Week 204 - Gynaecology Flashcards
Week 204 - Gynaecology: Give a definition of menorrhagia and give the objective definition.
- Excessive loss of blood during menstruation.
* >80ml
Week 204 - Gynaecology: Give a definition of dysmenorrhea.
Painful menstrual periods.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is primary and secondary dysmenorrhea?
- Primary - no associated with organic disease or psychological cause.
- Secondary - A cause can be found (e.g. endometriosis, PID)
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is Dyspareunia?
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What are the three differentials for menorrhagia?
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Uterine leiomyomas (Fibroids).
- Endometriosis or Adenomyosis.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is the common name for uterine leiomyomas?
• Fibroids
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
This is heavy menstrual bleeding that is not associated with organic disease of the genital tract.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What are fibroids? What is the medical term for them?
- Uterine Leiomyomas.
* Benign growths in the uterus which can cause heavy menstrual bleeding.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is endometriosis?
This is where endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus. It can cause heavy bleeding, persistent pain and infertility.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is adenomyosis?
This is where endometrial tissue grows within the myometrium.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What key feature of examination is used to distinguish between fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding?
- The size of the uterus.
* DUB will typically be a normal sized uterus whilst fibroids will lead to an enlarged uterus.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: On examination you feel an enlarged uterus, what is your initial investigation?
• USS, this is to determine whether there are fibroids or an ovarian cyst.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: A 25yr olf lady presents with heavy menstrual bleeding? Is an endometrial biopsy required? When is a biopsy indicated?
No, this is normally only performed in patients over 40, since the risk of endometrial cancer increases after 40. It may indicated in a younger woman if she fails to respond to treatment.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What initial investigation should be offered to women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding?
FBC - to identify anaemia.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What are the five medical treatments for menorrhagia?
- Tranexamic Acid
- Mefenamic Acid
- Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill
- Oral Progesterones.
- Mirena IUS
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is the role of Tranexamic acid in the treatment of menorrhagia?
- Antifibrinolytic.
* Taken during menstruation and can reduce blood loss by 50%.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is the role of Mefenamic Acid in the treatment of menorrhagia?
- NSAID
- Useful for dysmenorrhoea and also reduces blood loss.
- Can be used in conjuction with Tranexamic acid.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What is the role of the oral contraceptive pill in the treatment of menorrhagia?
Reduces blood loss by 10-20%, and also helps with dysmenorrhoea.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: What impact does the Mirena IUS have on menorrhagia?
• Reduces blood loss by 90% and at 1 year 30% are amenorrhoeic.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: In patients who are very anaemic or constantly bleeding what is the treatment aim? And what treatments are used?
- To achieve Amenorrhoea rapidly.
- GnRHa - Inhibits release of Gonadotrophins so inhibits the release of oestrogen and androgen.
- High dose progesterones.
Week 204 - Gynaecology: When is the use of surgery indicated in the treatment of menorrhagia and what are the options?
- Failure of medical treatment and when family is complete.
- Endometrial ablation - destruction of endometrium.
- Hysterectomy.