Women’s Healthcare Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers anatomical structures, physiological processes, diagnostic procedures, contraceptive methods, and common reproductive health alterations identified in the women’s healthcare lecture.

Mons pubis

Covers and cushions the symphysis pubis.

Clitoris

The female erectile organ.

Vaginal introitus

The vaginal opening, surrounded by Bartholin glands.

Hymen

Membranous tissue encircling the vaginal introitus.

Perineum

The area between the vagina and the anus, composed of muscles which support the pelvic structures.

Ovaries

Structures that function in the development and expulsion of ova.

Fallopian tubes

Direct the released ovum from the ovary to the uterus.

Uterus

A hollow, pear-shaped, thick-walled muscular organ which supports pregnancy; composed of the fundus, body, cervix, myometrium, and endometrium.

Menstruation

The sloughing and discharge of the lining of the uterus that takes place if conception does not occur.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Secreted by the anterior pituitary; stimulates follicular growth in ovaries and stimulates estrogen secretion from developing follicles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Secreted by the anterior pituitary; a surge causes ovulation and results in the formation of a corpus luteum.

Estrogen

Thickens the uterine lining (endometrium); inhibits FSH and LH for most of the cycle but stimulates their release pre-ovulation.

Progesterone

Thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) and inhibits FSH and LH.

Menopause

Defined by twelve months of no menstruation as a result of decreased estrogen production; occurs between age $41$-$59$.

Hormone therapy (HT)

Use of estrogen or estrogen and progestin together to replace what the body is no longer making; contraindicated in history of breast cancer or thromboembolic disease.

Pap (Papanicolaou) smear

Used to detect cervical cancer or human papillomavirus (HPV) by removing cells from the cervical os.

Colposcopy

A procedure using a magnified lens inserted into the vagina to observe tissues for color, shape, and lesions, often involving washing the cervix with dilute acetic acid.

Cone biopsy/LEEP procedure

A cone-shaped wedge of the cervix is removed surgically or with a laser to remove abnormal tissue high in the cervical canal.

Hysterosalpingography

An x-ray study of the uterus and fallopian tubes using contrast inserted via a cannula to check tubal patency.

Tubal ligation

A surgical sterilization where fallopian tubes are tied and/or cauterized; permanent and provides no STI protection.

Combined oral contraceptive pills

Contain both estrogen and progestin; work by inhibiting the release of FSH.

Depo-Provera

A long-acting injectable progestin given every $12$ weeks; can lead to bone density loss if used longer than $2$\,years.

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC)

Most effective reversible methods; includes intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal implants like Nexplanon.

Emergency Contraception

Oral pill or copper IUD used up to $5$\,days after unprotected intercourse to delay or inhibit ovulation.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual flow; can be primary (never had a period) or secondary.

Menorrhagia

Prolonged or excessive bleeding at the time of regular menstrual flow.

Metrorrhagia

Vaginal bleeding between regular menstrual periods.

Endometriosis

Benign lesions containing endometrial tissue found in the pelvic cavity outside the uterus; a major cause of infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

Uterine fibroids (Leiomyomas)

Benign tumors of the myometrium that grow as they are exposed to estrogen.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary and ovarian network resulting in anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and often ovarian cysts.

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus; used to treat cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, or uterine prolapse.

Fibrocystic breast changes

Breast tissue alterations caused by hormone levels (estrogen) resulting in tender, heavy, or swollen breasts and mobile lumps.

Syphilis

A reportable STI caused by inoculation; Stage 1 presents as a painless chancre, and Stage 2 presents as a copper-colored rash on palms, trunk, and soles.

Genital herpes (HSV-2)

Presents as painful, vesicular genital lesions and influenza-like symptoms; recurrences can occur with stress or menses.

Candidiasis

Overgrowth of vaginal yeast presenting with odorless, cheesy white discharge and itching.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria presenting with a thin gray-white discharge and a fish-like odor.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Inflammatory condition of the pelvic cavity involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries; can lead to peritonitis and infertility.

Infertility

Inability to conceive after at least one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.