reproductive Flashcards
what causes inflammation of the reproductive organs?
- irritants, mostly infection
- sexually transmitted infections
- systemic diseases (mumps, scarlet fever)
where does infection and inflammation occur in the reproductive system?
it can occur anywhere
- most signs & symptoms are as result as infections that result in inflammation
- can be acute or chronic
where are females affected?
- external genitalia
- vagina
- uterus
- fallopian tubes
- ovaries
- breasts
where are men affected?
- the glans urethra testes epididymis prostate gland
what might inflammation of the external genitalia be due to?
- direct contact with irritants such as:
- perfumed soap or sprays
- spermatocides
- allergen such as latex
what are some LOCAL signs and symptoms of infection?
- swelling, redness, burning, pain
- increased discharge - different looking
- foul smell
what are some SYSTEMIC signs and symptoms?
- fever, chills, malaise
- leukocytosis associated with inflammation and infectious process
what are chronic infections and inflammation associated with?
- scarring and formation of adhesions in various structures of the reproduct tract
- common cause of infertility
what is vulvitis?
- inflammatory process of the external female genitalia.
- associated with contact with irritants
what is endometritis?
- inflammation of the lining of the uterus
- lining is relatively resistant to infection because of the endocervix acting as a barrier against infectious agents
- acute infection can still occur with abortion or normal delivery, use of instrumentation (when opening lady bits, this can introduce pathogens)
- chronic endometritis is associated with use of intrauterine devices such as birth control measures or pelvic inflame disease
signs and symptoms of chronic endometritis?
- abnormal bleeding
- mild to moderate tenderness
- malaise
- fever
- foul smelling discharge
what are two common agents that cause infection besides bacteria and viruses?
Yeast- Candida Albicans
Parasite- Trichomas (is sexually transmitted)
characteristics of Vaginitis-Candida Albicans?
- thick, cheesy-like growth that is found on the cervix and on the vagina walls
- often associated with itching with thicc discharge
what type of ppl are at risk for Vaginitis Candida Albicans?
- ppl who take antibiotics that affect normal flora of the vagina
- diabeties
- women taking birth control pills
what are the characteristics of Vaginitis- Trichomonas?
- sexually transmitted disease due to parasite
- very thick, white vaginal discharge
what is salpingitis?
- inflammation/infecc of the fallopian tubes
- associated with pelvic inflam disease
causative agents of salpingitis?
- gonorrhea and chlamydia
- often end up with adhesions and scarring of fallopian tubes, which is one cause of infertility
what is mastitis?
- infec/inflam of breast tissue
- associated with breast feeding
what is mastitis caused by?
- caused by straphlyococcus or streptococcus
- can also be caused by Candida Albicans
characteristics of mastitis?
- ascending infection
- starts from nipple and moves into structures of the breast
- often infection will have a wedge-shape appearance and involves only one quadrant of the breast
how can mastitis be transmitted?
-transmitted from mothers hands if not washed before handling breasts
-transmitted from baby- mouth may contain candida or strep or straph as baby sucks on breast
-pathogens enter cracks in nipples at time of feeding
-
what other situations can mastitis occur?
- outside of breastfeeding:
- related to fluctuations in hormones in adolescents
- might also occur with trauma or localized tumor
what is pelvic inflammatory disease?
- female only
- acute inflammation of any organ or upper reproductive tract
- most common and most serious consequences of STI gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy, painful intercourse
what structures are involved in pelvic inflammatory disease?
- uterus
- fallopian tubes
- ovaries
- peritoneum
