes treated?
Aciclovir 200mg 5 times a day for 5 days
Subsequent attack - aciclovir cream
Woman presents with frothy green, offensive discharge. Strawberry cervix. HVS shows flagellae motion of organism.
Trichomonas vaginalis - single celled protozoal parasite
How is trichomonas vaginalis treated?
Metronidazole 400mg BD (7days)
Treat partners even if asymptomatic as can be carriers
Woman has itching, inflammation in pubic area. Black ‘powder’ seen in underwear.
Pubic lice
How are pubic lice treated?
Malathion lotion
Where is the target of HIV virus?
CD4+ receptors
How does HIV affect the immune system?
Reduces circulation and proliferation of CD4+ cells
Reduces activity of CD8+ cells
Reduces anitbody class switching
What are the implications of HIV affecting the immune system?
Increased susceptibility to viral, fungal and bacterial infections as well as infection induced cancers
What is a normal CD4+ count?
500-1600 cells/mm2
At what CD4+ count is there a risk of opportunistic infection?
200 cells/mm2 and less
When does primary HIV infection occur?
Around 2-4 weeks after contracting HIV
What are the symptoms of primary HIV infection?
fever, maculopapular rash, myalgia, pharyngitis
What are the 3 broad areas of AIDS?
Opportunistic infections, constitutional symptoms and AIDS related cancers
Name 3 AIDS related cancers
Kaposi’s sarcoma, Burkitts lymphoma, Cervical cancer (all virally driven)
How is HIV treated?
Highly active anti-retroviral treatments (HAART)
Combination of 3 drugs from 2 classes
When is post-exposure prophylaxis given?
Taken within 72 hours of exposure for 28 days
What measures should be taken for a HIV +ve male to conceive?
Sperm washing + IUI/IVF
Timed UPSI with HAART +/- PrEP
What measures should be taken for a HIV +ve female to conceive?
Self-insemination
Timed UPSI with HAART
Should HIV+ve women take HAART during pregnancy?
Yes as risk of HIV greater to the baby than the medications
What factors affect whether a HIV+ve women has a vaginal delivery or a c-section?
Viral load (<50 vaginal birth is safe)
CD4+ count (>350 vaginal birth is safe)
Previous obstetric history
Should newborns be given antiretrovirals?
YES - babies should receive PEP within 4 hours of delivery and continue for 28 days
What is the histology of the ectocervix?
Stratified squamous epithelium
What is the histology of the endocervix?
Simple columnar epithelium
What is the transitional zone of the cervix?
The squamo-columnar junction between the endocervix and ectocervix
What is cervicitis?
Inflammation of the cervix
How does cervicitis present?
Asymptomatic/ discharge, dyspareunia, intermenstrual bleeding, post-coital bleeding
What are some causes of cervicitis?
STIs, allergies (e.g. latex), BV
What is a cervical ectropion?
When the endocervical columnar epithelium extends over the stratified sqaumous epithelium of the ectocervix
How does a cervical ectropion present?
Bleeding (intermenstrual, post coital), excess mucus, infections
How is a cervical ectropion treated?
Silver nitrate cautery
What are cervical polyps?
Pedunculated benign tumours of endocervix
What is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?
Pre invasive stage of cancer, occurring at transitional zone
What is CIN I?
Basal 1/3rd of epithelium has abnormal cells
What is CIN II?
Basal 2/3rd of epithelium has abnormal cells
What is CIN III?
Full thickness of epithelium has abnormal cells
What is seen histologically in CIN?
Delay in differentiation, nuclear abnormalities, excess mitosis, koiliocytosis
How is CIN I managed?
Expectant management - repeat smear in 12 months
How is CIN II/III managed?
Cold coagulation
LLETZ (if suspicious of malignancy do this)
What is a complication of LLETZ?
Can lead to preterm labour (due to cervical insufficiency) - favour cold coagulation in women who have not completed their families
What type of cervical cancer is commonest?
