Gynecological Health and Contraception Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, procedures, and concepts regarding endometriosis, fibroids, menopause, and various contraceptive methods from the lecture notes.

Endometriosis

A chronic and progressive condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus (such as on ovaries, bladder, or bowel), causing pain, adhesions, and potentially infertility.

Retrograde menstruation

A long-standing theory regarding the cause of endometriosis, proposing that menstrual tissue flows upward through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual periods.

Hypomenorrhea

Heavy menstrual periods (as specified in the transcript).

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse.

Lupron

A strong medication used for endometriosis that places the patient in medical menopause, suppressing ovulation and periods, but causing side effects like bone loss and weight gain.

Fibroids

Benign uterine tumors that can cause pain and, if large enough, impede the process of getting pregnant.

Uterine artery embolization

A fibroid treatment that cuts off blood supply to the fibroid; it is not an option for individuals wishing to get pregnant because it affects the uterine lining.

Myomectomy

A surgical procedure to treat fibroids that removes only the fibroid while leaving the uterus intact to preserve fertility.

Perimenopause

The transition period occurring approximately 10 to 15 years before menopause (typically in a person's 40s to 50s) characterized by hormonal fluctuations and irregular menses.

Menopause

The point in time defined specifically by a full consecutive year (12 months) without a menstrual period.

Vasomotor instability

Symptoms resulting from the loss of estrogen during perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats.

DEXA scan

A diagnostic scan used to evaluate bone quality and the rate of bone turnover to screen for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Lambskin condom

A type of external condom made from natural tissue that contains microscopic pores, which prevent pregnancy but do NOT protect against HIV.

Internal condom

A nitrile female barrier contraceptive inserted into the vagina containing two rings to cover the cervix, offering an effectiveness rate between 79% and 95%.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped non-hormonal barrier device fitted over the cervix that must be used with spermicide and left in place for six hours following intercourse.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

A life-threatening bacterial infection leading to sepsis, associated with superabsorbent tampons or leaving vaginal barrier devices (like the sponge or cervical cap) in place for too long.

Progesterone-only pills (Mini-pills)

Oral contraceptives without estrogen that must be taken at the exact same time every day with no placebo week; recommended for patients with clotting risks.

ACHES

An acronym for major adverse reactions from oral contraceptives: Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Headaches, Eye problems, and Severe leg pain.

Plan B

An over-the-counter emergency hormonal contraceptive best taken within 72 hours (up to 5 days) after unprotected intercourse to inhibit or delay ovulation.

Depo (Depo-Provera)

A progesterone-only injectable contraceptive administered every three months that inhibits ovulation; requires monitoring for bone loss and depression.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A long-acting reversible T-shaped contraceptive inserted into the uterus; requires monthly string checks by the patient after menstruation.

Tubal ligation

A permanent surgical sterilization procedure for females in which the fallopian tubes are cut and tied off.

Vasectomy

A minor outpatient surgical sterilization procedure for males in which the vas deferens is cut and tied off, requiring post-op semen testing to confirm zero sperm count.

Natural Family Planning

A method of birth control involving periodic abstinence during fertile windows identified by tracking body temperature, cervical mucus changes, or calendar cycles.