Reproductive Health Conditions

These flashcards cover crucial terms and concepts related to reproductive health conditions, their pathophysiology, and clinical significance.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.

• Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, sharp abdominal or pelvic pain, and shoulder tip pain.

• Causes: Damage to the fallopian tubes from previous infections like PID, surgeries, or smoking.

• Structural Changes: Implantation of the zygote in the tubal wall, leading to tubal distension and potential rupture.

• Treatment: Medical management with methotrexate or surgical intervention (e.g., salpingostomy).

Leiomyomas

Also known as uterine fibroids; benign tumors of the uterus.

• Symptoms: Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), pelvic pressure, and frequent urination.

• Causes: Hormonal influences of estrogen and progesterone, along with genetic mutations in myometrial cells.

• Structural Changes: Formation of fibroids on uterine wall

• Treatment: Hormonal therapy, uterine artery embolization, or surgical removal (myomectomy/hysterectomy).

Endometriosis

A condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus.

• Symptoms: Severe dysmenorrhea (pain with period), chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

• Causes: Retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, or lymphatic spread of endometrial cells.

• Structural Changes: Development of ectopic tissue implants on pelvic organs followed by inflammation, scarring, and adhesion formation.

• Treatment: Pain relief (NSAIDs), hormonal suppressants, or laparoscopic excision of tissue.

Hypospadias

A congenital condition where the urethral opening is on the underside of the penis.

• Symptoms: Abnormal spraying during urination and downward curvature (chordee).

• Causes: Genetic predisposition and disruption of androgenic activity during the 8th to 14th weeks of gestation.

• Structural Changes: Failure of the urethral folds to fuse completely, leaving the meatus on the ventral surface.

• Treatment: Surgical reconstruction typically performed during infancy.

Testicular Torsion

A medical emergency involving twisting of the spermatic cord.

• Symptoms: Sudden, severe scrotal pain, swelling, and nausea/vomiting.

• Causes: Anatomical anomaly known as the "bell-clapper" deformity where the testicle is not properly anchored.

• Structural Changes: Rotation of the cord leads to venous congestion followed by arterial occlusion and testicular ischemia.

• Treatment: Emergency surgical detorsion and orchiopexy (attaching the testicle to the scrotum).

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by STIs.

• Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge.

• Causes: Ascending infection of pathogens such as \text{Neisseria gonorrhoeae} or \text{Chlamydia trachomatis}.

• Structural Changes: Inflammation of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis), which can lead to tubal scarring or abscess formation.

• Treatment: A course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Menorrhagia

Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

• Symptoms: Soaking through pads every hour and passing large blood clots.

• Causes: Hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or endometrial polyps.

• Structural Changes: Hyperplasic changes in the endometrium or an increased uterine surface area that triggers heavier bleeding.

• Treatment: Iron supplements, oral contraceptives, or endometrial ablation.

Endometriomas

Cystic growths on the ovaries formed from endometrial tissue (chocolate cysts).

• Symptoms: Deep pelvic pain and pain during intercourse.

• Causes: Progression of endometriosis where ectopic tissue bleeds into the ovarian parenchyma.

• Structural Changes: Formation of thick-walled cysts filled with dark, oxidized blood that resembles chocolate.

• Treatment: Hormonal management or surgical cystectomy.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps experienced in the lower abdomen.

• Symptoms: Cramping, lower back pain, and occasional nausea.

• Causes: Excessive production of prostaglandins (specifically \text{PGF}_2\alpha) in the secretory endometrium.

• Structural Changes: Intense myometrial contractions and temporary vasoconstriction of uterine vessels.

• Treatment: Prostaglandin inhibitors (NSAIDs) and heat application.

Chordee

A penile curvature often associated with hypospadias.

• Symptoms: Difficulty with urination or future sexual function due to curvature.

• Causes: Presence of a fibrous band of tissue or skin deficiency on the ventral side of the penis.

• Structural Changes: Tethering of the urethral plate or surrounding fascia that prevents straight elongation during erection.

• Treatment: Surgical release of the fibrous band causing the bend.

Ischemia

Insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue.

• Symptoms: Intense pain, pallor, and loss of function in the affected area.

• Causes: Mechanical obstruction (like torsion), thrombus formation, or severe arterial disease.

• Structural Changes: Narrowing of lumens and cellular hypoxia, leading to tissue necrosis if blood flow is not restored.

• Treatment: Revascularization procedures or medications to improve blood flow.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection in any part of the urinary system.

• Symptoms: Burning sensation during urination (dysuria) and frequent urge to urinate.

• Causes: Ascending bacteria, most commonly \text{Escherichia coli}, entering through the urethra.

• Structural Changes: Inflammation and hyperemia of the bladder mucosa (cystitis) or urethral lining.

• Treatment: Antibiotic therapy and increased fluid intake.

Fibroid Formation

The development of fibrous tumors in the uterus.

• Symptoms: Pelvic fullness and abdominal distention.

• Causes: Myometrial cell proliferation triggered by high estrogen levels or growth factors.

• Structural Changes: Expansion and distortion of the uterine cavity as fibroids grow in various layers (submucosal or subserosal).

• Treatment: Monitoring (watchful waiting) or surgical intervention if symptoms are severe.

Acute Abdomen Pain

Severe, sudden abdominal pain indicating a possible emergency.

• Symptoms: Guarding, rebound tenderness, and rigidity.

• Causes: Perforation of a hollow viscus, organ rupture (like an ectopic pregnancy), or acute inflammation.

• Structural Changes: Irrigation or inflammation of the peritoneum and distension of visceral capsules.

• Treatment: Immediate diagnostic imaging followed by targeted medical or surgical care.