Squamous cell (from ectocervix)
How does cervical cancer present?
Abnormal bleeding (PCB, IMB, brown stained discharge), pelvic pain, urinary infections
What is the main viral driver of cervical cancer?
HPV - mainly types `16, 18 and 33
What are some risk factor for cervical cancer?
HPV, smoking, HIV, early intercourse, many sexual partners, high parity, low socioeconomic status, COCP
How is early stage cervical cancer treated?
Surgery - dependent on extent and need to preserve fertility
How are stages IB-IV of cervical cancer treated?
Platinum based chemotherapy, radical radiotherapy and vaginal brachytherapy
How often do women aged 25-49 need a smear?
Every 3 years
How often do women aged 50-64 need a smear?
Every 5 years
If a smear comes back borderline, what should be done?
Repeat the smear test
If a smear comes back unsatisfactory sample, what should be done?
Repeat the smear test
If a smear comes back low grade dyskaryosis, what should be done?
Repeat the smear test
After 3 unsatisfactory samples on smear test, what is the next step?
Routine colposcopy (<8 weeks)
After 3 borderline samples on smear test, what is the next step?
Routine colposcopy (<8 weeks)
After 2 low grade dyskaryosis samples on smear test, what is the next step?
Routine colposcopy (<8 weeks)
If a smear comes back as high grade dyskaryosis, what should be done?
Urgent colposcopy (<4 weeks)
If a smear comes back as invasive dyskaryosis what should be done?
Urgent colposcopy with suspicion of malignancy (<2 weeks)
If CIN is treated, when should the next smear test be?
6 months time - do cytology and HPV for ‘test of cure’
What is the commonest histological type of primary ovarian tumour?
Serous
What are dermoid cysts?
Benign cystic teratomas - totipotent. May contain hair, teeth, bone etc. Can be asymptomatic.
What may rupture of a dermoid cyst cause?
Acute chemical peritonitis
What is struma ovarii?
Type of teratoma containing thyroid tissue which may result in hyperthyroidism
What is the triad of Meig’s Syndrome?
Ovarian tumour, ascites and pleural effusion
What cancers metastasise to the ovary?
Breast, pancreas and GI
What are some risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Increased age, nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause, family history
How does the COCP affect ovarian cancer risk?
COCP is protective against ovarian cancer
How does ovarian cancer present?
May be asymptomatic
Bloating, abdominal mass, early satiety, urinary frequency, change of bowel habit, weight loss, fatigue.
What should be checked if history and examination raises suspicion of ovarian cancer?
CA-125
What level of CA-125 warrants an ultrasound?
≥ 35
How is risk of malignancy index (RMI) calculated?
RMI = menopausal status X ca-125 X USS score
What RMI should patients be referred to a specialist?
RMI ≥250
How is early ovarian cancer treated?
Surgery - TH, BSO, omental/lymph node biopsy for staging.
Adjuvant chemotherapy if high grade tumour
How is advanced ovarian cancer treated?
Primary debulking surgery
Neo/adjuvant chemotherapy with platinum based agent
RELAPSES - if platinum sensitive, use chemo again. If resistant, use tamoxifen/letrozole
What are the muscles of the pelvic floor?
Levator ani (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus) Coccygeus
What nerves supply the muscles of the pelvic floor?
Pudendal nerve (S2,3,4) Nerve to levator ani (S4)
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
'Something coming down' Urinary symptoms (hesitancy, poor flow, frequency, urge) Bowel symptoms (constipation, dyschezia) Sexual symptoms
What are risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse?
Child birth - big babies, multiple pregnancy, prolonged labour
Increased age, obesity, smoking, heavy lifting
What is a urethrocele?
Anterior inferior prolapse of the urethra
What is a cystocele?
Anterior superior prolapse of the bladder
What is an enterocele?
Posterior superior prolapse of the bowel via pouch of douglas
What is a rectocele?
