Reproductive Health Flashcards
Topics to discuss when taking a gynaecological history
HoPC - type, site of symptoms, timing, exacerbating/relieving factors, previous episodes, other symptoms
Ask about common symptoms - vaginal bleeding, abdo/pelvic pain, vaginal discharge
Menstrual history - frequency, duration, volume, date of LMP
PMHx - pregnancies, cervical smear, surgical history, previous gynae problems, previous STIs
DHx - contraception, HRT, recent abx, any other meds, known allergies
FHx - female cancers, diabetes, bleeding disorders
SHx - weight, occupation, home situation, smoking/alcohol, diet and exercise
Systems Review - urinary, bowel, fatigue, weight loss, abdo distentsion
Topics to discuss when taking an Obstetric history
Previous Obstetric Hx - term pregnancies (gestation, mode of delivery, gender, birth weight, complications, ART, care providers); other pregnancies not carried beyond 24wks (gestation, miscarriages, terminations, causes of miscarriage/stillbirth; if ectopic ask about site and management)
Current pregnancy - ask about folate, EDD, single/multiple pregnancy, Down’s syndrome screening, fetal abnormalities, placenta position
PMHx - abdo/pelvic surgery, mental health conditions, asthma, cf, epilepsy, htn, diabetes
DHx - allergies, enquire about any teratogenic drugs
FHx - heritable diseases
SHx - ask about thoughts of pregnancy, occupation, home circumstances, financial circumstances, smoking, domestic abuse
Sexual Health history taking
HOPC - type and site of symptoms, timing, previous episodes
Symptoms - vaginal bleeding, abdo/pelvic pain, vaginal discharge
Menstrual Hx - changes in menstruation can indicate infection
Sexual Contact History - relationship? contraception? timing of last sexual contact? partners in the last 3m? nature of relationship?
PMHx - previous STI, previous STI screens, cervical smears, previous gynae problems, surgical history, pregnancies, other medical conditions
DHx - contraception, HRT, recent abx use, allergies
SHx - smoking, alcohol, recreational drug use
Risk Factors for STIs
sexual contact with an HIV +ve partner
Engaging in sexual activities with a bisexual/homosexual man
Engaging in sexual activities with someone from an area of high HIV prevalence
IV drug use in patient/partner
paying/being paid for sex
Receiving blood transfusions/tattoos/piercings in environments where sterile equipment cannot be guaranteed
Unprotected sex
Having multiple sex partners
Having anonymous sex partners
Chemsex
Sexual assault
Immunosuppression
Signs and Symptoms of gynae disorders
vaginal discharge
vaginal bleeding
pelvic pain
urinary incontinence
prolapse
infertility
post-menopausal women
pain during intercourse - dyspareunia
dysuria
Causes of heavy periods
obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid problems, PCOS
uterine fibroids
polyps
adenomyosis
IUD - esp CuIUD
pregnancy complications
cancer
blood clotting disorders
Investigations for heavy menstrual bleeding
bed: examination, speculum
bloods: FBC, U&Es, TFTs, coagulation screen
imaging: USS
other: endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy
Management of heavy menstrual bleeding
NSAIDs
tranexamic acid
oral contraceptives
oral progesterone, implant, LNG-IUS
GnRH can trigger menopause for a year/longer, to relieve symptoms
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy
Causes for painful periods
Endometriosis
PID
fibroids
adenomyosis
PCOS
Investigations for painful periods
internal examination
swabs for PID
uss for fibroids, endometriomas
laparoscopy for fibroids, endometriomas
Management of painful periods
Simple analgesia
Exercise
Contraceptive - COCP, POP, implant, LNG-IUS
GnRH
Endometrial ablation
Hysterectomy
Causes of irregular periods
PCOS
thyroid problems
puberty
start of the menopause
hormonal contraceptions
losing/gaining weight
stress and anxiety
exercising too much
Ix for irregular periods
bloods - fbc, tfts, hormone profile
uss
Mx of irregular periods
watchful waiting
Causes of absent periods
pregnancy
menopause
stress
PCOS
sudden weight loss
overweight
too much exercise
contraceptives
Ix for absent periods
pregnancy test
hormone profile
watchful waiting
Mx of absent periods
Not always required, reasons behind absent periods isn’t always pathological
treatment for the underlying cause is important
Causes of acute and chronic pelvic pain
constipation, ibs, UTIs, STIs, appendicitis, peritonitis
specifically in women - period pain, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic pain in pregnancy, could be something more serious (ectopic pregnancy, womb or ovarian cancer)
Ix for pelvic pain
swabs from vagina
urinalysis
fbc
uss
Mx of pelvic pain
Depends on the underlying cause
could be abx, analgesia, physiotherapy, some hormone treatments
Causes of dyspareunia
endometriosis, PID, uterine prolapse, retroverted uterus, uterine fibroids, cystitis, ibs, pelvic floor dysfunction, adenomyosis, haemorrhoids, ovarian cyst
Ix for dyspareunia
vaginal swabs
speculum examination
bloods - fbc, crp
uss
Mx of dyspareunia
depends on the underlying cause
hormonal treatments, antibiotics, analgesia
counseling or sex therapy
Causes of vaginal discharge
candida
bv
tv
chlamydia
gonorrhoea
PID
cervical cancer
Ix for vaginal discharge
vaginal swabs - vulvovaginal and high vaginal and potentially endocervical swabs
blood tests for hiv, hep b/c, syphilis serology
pregnancy tests
culture, microscopy, gram staining, sensitivity testing
Female Sterilisation - what is it?
