'Womens' health questions Flashcards
Between what ages if cervical cancer screening offered ?
25-64
How often are pts screened for cervical cancer ?
Sent screening appointment 6 months before 25
25-49 every 3 years
50-64 every 5 years
65 or older - only if previous screening is abnormal
What occurs if there is a positive hrHPV screen ?
Samples are examined cytologically
If cytology is abnormal then pt has colposcopy
What happens if cytology is normal following a hrHPV+ screen ?
Repeat at 12 months
If test is negative then return to normal recall
If repeat is still hrHPV+ with normal cytology then repeat again in 12 months
If hrHPV- at 24 months then return to normal recall
If hrHPV+ at 24 months then send for colposcopy
What happens if sample from smear is inadequate ?
Repeat sample within 3 months
If 2 inadequate samples then colposcopy
COCP Counselling - Harms and Benefits
99% effective if taken correctly
Small risk of blood clots
Very small risk of MI/stroke
Increased risk of breast and cervical cancer
When does COCP become effective when first taking ?
If started within the first 5 days of the cycle then there is no need for additional contraception needed. If not first 5 days then use additional contraception for 7 days.
Take at the same time everyday
21-day course
When would COCP be reduced in efficacy ?
Vomiting within 2 hours
Medication that induces diarrhoea or vomiting
Liver enzyme-inducing drugs
When is levonorgestrel effective ?
Up to 72 hours post unprotected sex
If the patient has asthma (ulipristal contraindicated)
COCP can be restarted immediately after (ulipristal must wait 5 days to take and then 7 days before effective again)
What are RFs for urinary incontinence ?
Advancing age
Previous pregnancy and childbirth
High BMI
Hysterectomy
FHx
Describe urge incontinence/overactive bladder
Urge to urinate quickly followed by uncontrolled leakage (few drops to complete bladder emptying)
Detrusor overactivity
Stress Incontinence
Leaking small amounts while coughing or laughing
Due to weakness of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles
Overflow incontinence
Due to bladder outlet obstruction e.g. prostate
Straining, poor flow and incomplete emptying of the bladder
What is a normal bladder detrusor pressure and peak flow rate ?
Pressure rise of <70cm
Peak flow of >15ml/second
High pressure with low flow indicates bladder outlet obstruction
Urge incontinence first line treatment
Bladder retraining (gradually increasing the time between voiding) for at least six weeks is first-line
Anticholinergic medication, for example, oxybutynin, tolterodine and solifenacin
Mirabegron is an alternative to anticholinergic medications
Invasive procedures where medical treatment fails
Stress incontinence first line treatment
Avoiding caffeine, diuretics and overfilling of the bladder
Avoid excessive or restricted fluid intake
Weight loss (if appropriate)
Supervised pelvic floor exercises for at least three months before considering surgery
Surgery
Duloxetine is an SNRI antidepressant used second line where surgery is less preferred
In what percentage of mothers does baby blues occur ?
60-70%
When does baby blues typically occur ?
3-7 days postpartum
Typically in primips
What are the typical features of baby blues and how are they managed ?
Anxious, tearful and irritable
First line management is reassurance, support and follow up with a health visitor
In what percentage of mothers does postnatal depression occur ?
10%
When does postnatal depression typically occur ?
Most cases start within a month and typically peak at 3 months
What is the management for postnatal depression ?
Most pts will not require specific treatment other than reassurance
CBT and SSRIs may be beneficial e.g. paroxetine/sertraline may be used if severe (avoid fluoxetine due to long half-life)
After what day do pts require contraception postpartum ?
21 days
Can progesterone only pill be used postpartum ?
Yes it can be started anytime PP
After 21 days additional contraception should be used for the first 2 days
A small amount of progesterone enters the breast milk but this is not harmful
Can COCP be used PP ?
Absolutely contraindicated (UKMEC4) if breastfeeding <6 weeks PP
UKMEC2 if BF 6w-6m PP
COCP reduces breast milk production
Should not be used in first 21 days due to VTE risk
If not breastfeeding and post 21 days then additional contraception should be used for the first 7 days.
How effective can breastfeeding be as a contraception ?
98%
When can an IUD be inserted postpartum ?
48 hours after or 4 weeks after
What components are tested for on the antenatal quadruple test ?
AFP, Oestriol, hCG and Inhibin A
What would be seen in the quadruple test for Edward’s Syndrome ?
AFP reduced
Oestriol reduced
hCG reduced
Inhibin A normal
What are classical body features of Edward’s syndrome ?
Low set ears
Rocker bottom feet
Overlapping fingers
By what other name is Edward’s Syndrome known ?
Trisomy 18
The baby has 3 pairs of chromosome 18
What would be seen in the quadruple test for Down’s Syndrome ?
AFP reduced
Oestriol reduced
hCG increased
Inhibin A increased
What would be seen in the quadruple test for Neural Tube Defects ?
