Ch 4: Reproductive System Concerns

what is amenorrhea?

Absence of menstrual bleeding; may indicate underlying disorders, strenuous exercise, or low body fat

what are the two types of amenorrhea?

primary (never started menstruation) and secondary (stopped after previously menstruating)

what is cyclic premenstrual pain and discomfort (CPPD)?

cyclical symptoms including mood swings, pelvic pain, and physical discomfort

what are the main conditions included in CPPD?

dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

what is endometriosis?

growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, causing adhesions and scarring

what are common symptoms of endometriosis?

pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and painful intercourse

what treatment options exist for endometriosis?

medication, surgery, or hysterectomy; fertility considerations guide treatment decisions

Define oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, menorrhagia, and metrorrhagia.

Oligomenorrhea = infrequent menstruation

Hypomenorrhea = scant menstruation at regular intervals

Menorrhagia = excessive bleeding

Metrorrhagia = bleeding between periods.

What is abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?

non-menstrual bleeding that is irregular in amount, duration, or timing

What organisms can cause STIs?

bacteria (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, GBS)

protozoa (trichomoniasis)

viruses (HIV, HSV, hepatitis, HPV)

What is the major long-term complication of STIs?

infertility

why is prompt diagnosis and treatment of STIs important?

to prevent complications and limit spread

what is the only sure way to prevent STIs?

complete abstinence

What are safer sexual practices to reduce STI risk?

monogamy with one uninfected partner and barrier use (condoms)

How can normal vaginal secretions in pregnancy be differentiated from infection?

Normal: increased but non-irritating

Infection: itching, irritation, foul smell, discharge changes

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV), and why is it significant in pregnancy?

Altered vaginal pH with “fishy” odor; associated with preterm labor and birth.

What is the treatment for BV?

metronidazole (Flagyl)

What is candidiasis, and how is it treated?

Yeast infection; treated with fluconazole or OTC antifungals

What are the key symptoms of trichomoniasis?

pruritus, irritation, copious frothy yellow-green foul-smelling discharge, and strawberry spots on cervix/vaginal walls

What is the treatment for trichomoniasis during pregnancy?

Metronidazole; treat both patient and partner to prevent reinfection.

What is the impact of STIs on pregnancy and the fetus?

can cause complications for mother and serious effects for fetus/newborn

What are TORCH infections?

toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex

What is the general maternal presentation of TORCH infections?

flu-like symptoms

What is the risk of TORCH infections to the fetus/neonate?

can cause severe sometimes devastating outcomes

What is the general treatment for bacterial STIs?

antibiotic therapy

What is the general treatment for protozoal infections?

anti fungal/antiprotozoal therapy

What is the general management for viral STIs?

symptoms suppression, not cure