a permanent method of sterilisation
prevents the egg from travelling along the Fallopian tubes to the sperm
Female Sterilisation - effectiveness?
Failure rate of 0.5%
LARC is much more reliable
Female Sterilisation - adv/disadv
+permanent
+no hormones
+no side effects
-difficult to reverse
-potential to regret
-periods can become heavier
-more likely to have an ectopic if pregnancy does occur
-not as easy or as effective as male sterilisation
-surgery risks
-no protection against STIs
Male Sterilisation - what is it?
permanent method of contraception
vasectomy
small operation to cut the end of the vas deferens tube - the tube that takes sperm from the testicles to the penis
sperm can no longer get into the semen
Male Sterilisation - effectiveness?
Very reliable, but not 100%
1 in 2500 men will become fertile again at some point in the future
Male Sterilisation - adv/disadv
+permanent
+easier to do than female sterilisation
+more effective than female sterilisation
-may take a few months before the semen is free from sperm
-it’s permanent, potential for regret
-no protection against STIs
What are the different stages of the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual cycle:
Follicular phase
Luteal phase
Uterine cycle:
Proliferative phase
Secretory phase
Menstrual phase
What is the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle?
FSH rises, stimulates ovarian follicles
Ovarian follicle that fully matures will produce large amounts of oestrogen
Large amounts of oestrogen will result in endometrial thickening, thinning of cervical mucus to allow sperm to enter, inhibition of LH by the pituitary gland
Eventually, when oestrogen gets to the threshold level, stimulates LH production (around 12 days)
The follicle ruptures and releases an oocyte, matures into an ovum, is released into the peritoneal space and taken to the fallopian tube
What is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle?
Once ovulation has occurred, LH and FSH stimulate the Graafian follicle to develop into a corpus luteum - this produces progesterone
These increased levels of progesterone causes the endometrium to become receptive to implantation of the blastocyst, negative feedback causes decreased LH and FSH, an increase in the woman’s basal body temp.
Levels of FSH LH fall, the corpus luteum degenerates. As this happens, the progesterone is stopped being produced. Falling levels of progesterone triggers menstruation and the whole cycle begins again
What is the proliferative phase of the uterine cycle?
the endometrium is exposed to increasing levels of oestrogen as a result of FSH and LH
oestrogen stimulates repair and growth of the functional endometrial layer - allowing recovery from the recent menstruation
what is the secretory phase of the uterine layer?
begins once ovulation has occurred
driven by progesterone, results in secretion of various substances by the endometrial glands
ensures the uterus is a welcoming environment for the embryo to implant
What is the menstrual phase of the uterine cycle?
