Reproductive Quiz Flashcards
What hormone surge triggers ovulation?
Luteinizing hormone (LH).
What is the function of estrogen in the menstrual cycle?
Stimulates endometrial thickening during the proliferative phase.
What is the main role of progesterone in the menstrual cycle?
Maintains the uterine lining for implantation.
What happens to estrogen levels after menopause?
They drop significantly.
What defines menopause?
No menstrual period for 12 consecutive months due to ovarian failure.
What is the most common cause of postmenopausal bleeding?
Endometrial atrophy (but must rule out cancer).
What are the two most common causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive-age women?
Anovulation (hormonal imbalance) and structural abnormalities (fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis).
What hormone imbalance is most often responsible for anovulatory bleeding?
Excess estrogen with insufficient progesterone.
What are three hallmark features of PCOS?
Irregular periods, hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne), and insulin resistance.
How does insulin resistance contribute to PCOS?
It decreases sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free androgens.
Why do women with PCOS often have difficulty getting pregnant?
Irregular ovulation or anovulation due to hormonal imbalances.
What is the most common site of implantation for an ectopic pregnancy?
Fallopian tubes (usually the ampulla).
Why is an ectopic pregnancy dangerous?
It can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Does a positive pregnancy test rule out an ectopic pregnancy?
No, because ectopic pregnancies can still produce β-hCG.
What are classic symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
Lower abdominal pain (often one-sided), vaginal bleeding, and possibly syncope (fainting).
What hormone is responsible for BPH?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
What causes urinary symptoms in BPH?
Prostate enlargement compresses the urethra, leading to weak stream, urgency, and incomplete emptying.
What are complications of untreated BPH?
Urinary retention, hydronephrosis, bladder hypertrophy, and recurrent UTIs.
What is the most common cause of testicular swelling in infants?
Hydrocele (fluid in the tunica vaginalis).
What is the cause of a varicocele?
Dilation of the pampiniform plexus (testicular veins).
Why is testicular torsion a medical emergency?
It cuts off blood supply to the testicle, causing ischemia and possible necrosis if not treated within 6 hours.
What is the best immediate treatment for testicular torsion?
Emergency surgery (orchiopexy).
What is the most common cause of priapism in children?
Sickle cell disease or leukemia.
What is a penile fracture?
Rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa.