Posterior inferior prolapse of the rectum
What is a procidentia?
Grade III uterine prolpase where the majority of the uterus is in the vagina
What are some conservative management options for pelvic organ prolapse?
Lose weight, stop smoking, reduce constipation, bladder/defecation techniques. Pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Pessaries (ring, cube, shelf, gelhorn)
What is the medical management of pelvic organ prolapse?
Vaginal oestrogens (used if symptomatic atrophic vaginitis)
What are the surgical management options for pelvic organ prolapse?
Anterior/posterior repair
Sacrospinous fixation (vaginal vault prolapse)
Laparoscopic hysteropexxy (uterine prolapse)
Colpocleisis
Which gynaecological cancers is the COCP protective in?
Endometrial and Ovarian
Which gynaecological cancers is the COCP a risk factor for?
Breast and Cervical
How long is the time frame to take Levonelle for emergency contraception?
Within 72 hours
How long is the time frame to take Ullipristal (EllaOne)?
Within 120 hours
How long is the time frame to have an IUCD inserted for emergency contraception?
Within 120 hours of UPSI or ovulation
If a traditional POP is missed by up to 3 hours, what advice should you give?
Take pill. No action required.
If a traditional POP is missed by more than 3 hours, what advice should you give?
Take pill as soon as possible. If more than one has been missed just take one pill.
Continue rest of pack as normal.
Use condoms until 48 hours after pilltaking
The same advice applies for cerazette as it does for traditional POPs, but what is the time frame?
12 hours
What advice would you recommend for a patient using the contraceptive patch who has forgotten to change her patch for less than 48 hours?
Change patch immediately
No extra precautions needed
What advice would you recommend for a patient using the contraceptive patch who has forgotten to change her patch for more than 48 hours?
Change patch immediately
Extra precautions for 7 days
Emergency contraception if had unprotected sex in last 5 days
Which contraception may cause a delay in return to fertility?
Injection
How long after insertion is a copper IUD effective?
Immediately
How long after starting a POP is it effective (not day 1 of period)?
2 days
How long after starting COC, injection, implant, IUS (not on day 1 of period) are they effective?
7 days
What hormone do you check for ovulation?
Mid-luteal progesterone (cycle length-7days)
What is the primary mode of action of the COCP?
Inhibits ovulation
What is the primary mode of action of the POP?
Thickens cervical mucus
What is the primary mode of action of the injection?
Inhibits ovulation
What is the primary mode of action of the implant?
Inhibits ovulation
What is the primary mode of action of the IUCD?
Decreases sperm motility and survival
What is the primary mode of action of the IUS?
Prevents endometrial proliferation
If one pill of the COCP is missed at any time in the cycle, what should you do?
Take the last pill then continue taking the rest of the pack as normal
No additional protection required
If 2 or more pills of the COCP are missed, what should the woman take?
Take the last pill, leave any earlier missed pills and continue taking pills one each day
If two or more pills are missed in the first week of the cycle and the woman has had sex, what should you consider?
Emergency contraception
If two or more pills are missed in the second week of the cycle, what extra precautions do you need to take?
No extra precautions
If two or more pills are missed in the 3rd week of the cycle, what should you recommend?
Omit the pill free interval
How long after giving birth do you not need contraception?
Up to 21 days
Where is an implant inserted?
Sub-dermally, non-dominant arm
When should the COCP be stopped before surgery?
4 weeks before surgery
When can the COCP be restarted after surgery?
2 weeks
What is the most effective emergency contraception?
Copper IUD
What is the first line management of fibroids?
Mirena IUS
Painless vaginal bleeding before 24 weeks, cervical os closed, fetal heart detected
Threatened miscarriage
USS shows intrauterine sac with no fetal pole. cervical Os closed
Missed miscarriage
8 weeks pregnant, heavy bleeding with clots, fetal heartbeat present, os is open
Inevitable miscarriage
Bleeding, fetal heart absent, cervical os open
Incomplete miscarriage
Bleeding, fetal hear absent, cervical os closed
Complete miscarriage
What is Sheehans syndrome?