at the ned of the luteal phase, the corpus luteum degenerates and this results in decreased progesterone production
decreasing levels of progesterone causes the spiral arteries in the functional endometrium to contract
loss of blood supply causes the functional endometrium to become ischaemic and necrotic - the functional endometrium is shed and exits through the vagina as menstruation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - pathophysiology
excess androgen production - usually due to excess LH production or hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance
“cysts” found in women with PCOS are immature follicles which have had their ovulation phase arrested due to elevated baseline of LH and lack of LH surge causing ovulation
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - risk factors
obesity
diabetes mellitus
family history of PCOS
premature adrenarche - early onset of pubic hair
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - s/s
hirsutism, infertility, acne, menstrual cycle disturbance, obesity and weight gain, alopecia, depression and other psychological disorders
htn, acanthosis nigricans
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - ix
bedside: urine hcg, capillary blood glucose
bloods: fbc, u&e, crp, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, lh and fsh, oral glucose tolerance test, lipid screen, tfts, prolactin
imaging: pelvic ultrasound scan (shows “cysts” on the ovaries and/or increased ovarian volume), but it can exist without polycystic ovaries
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - Rotterdam criteria
Two of three criteria must be met to make a diagnosis of PCOS
*imaging: polycystic ovaries on ultrasound
*oligo- or anovulation, or oligo- or amenorrhoea
*hyperandrogenism: clinical and/or biochemical changes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - mx
goals are to restoration of regular menses to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia; weight loss and preventing insulin resistance/diabetes; restoring fertility; treatment of hirsutism/acne
lifestyle: weight loss, regular exercise, diet
pharmological: COCP, “anti-androgens”, metformin, orlistat, eflornithine hydrochloride
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - cx
infertility
higher incidence of pregnancy complications
higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
higher cardiovascular risk profile
higher risk of psychological complications
Fibroids - patho
benign tumours arising from the myometrium
most common type fo pelvic tumour, usually arising in women of child-bearing age
hormone driven growths, maintained by high levels of oestrogen and progesterone
Fibroids - Risk Factors
risk is decreased by pregnancy, progesterone only contraceptives appear to do the same
increased by early age of puberty, increasing age, obesity, ethnicity (black females)
Fibroids - s/s
menorrhagia, abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhoea, urinary/bowel symptoms
Fibroids - ix
transvaginal ultrasound is the initial diagnostic modality of choice
may require an FBC and a pelvic MRI +/- hysteroscopy
Fibroids - mx
depends on the presenting symptoms of the patient
menorrhagia is the most common problem so mx focuses on treating heavy periods - IUS, NSAIDs, tranexamic acid and/or the COCP
surgical intervention with myomectomy or hysterectomy can be considered
Fibroids - cx
divided into pregnancy and non-pregnancy
pregnancy:
infertility, malpresentation, placental abruption, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour
non-pregnancy:
prolapsed fibroid, anaemia, endocrine effects (polycythaemia, hypercalcaemia, hyperprolactinaemia)
Endometriosis - patho
extrauterine implantation and growth of endometrial tissue
chronic and debilitating condition
deposits are most frequently on pelvic structures, ovaries are most affected
adenomyosis - specifically refers to deposits of endometrial tissue in the myometrium
endometriomas - cystic structures developing on the ovaries, often referred to as chocolate cysts due to the appearance of contained, old, altered blood
causes are unknown
Endometriosis - causes
cause is unknown although there are some theories
*metaplastic conversion of other tissues has been suggested and could explain why deposits are seen in seemingly anatomically distinct positions
*lymphatic or haematogenous spread has been suggested as endometriosis may develop in remote regions of the body
Endometriosis - Risk Factors
early menarche
late menopause
nulliparity
delayed childbearing
short menstrual cycle
family history
white ethnicity
Endometriosis - s/s
chronic pelvic pain
dysmenorrhoea
irregular periods
dyspareunia
dyschezia (difficulty pooping)
blaoting, nausea
LUTS
infertility/sub-fertility
Endometriosis - ix
laparoscopy is considered the gold-standard in the diagnosis of endometriosis
USS, MRI, laparoscopy may be used in ix and diagnosis of endo
Additional investigation to exclude urinary and STIs
Endometriosis - Conservative Mx
pain management - paracetamol +/- NSAIDs
hormonal therapies can reduce pain experienced (COCP, POP, LNG-IUS, implant)
