WH - Specific Pelvic Complaints/Problems Flashcards
Describe Dysmenorrhea
Painful menstrual period (menses)
What are the two types of dysmenorrhea?
- Primary dysmenorrhea - pain with normal pelvic anatomy
- Secondary dysmenorrhea - pain associated with underlying pathology
Describe primary dysmenorrhea
- Usual onset between menarche and 20 years of age
- Pain begins 24-36 hours before onset of menses and can continue for the first 3 days
- Pain is cyclic and described as crampy
Describe secondary dysmenorrhea
- Pain is usually progressive
- Onset after age 20
- Not always synchronous with menses
What is the pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea?
Linked to an increased prostaglandin (compounds with hormone like effects) activity in the uterus causing pain sensations and smooth muscle contractions
How is primary dysmenorrhea diagnosed?
Based on history and presentation alone with no confirmatory tests
How is secondary dysmenorrhea diagnosed?
Based on radiologic or laboratory evaluation
What is the treatment for dysmenorrhea?
Primary - 1. NSAIDs, 2. Birth control pills for heavy periods
Secondary - determined by nature of underlying problem
Describe endometriosis
When tissue that looks and acts like tissue of the uterus grows outside of the uterus (ovaries, ligaments supporting uterus, bowel, bladder); responds to hormones same way, by building up and shedding
Is endometriosis a benign or dangerous condition?
Benign, but may contribute to infertility
What are the signs/symptoms of endometriosis?
- Dysmenorrhea
- Low back pain
- Dyspareunia
- Intestinal pain
- Loose BM’s with menses
- Infertility
- Constipation, diarrhea, bloating
- Urinary symptoms
- Irregular/heavy periods
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
- Pelvic exam (may feel implants)
- Ultrasound (US)
- MRI
- Laparoscopy - diagnostic tool of choice
How is endometriosis treated?
Depending on the goal
1. OC’s or NSAID’s for pain control
2. Hormonal therapy (BC pills)
3. Conservative surgery (laser)
4. Total abdominal hysterectomy
5. Bilateral salpingo oophorectomy
Describe ovarian cysts
Can be solid or cystic; can be benign or cancerous
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Pain and pressure due to cyst taking up small amount of space of the ovary
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
- May be appreciated on bimanual exam
- Confirm with ultrasound vaginally with transducer or abdominally
How are ovarian cysts treated?
- If cyst is small (<6cm) and unilocular (simple), may be treated symptomatically with NSAIDs and seen back in a month
- If greater than 6cm, solid, or mixed, refer patient to gyno
Describe a cervical polyp
- Defined as a finger-like growth that originates on the cervix or in the cervical canal and hang from a stalk; attached to endocervix
- May be associated with chronic inflammation or increase of estrogen levels (ex. pregnant women)
- Fairly common, so may be an incidental finding
- Rarely malignant
What are the symptoms of a cervical polyp
- Vaginal bleeding/discharge between periods
- Bleeding after intercourse
- May be asymptomatic
Define nulliparous
Never delivered vaginally; very small round cervical os vs. elongated after vaginal birth
What is a Nabothian cyst
A very common cyst that does not need treatment and is often an incidental finding
What are the exam findings for a cervical polyp
Smooth purple/red projection from the cervical os
How are cervical polyps treated
Excision - cut off at base if base can be accessed; may resolve on their own
Describe an ectopic pregnancy
- pregnancy outside of the uterus
- Most common location is in the fallopian tube but have appeared in ovary, stomach and cervix
- Most are the result of scarring from prior condition/infection, fallopian tubes surgery, prior ectopic pregnancy
What is the classic triad of symptoms of ectopic pregnancy?
- Abdominal/pelvic pain
- Vaginal bleeding (could be spotting or heavy)
- Amenorrhea
How are ectopic pregnancies diagnosed?
- Abnormal pelvic exam - may feel lump at implantation site
- Positive pregnancy test
- Vaginal ultrasound shows absence of IUP at 6 wks)
- Definitive test is laparoscopy
How are ectopic pregnancies treated?
- Pregnancy must be removed as it cannot survive outside of the uterus
- Laparoscopy is the most common surgical treatment in an unruptured ectopic pregnancy
- Laparotomy is indicated if pregnancy is ruptured
- If clinician does not feel pregnancy may rupture, methotrexate can be given; used for cancer treatment but ultimately stops cell division
What are the complications of ectopic pregnancy?
Most common complication is internal bleeding and resultant shock from rupture