AFP increased
Oestriol normal
hCG normal
Inhibin A normal
Typical features for Down’s syndrome
- Hypotonia (reduced muscle tone)
- Brachycephaly (small head with a flat back)
- Short neck
- Short stature
- Flattened face and nose
- Prominent epicanthic folds
- Upward sloping palpebral fissures
- Single palmar crease
When is the combined test for developmental conditions performed ?
Between 11 and 14 weeks
What is the combined test for developmental conditions ?
1st line most accurate test
Combines US and bloods
US measures nuchal translucency (thickness of back of neck)
Blood test measures
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPPA)
What results from the combined test indicate Down’s syndrome ?
Nuchal thickness >6mm
beta-HCG increased
PAPPA decreased
Pre-Eclampsia classic triad
New-onset hypertension
Proteinuria
Oedema
What BP and after which week of pregnancy are required for a diagnosis of Preeclampsia ?
(New onset) BP > 140/90 after 20 weeks
What is the diagnostic criteria for Pre-Eclampsia
(New onset) BP > 140/90 after 20 weeks
Proteinuria
Other organ involvement
Renal insufficiency (e.g. >90 umol/L)
Liver, neurological or haematological
Uteroplacental dysfunction
Classic signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia
Hypertension >160/110 and proteinuria ++/+++
Headache
Visual disturbance e.g. papilloedema
RUQ/epigastric pain
Hyperreflexia
Platelet count < 100*10(6)
Abnormal liver enzymes
HELLP syndrome
What is HELLP syndrome
Haemolysis
Elevated Liver enzymes
Low Platelets
What complications can pre-eclampsia have on foetal development ?
Intrauterine growth reduction
Prematurity
What are complications of pre-eclampsia ?
Altered GCS
Blindness
Stroke
Clonus
Liver damage
Haemorrhage e.g. Intrabdominal, intra-cerebral, cardiac failure
High Risk factors for pre-eclampsia ?
Previous Hx
Autoimmune condition (e.g. SLE)
CKD
T1DM/T2DM
Chronic HTN
Moderate risk factors for pre-eclampsia ?
G1P0
>40yo
BMI > 35 kg/m2
FHx
Multiple pregnancy
Pregnancy interval of +10 years
What can be given during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing pre-eclampsia ?
Aspirin 75-150 mg
Management of pre-eclampsia
Emergency secondary care assessment
BP > 160/110 should be admitted for observation
1st line medication = labetalol
2nd line = nifedipine or hydralazine (if asthmatic)
Delivery is the definitive management
What is the medical treatment for eclampsia ?
IV magnesium sulphate
What are the causes of antepartum bleeding in the first trimester
Spontaneous abortion
Ectopic
Hydatidiform mole
What are the causes of antepartum bleeding in the second trimester
Spontaneous abortion
Hydatidiform mole
Placental abruption
What are the causes of antepartum bleeding in the third trimester
Bloody show
Placental abruption
Placenta praevia
Vasa praevia
Following a mole pregnancy for how long are patients recommended to avoid conceiving
6-12 months
What are the types of spontaneous abortion ?
Threatened miscarriage
Missed (delayed) miscarriage
Inevitable miscarriage
Incomplete miscarriage
Complete miscarriage
How would a threatened miscarriage present ?
Painless vaginal bleeding with a closed cervix and a foetus that is alive
Typically around 6-9 weeks
How would a missed (delayed) miscarriage present ?
Light vaginal bleeding
Symptoms of pregnancy disappear
How would an inevitable miscarriage present ?
Vaginal bleeding with an open cervix
How would an incomplete miscarriage present ?
Heavy bleeding and crampy lower abdominal pain
Retained products of conception remain in the uterus after the miscarriage
How would a complete miscarriage present ?
A full miscarriage has occurred, and there are no products of conception left in the uterus
Little bleeding
What is an anembryonic pregnancy ?
A gestational sac is present but contains no embryo
What 3 features would an US look for when investigating a potential miscarriage ?
Mean gestational sac diameter
Foetal pole and crown-rump length
Foetal heartbeat
What US finding would be consistent with a viable pregnancy ?
A foetal heartbeat is expected once crown rump length is 7mm or more
If foetal heartbeat is present then pregnancy is viable
If CRL is >7mm without a heartbeat then scan is repeated in a week.
What occurs if crown rump length is less then 7mm without a foetal heartbeat ?
Repeat scan at least one week to ensure a heartbeat develops
When is a foetal pole expected ?
Once the mean gestational sac diameter is 25mm or more
When there is a mean gestational sac diameter of 25mm or more, without a foetal pole then repeat the scan after a week before confirming anembryonic pregnancy
Under what conditions can a miscarriage be managed expectantly ?
Less than 6 weeks
Provided there is no pain or other complications or risk factors (e.g. previous ectopic)
Before 6 weeks an US is unlikely to be helpful
A repeat urine pregnancy test is performed after 7-10 days and if negative can be confirmed
Additional pregnancy test 3 weeks after bleeding and pain settles to confirm
What are the 3 options for managing miscarriage ?
Expectant
Medical (misoprostol)
Surgical
What is misoprostol and how does it work ?