psychological support
Endometriosis - Surgical Mx
surgery may be indicated
diagnostic laparoscopy will be used for therapeutic intervention too
peritoneal endometriosis and uncomplicated endometriomas may be treated
excision or ablation can be used
hormonal treatment may be advised to sustain benefit of surgery
hysterectomy may be an option
Uterine Polyps - patho
growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that expand into the uterus
also known as endometrial polyps
Uterine Polyps - s/s
vaginal bleeding after menopause
bleeding between periods
frequent, unpredictable periods whose lengths and heaviness vary
very heavy periods
infertility
some may even have no symptoms
Uterine Polyps - ix
transvaginal ultrasound
hysteroscopy
endometrial biopsy
Uterine Polyps - mx
watchful waiting - may resolve on their own
hormonal medications
surgical removal
Endometrial Hyperplasia - patho
precancerous condition in which there is an irregular thickening of the uterine lining
Endometrial Hyperplasia - s/s
heavy periods
longer periods
intermenstrual bleeding
short menstrual cycles
post menopausal bleeding
anaemia - due to heavy menstrual bleeding
Endometrial Hyperplasia - Risk Factors
early menarche
nulliparity
diagnosed with infertility
late menopause
obese
tamoxifen
prescription oestrogen without progesterone
diabetes
PCOS
thyroid disease
gallbladder disease
lynch syndrome
cowden syndrome
oestrogen secreting tumour
family history of cancer
Endometrial Hyperplasia - ix
pelvic examination
transvaginal ultrasound
biopsy
hysteroscopy
Endometrial Hyperplasia - mx
hormonal contraception
LNG-IUS
hysterectomy may be considered
Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder - patho
Condition similar to PMS that also happens in the week or two before your period starts as hormone levels begin to fall after ovulation
Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder - s/s
lasting irritability or anger that may affect other people
feelings of sadness or despair, even thoughts of suicide
feelings of tension or anxiety
panic attacks
mood swings, crying often
lack of interest in daily activities and relationships
trouble thinking and focusing
tiredness or low energy
food cravings or binge eating
trouble sleeping
feeling out of control
physical symptoms - cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint/muscle pain
Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder - diagnosis
Must have 5 or more PMDD symptoms, including one mood-related symptom
Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder - mx
SSRIs
contraceptives
paracetamol +/- NSAIDs
stress management, relaxation techniques
healthy changes - diet and exercise
safety netting - feel unsafe, thinking of harming yourself or others, seek further help
Menopause -patho
natural cessation of menstruation due to loss of ovarian follicular activity
occurs between the ages of 45-55, mean age 51
What is premature menopause?
when menopause occurs prior to the age of 40
What is perimenopause?
occurs prior to menopause and is characterised by an irregular menstrual cycle and vasomotor symptoms
What is post-menopause?
The time after periods have ceased for 12m
Menopause - physiology
number of follicles falls with each menstrual cycle
as the oocytes fall, there’s a fall in follicular activity - causing a marked reduction in oestrogen and inhibin. Negative feedback on the pituitary is alleviated, results in higher amounts of LH and FSH
decrease in oestrogen results in vasomotor symptoms (flushing, sweats)
estradiol production falls, results in amenorrhoea
changes result in a permanently lowered level of oestrogen and high levels of FSH and LH
Menopause - s/s
menstrual irregularity
vasomotor symptoms - common, first symptoms noticed, last for a median duration of 7 years, hot flushes and night sweats in particular
urogenital symptoms - vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, UTIs
other - anxiety/depression, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, reduced libido, musculoskeletal pains
Menopause - diagnosis
over the age of 45, diagnosis can be made in women with:
*perimenopause based on vasomotor symptoms and irregular periods
*menopause in women who have not had a period for at least 12m and are not using hormonal contraception
*menopause based on symptoms in women without a uterus
Menopause - HRT
can help with symptoms of menopause
women with a uterus are given combined oestrogen and progesterone HRT
women without a uterus are given oestrogen only HRT
topical HRT is also available; typically used to help with vaginal dryness
Menopause - HRT - adv/disadv
breast cancer - combined HRT is associated with an increased risk
ovarian cancer - small increased risk
VTE - increased risk with oral HRT
stroke - increased risk with oral oestrogen
Menopause - mx
lifestyle modifications - exercise can help, weight loss can be advised, good sleep hygiene
contraception - HRT will not act as contraception, may be fertile for one/two years after their last period, should use contraception to cover this period
Causes of post-menopausal bleeding?