Post partum hypopituitarism following PPH
What is Meigs syndrome?
Fibroma, ascites, pleural effusion
What are the management options for PMS?
Lifestyle - healthy diet, exercise, good sleep
Medical - COCP, SSRIs
What is the gold standard investigation for endometriosis?
Laparoscopy
What are medical management options for symptomatic relief of endometriosis?
NSAIDs, paractamol
COCP, progestogens
What are secondary treatments for endometriosis?
GnRh analogues (induce pseudomenopause) Laparoscopic excision/laser of cysts
What is the commonest complication of TOP?
Infection
Where is the commonest site of ectopic pregnancy?
Ampulla of uterine tube
What ovarian tumour is associated with endometrial hyperplasia?
Granulosa cell tumours
What is the commonest benign ovarian tumour in under 35s?
Teratoma
How should post-menopausal women with atypical endometrial hyperplasia be managed?
Total hysterectomy +BSO
‘Free pelvic fluid and whirlpool sign’
Ovarian torsion
What is Ashermans syndrome?
Adhesions following D&C
When is contraception required in the menopause in women over 50?
For at least 12 months after the last period
When is contraception required in the menopause in women under 50?
For at least 24 months after the last period
What is the imaging of choice for adenomyosis?
MRI pelvis
What is the average age of menopause?
51
What is early menopause defined as?
Before 45
What is premature menopause defined as?
Before 40
What is late menopause defined as?
After 54
What are symptoms of menopause?
Hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, joint aches, headaches, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, DUB
What are conservative management options for menopause?
Diet, weight loss, exercise, caffeine reduction, sleeo hygiene
How can menorrhagia be managed in menopause?
Tranexamic acid, progestogens, IUS, endometrial abltation, hysterectomy
What HRT is given to women with a uterus?
Combined HRT (oestrogen and progestogen)
What HRT is given to women without a uterus?
Oestrogen only HRT
What regime of HRT do peri-menopausal women get?
Cyclical
What regime of HRT do post-menopausal get?
Either cyclical or continuous but continuous preferred as no withdrawal bleeds
What is an alternative to HRT?
Tibolone
Who can take tibolone?
Post menopausal women who have not had periods for at least 12 months
How can HRT be given?
Patches, tablets, IUS
Vaginal oestrogens can be given as creams, pessarys, rings
What are side effects of HRT?
Bloating, breast tenderness, headache, acne, weight gain, bleeding
What are the risks of HRT?
Increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer, VTE, stroke and IHD. Risk goes away once HRT stopped
What can be used for the vasomotor symptoms of menopause?
SSRIs, venlafaxine, clonidine
What are the legal gestation limits of termination of pregnancy?
Socially - 23+6 weeks
Fetal anomaly - any gestation
What is the limit of TOP in Nhs Tayside?
18 weeks and 6 days
What is considered an early medical termination?
Up to 9 weeks
What is considered a late medical termination?
9-12 weeks
What is considered a mid-trimester medical termination?
12-24 weeks
What are the two main stages of a medical termination?
Anti-progesterone (oral mifepristone)
24-48hrs later PV/oral prostaglandin (misoprostol)
Which patients have the option to complete the second part of a medical termination at home?
Early terminations (<9 weeks)
What surgical termination procedure is done in Scotland?
Vacuum aspiration
How is vacuum aspiration carried out?
Cervical priming with PV prostaglandin
GA, electrical vacuum aspiration
What are complications of TOP?
Pain, infection, haemorrhage, cervical trauma, failure
What are important aftercare considerations in TOP?
Follow up urinary pregnancy test in 2-3 weeks
Anti-D
Seeking help & support counselling
Contraception
Which specialist carries out uterine artery embolization?
Radiologist