Women Health Flashcards
Function of the female reproductive system
– complex process, consists internal/external undergo hormonal changes.
Function of Ovulation?
(periodic discharge of mature ovum, occurs 2 wks b/4 period)
Function of Menstruation?
refers to the shedding of the endometrial lining each month while a woman is fertile.
function of Menstrual cycle
involves reproductive and endocrine systems(unfertilzed ovum, endometrium becomes thick/hemorrhage begins, consists of old blood/mucus/endometrial tissue)
Function of Menarche?
is characterized by the first episode of menstrual bleeding.
Significant hormones and hormonal changes ?
Estrogens, progesterone , androgens, Follicke-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone and Perimenopause/ Menopause
Function of Estrogen?
Produced in the ovaries,
Assist in development/maintaining female reproductive organs and breast/monthly changes in the uterus.
Function of Progesterone?
- produces in the ovaries, secreted in corpus luteum.
- Important in endometrium, high in pregnancy
- Function of placenta to maintain normal pregnancy
- Estrogen prepares breast for breast milk
Function of Androgens?
Produced in ovaries/adrenal glands, assist in female development, libido, oiliness of the skin/hair &hair growth
Function of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ?
stimulating ovaries to secrete estrogen .
Function of luteinizing hormone (LH)?
stimulating progesterone production
Function of perimenopause/menopause?
Perimenopause (begins age 35) menopause (end of women reproductive capacity, B/T 45 to 55 years)
What does health history consist of?
-Menstrual history and history of pregnancies
-History of exposure to medications
-Pain with menses (Dysmenorrhea) or intercourse (Dyspareunia)
-Vaginal discharge, odor, or itching (Vaginitis)
-Urinary (frequency/Urgency/incontinence)and bowel function
-Sexual history, including sexual or physical abuse (Intimate partner violence)
-History of STDs, surgeries, or procedures (genital mutilation/circumcision)
-Chronic illness or disabilities that affect health and self-care
-Family and genetic history
Table 64.1 Female Reproductive History (study).
What is included in a sexual assessment?
-subjective and objective data
-Purpose is to obtain information to picture a woman’s sexuality and sexual practices to promote sexual health
-May move from less sensitive areas of general health history or assessment to more sensitive areas
-Ask for permission to discuss these issues
Do not assume sexual preferences
- Asking the patient to label herself as married, single, and so on may be interpreted as inappropriate; asking about current meaningful relationships may be less offensive.
- Use PLISST model
Table 64.1 Female Reproductive History (study).
What is the PLISST model?
Use PLISST model (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestion, intensive Therapy) E.g. “May I have permission to ask you some questions about your sexual activity”
Female genital mutilation or cutting (FMG)?
- Involves partial/complete removal of external female genitalia
- Causing injury/infertility/childbirth complications/bladder and urinary function
- Care must be non-judgmental/respectful of culture/practices/beliefs
Intimate Partner violence (IPV)-?(what to consider)
- Public health issue,
- Involves Physical, sexual, stalking, psychological aggression
- Care is to ensure a safe environment
- Ask about family violence, abuse, neglect, rape/assault, assess fear/anxiety
Incest and childhood sexual abuse –?(what to consider)
-Assess depression in traumatized victims
-prost-traumatic stress disorder
-H/A, GI problems, may be obese,
Pelvic issues, anxiety about —pelvic exam, removal of clothing
Health issues in women with disabilities –?
- Experience less preventive healthcare screening due to stereo-typing
- increased abuse
- mal-treatment
- neglect
Lesbians, bisexual, and transgender women (LGBT) –
what to consider?
- Care providers are ill-equipped
- LGBT have concerns have discrimination
- Experience physical/mental abuse
Gerontologic considerations ?
- High/low functioning,
- ill, risk for DM, HTN, thyroid disease, dyslipidemia
- Encourage health screening/promotions (heart disease, cognitive/physical functions, falls, gynecological/breast concerns)
Physical assessment for women ?
- Annual breast and pelvic examinations:
- All women 21 years of age or older
- Who are sexually active, regardless of age
- Alleviate feelings of anxiety with explanations and education
- Patient is asked to empty her bladder and to provide a urine specimen if urine tests are part of the total assessment
- Diagnostic studies include imaging and surgical procedures to assess the female reproductive systems.
- Include mammography, ultrasound, MRI, colposcopy, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage, and endometrial biopsy. Table 64.3
- Laboratory assessment includes the Pap smear, wet preparations (wet preps), and cultures.
- Serum blood tests looking at hormone levels of FSH, LH, total estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are important to determine normal functioning.