Hormonal Contraceptives and Female Reproductive Cycle

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and definitions related to hormonal contraceptives, the female reproductive cycle, pregnancy complications, and neonatal care.

Hormonal contraceptives

Birth control methods that contain hormones (progesterone alone or combinations of estrogen and progesterone) to prevent ovulation.

Progestin-Only Pill

Also known as the mini-pill, it contains only progestin and is taken daily, suitable for women who cannot take estrogen.

Combined Oral Contraceptives (OCP)

A daily pill usually consisting of 21 active hormonal pills and 7 inert pills used for contraceptive purposes.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, which is a contraindication for using hormonal contraceptives.

Injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

A hormonal contraceptive injected every three months to inhibit ovulation.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

A T-shaped device implanted in the uterus that can prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg or release hormones to suppress ovulation.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from an ovary, which hormonal contraceptives aim to prevent.

Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)

A risk associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives, especially in women who smoke.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack)

A health risk linked with high doses of estrogen and smoking among women using hormonal contraception.

Pelvic floor disorders

Conditions involving the prolapse of pelvic organs, treated through exercises, pessaries, or surgical repair.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone that surges on day 14 of the menstrual cycle, triggering ovulation.

Prolapse

The dropping down of pelvic organs such as the bladder or uterus due to weakness or injury to pelvic muscles.

Estrogen

A steroid hormone that is involved in the female reproductive cycle and contributes to the thickening of the endometrium.

Gestation

The period during which an embryo develops inside the uterus.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone produced during pregnancy that supports the corpus luteum and is used to test for pregnancy.

Rh incompatibility

A condition that can occur during pregnancy if an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood.

Amniotic fluid

Fluid surrounding the fetus in the amniotic sac, which protects and cushions the developing baby.

Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia)

A common condition in newborns characterized by yellow discoloration due to high bilirubin levels.

Breastfeeding

Feeding an infant with milk from the mother's breast, which provides essential nutrients and immunity.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

A condition that can occur if a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid during or before birth.

Cervical mucus plug

A thick cervical mucus that forms during pregnancy to protect the uterus from infections.