Prostaglandin analogue
Binds to receptors and causes softening of the cervix and uterine contraction
Can be given as vaginal suppository or oral dose
What are potential side effects of misoprostol ?
Heavier bleeding
Pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
What are the surgical procedures offered for miscarriage ?
Manual vacuum aspiration
Electric vacuum aspiration
Evacuation of retained products of conception (used in incomplete miscarriage)
What is the typical presentation of ectopic pregnancy
Typically, 6–8 weeks
Amenorrhoea with lower abdominal pain (usually unilateral) and vaginal bleeding later
Shoulder tip pain and cervical excitation may be present
What is the typical presentation of hydatidiform mole
Typically bleeding in the first or second trimester associated with exaggerated symptoms of pregnancy e.g. hyperemesis
The uterus may be large for dates and serum-hCG is very high
What is the typical presentation of placental abruption
Constant lower abdominal pain with pt appearing more shocked than is expected by visible blood loss
Tender ‘‘woody’’ uterus with normal lie and presentation
What is the typical presentation of placenta previa
Vaginal bleeding, no pain
Non-tender uterus but lie and presentation may be abnormal
What is the typical presentation of vasa praevia
Rupture of membranes followed immediately by vaginal bleeding
Foetal bradycardia is classically seen
What can be given to prevent neural tube effects ? And for how long and how much ?
Folic acid
400mcg
From before conception to 12 weeks
Common causes of vaginal discharge
Candida
Trichomonas vaginalis
Bacterial vaginosis
Less common causes of vaginal discharge
Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia
Ectropion
Foreign body
Cervical cancer
Key features of vaginal discharge associated with candida
Cottage cheese discharge
Vulvitis
Itch
Key features of vaginal discharge associated with trichomonas vaginalis
Offensive yellow/green frothy discharge
Vulvovaginitis
Strawberry cervix
Key features of vaginal discharge associated with bacterial vaginosis
Offensive, thin, white/grey, fishy discharge
During which phase of the menstrual cycle would women experience premenstrual syndrome
Luteal phase
Day 15-period
Describe the signs and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome
Anxiety, stress, fatigue and mood swings
Bloating and breast pain
Management of premenstrual syndrome
Mild - lifestyle advice - sleep, exercise, no smoko or dranko
Moderate - COCP
Severe - Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinylestradiol) or SSRI’s
Management of menorrhagia secondary to fibroids
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system
NSAIDS e.g. mefenamic acid
Tranexamic acid
COCP
Oral progesterone
Injectable progestogen
Treatment to shrink/remove fibroids
Medical GnRH agonists may reduce the size of the fibroid but are used short term due to side effects such as menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, vaginal dryness) and loss of bone mineral density
Surgery: myomectomy (1st line) but also hysteroscopic endometrial ablation and hysterectomy or uterine artery embolization
Associated factors with placental abruption
Proteinuric hypertension
Cocaine use
Multiparity
Maternal trauma
Increasing maternal age
Clinical Features of Placental Abruption
Shock much worse then visible blood loss would suggest
Constant pain
Tender, ‘woody’ uterus
Normal lie and presentation
Foetal heart absent/distressed
Coagulation problems
When are fetal movements typically first noticed
18-20 weeks
And then increase until 32 weeks
16-18 weeks in multiparous women
Should be established by 24 weeks latest
What is the RCOG definition of reduced fetal movements ?
Less than 10 movements within 2 hours in pregnancies past 28 weeks gestation
RFs for reduced fetal movements
Posture - more prominent during lying down and less when sitting or standing
Distraction
Placental position - anterior position
Medication - sedative medications - alcohol, benzos or opioids
Foetal position - anterior foetal position means less noticeable
Body habitus - obese = less
Amniotic fluid volume - both oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios = less
Fetal size - small = less
How is reduced foetal movements assessed ?
Usually solely based on maternal perception
Doppler or ultrasonography
How should reduced foetal movements be assessed passed 28 weeks gestation
Initially doppler should be offered to confirm heartbeat
If not foetal heartbeat present then US should be offered
If present then CTG should be used for at least 20 minutes to monitor foetal heart rate and exclude foetal compromise
What are the 4T’s for primary post-partum haemorrhage
Tone e.g. uterine atony - vast majority of cases
Trauma e.g. perineal tear
Tissue e.g. retained placenta
Thrombin e.g. clotting/bleeding disorder
Risk Factors for PPH
PMHx
Prolonged labour
Pre-eclampsia
Increased maternal age
Polyhydramnios
Emergency CS
Placenta praevia, placenta accreta
Macrosomia
Nulliparity
PPH Management - Immediate
Call senior
ABC - 2 peripheral 14 gauge cannulae, lie women flat, bloods (including group and save), warmed crystalloid infusion
PPH Management - Mechanical
Palpate uterine fundus and rub it to stimulate contractions
Catheterisation to prevent bladder distension and monitor urine output
PPH Management - Medical
IV oxytocin
Ergometrine (unless HTN Hx)
Carboprost IM (unless asthma Hx)
Misoprostol sublingual