atrophic vaginitis
endometrial atrophy
cervical or womb polyps
endometrial hyperplasia
less commonly - it can be caused by cancer (e.g. ovarian and womb)
Investigations for post-menopausal bleeding
transvaginal ultrasound
speculum examination
hysteroscopy with biopsy
bimanual examination
bloods
Management of post menopausal bleeding
Depends on the cause
cervical polyps- surgical removal
vaginal or endometrial atrophy- may not need treatment; oestrogen creams/pessaries
endometrial hyperplasia- may be offered no treatment, hormonal treatment or total hysterectomy
HRT side effect - changing medications
womb cancer - total hysterectomy recommended with radio/chemotherapy, hormone therapy, often a combination of treatments
Urinary Incontinence - s/s
involuntary leakage of urine
o/e - leakage with “stress test”, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor contraction, other pelvic pathology
Urinary Incontinence - causes
UTIs
overactive bladder
genuine stress incontinence
retention with overflow
Urinary Incontinence - Types
Stress incontinence
Urgency incontinence
Mixed incontinence
Overflow incontinence
Stress Urinary Incontinence - patho/risk factors
Incontinence occurs secondary to a rise in intra-abdominal pressure - triggered by coughing, sneezing, exertion
RFs:
age; pregnancy and vaginal delivery, constipation, obesity, family history
Urinary Incontinence - ix
identify the underlying type of UI
hx and examination
bedside: urine dip +/- MSU, bladder scan
patient-based assessments: bladder diaries, quality of life assessments
urodynamic testing
Stress Urinary Incontinence - mx
lifestyle - consistent fluid, not excess or insufficient; pelvic floor muscle training; specialist care
surgical: colposuspension, autologous rectus fascial sling
duloxetine may be offered second line
Urgency Urinary Incontinence - patho
characterised by the urge to pass urine associated with involuntary leakage
occurs secondary to an overactive bladder
occurs due to detrusor muscle overactivity that leads to involuntary contractions of the bladder
usually idiopathic; but can be secondary to some neurological disorders
Urgency Urinary Incontinence - mx
lifestyle - consistent fluid intake, reduce caffeine, weight loss
bladder training - 6wks; trains the bladder to tolerate larger volumes of urine; attempt to hold the urine for gradually increasing lengths of time
pharmacological - anticholinergic therapy can be used - oxybutynin 1st line
Overflow Urinary Incontinence - patho
happens when someone is unable to empty their bladder; incontinence occurs when the bladder is too full
can be secondary to physical obstruction (prolapse, fibroids, following pelvic surgery) or underactivity of the detrusor muscle (peripheral neuropathy, MS, antimuscarinics)
Overflow Urinary Incontinence - mx
all patients should be managed under a urogynaecologist/uro/gynaecologist
obstruction may require surgical treatment
catheterisation may be considered when pathology cannot be corrected
Duloxetine for urinary incontinence
dosage
drug class
contra indications
side effects
40mg BD, then assessed for benefit and tolerability after 2-4wks
Serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor
allergic reaction, glaucoma, kidney/liver impairment, taking other medications for depression
dry mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, sexual dysfunction, reported increased risk of suicide
Oxybutynin for urinary incontinence
dosage
drug class
contraindications
side effects
5mg TDS
Antimuscarinic
glaucoma, GI obstruction, MA, ileus, pyloric stenosis
diarrhoea, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, constipation, vision disorders, urinary retention, confusion
Uterovaginal Prolapse - anatomy
ligaments involved - round, ovarian, broad ligaments; uterosacral ligament most important in preventing prolapse
Uterovaginal Prolapse - Risk Factors
trauma during childbirth
multiple vaginal births
obesity
chronic coughing or straining
chronic constipation
Uterovaginal Prolapse - patho
incomplete prolapse - uterus drops part way down into the vagina, creates a bulge
complete prolapse - uterus slips down and protrudes out of the vagina
Uterovaginal Prolapse - s/s
symp- heaviness or pressure in pelvis; pelvic pain; abdominal or lower back pain; dyspareunia; recurrent UTIs; urinary incontinence; symptoms worsened by prolonged standing or walking (added pressure on muscles by gravity)
o/e - protrusion of tissue at opening of vagina (in complete prolapse); excessive vaginal discharge
Cystocele - patho/anatomy
supportive tissues around the bladder and vaginal wall weaken and stretch, allowing bladder and vaginal wall to fall into the vaginal canal
anterior vaginal prolapse
s/s - difficulty starting urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, frequency/urgency or urination, may have stress incontinence
Rectocele - patho/anatomy
prolapse where supportive wall of tissue between rectum and vaginal wall weakens; the front wall of the rectum sags and bulges into the vagina
posterior vaginal prolapse
s/s- difficulty with bowel movements, sensation of rectal pressure, tenesmus
Uterovaginal Prolapse - ix
Pelvic examination
Uterovaginal Prolapse - mx
kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles
vaginal pessary to hold the uterus in place
hysterectomy
sacrohysteropexy - resuspension of the prolapsed uterus using a mesh sling
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - patho
infection of the upper female genital tract; polymicrobial
endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic peritonitis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - risk factors
<25 years of age
risky sexual behaviour
earlier age at first intercourse
increasing number of sexual partners
previous STI
uterine instrumentation - surgical TOP for example
post partum endometriosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - s/s
symp- lower abdominal or pelvic pain, chills, deep dyspareunia, dysuria, nausea or vomiting, IMB/PCB
o/e- fever, abnormal cervical discharge or bleeding, cervical friability, abnormal vaginal odour, ecchymosis (erythema) and swelling, diffuse tenderness, RUQ tenderness (perihepatic space may be involved)
cervical motion tenderness, adnexal tenderness, uterine tenderness
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - ix
uss - transvaginal if tubo-ovarian abscess is suspected
swabs for STIs
screen for other STIs
FBC, CRP