Reproductive Health, Infertility, Contraception & Menopause – Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering infertility diagnostics and treatments, assisted reproductive technologies, contraceptive methods, menstrual & menopausal disorders, and male reproductive health issues discussed in the lecture.

Semen Analysis

Laboratory evaluation of a semen sample assessing sperm count, morphology, motility and viability.

Varicocele

Varicose vein within the scrotum that raises scrotal temperature and impairs sperm production.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting

Daily, pre-activity temperature recordings used to detect the biphasic rise that confirms ovulation.

Biphasic Pattern

BBT trend showing lower follicular temperatures followed by a 0.5–1 °C rise after ovulation.

LH Surge

Rapid increase in luteinising hormone that triggers ovulation; detected by ovulation predictor kits.

Post-coital Test

Microscopic exam of cervical mucus after intercourse to assess sperm survival and motility.

Antisperm Antibody

Maternal immune protein that attacks sperm, creating a hostile cervical environment.

Endometrial Biopsy

Sampling of uterine lining to evaluate endometrial receptivity or pathology.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

Imaging with a vaginal probe to visualise uterus and ovaries in infertility work-ups.

Hysteroscopy

Endoscopic inspection of the uterine cavity through the cervix to locate intrauterine lesions.

Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive abdominal scope used to diagnose and treat pelvic disorders (e.g., endometriosis).

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

X-ray with dye to check tubal patency; diagnostic and temporarily therapeutic for blocked tubes.

Clomiphene (Clomid)

First-line oral medication that induces ovulation by stimulating FSH/LH release.

hCG Trigger Shot

Human chorionic gonadotropin injection used to time final follicle maturation and ovulation.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Lab-prepared sperm injected through the cervix into the uterus; requires patent tubes.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Umbrella term for laboratory fertilisation techniques such as IVF and ICSI.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

Oocytes fertilised with sperm in a lab dish; embryos transferred to uterus.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Single sperm injected directly into an oocyte to assist fertilisation.

Gestational Carrier

Woman who carries a pregnancy for another individual or couple without genetic relation to fetus.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

Highly effective, reversible methods such as IUDs and implants lasting years.

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)

Pill containing estrogen + progestin that suppresses ovulation and regulates cycles.

Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-pill)

Daily contraceptive without estrogen; safe in breastfeeding but causes breakthrough bleeding.

ACHES Warning Signs

Acronym for COC danger symptoms: Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Headache, Eye problems, Severe leg pain.

Depot Medroxyprogesterone (DMPA)

Progestin injection every three months for contraception.

Contraceptive Patch

Transdermal COC applied weekly for three weeks followed by patch-free week.

Vaginal Ring

Flexible estrogen-progestin device worn in vagina for 3 weeks then removed for 1 week.

Nexplanon Implant

Single progestin rod inserted in upper arm providing contraception for 3 years.

Copper IUD (Paragard)

Non-hormonal, spermicidal IUD effective up to 10 years; may increase menstrual bleeding.

Levonorgestrel IUD

Hormonal IUD releasing progestin; lightens menses, may cause amenorrhea; lasts 2–5 years.

IUD String Check

Monthly self-palpation to verify IUD threads are present, indicating correct placement.

Plan B (Levonorgestrel EC)

Over-the-counter emergency contraception most effective within 24 h; ineffective at BMI > 29.

Prescription Ulipristal (Ella)

Emergency contraceptive pill effective up to 120 h after unprotected intercourse.

Copper IUD for EC

Insertion within 5–7 days acts as most effective form of emergency contraception.

Tubal Ligation

Female sterilisation by cutting/occluding fallopian tubes; reduces ovarian cancer risk.

Vasectomy

Male sterilisation via vas deferens ligation; requires 20-30 ejaculations or 3 months for clearance.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

Contraception relying on exclusive breastfeeding <6 mo postpartum; high failure rate.

Calendar (Rhythm) Method

Fertility awareness strategy avoiding intercourse during predicted fertile days; low efficacy.

Basal Temperature Method

Fertility awareness tracking ovulation via temperature shift; not highly reliable alone.

Diaphragm

Fitted silicone dome used with spermicide; must remain 6 h post-coitus, max 24 h.

Cervical Cap

Small barrier device for nulliparous women; high failure rate after childbirth.

Vaginal Sponge

OTC polyurethane sponge with spermicide; leave in ≥6 h; higher failure if fragmentation occurs.

Spermicides (Nonoxynol-9)

Chemical agents that destroy sperm; do not protect against STIs; contraindicated in HIV.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation; primary (never occurred) or secondary (>3 cycles absence).

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation; treated with NSAIDs unless secondary cause identified.

Menorrhagia

Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Endometriosis

Ectopic endometrial tissue causing pain, adhesions and infertility; diagnosed via laparoscopy.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Recurrent physical & mood symptoms in luteal phase requiring ≥1 physical and ≥1 behavioral sign.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Severe PMS variant causing functional impairment; managed with SSRIs or hormonal therapy.

Perimenopause

10-year transition before menopause marked by irregular menses and climacteric symptoms.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menses confirmed after 12 months of amenorrhea.

Vasomotor Symptoms

Hot flashes and night sweats due to estrogen withdrawal.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Estrogen ± progestin for menopausal symptom control; start early to minimise CV & cancer risks.

Phytoestrogens

Plant-based compounds (e.g., soy) with weak estrogenic effects sometimes used in menopause.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

Activity (e.g., walking, lifting) that preserves bone density, important in menopause.

Hydrocele

Fluid accumulation in tunica vaginalis; common in newborns, may need aspiration in adults.

Testicular Varicocele

Dilated scrotal veins causing dull pain and infertility; treat surgically if symptomatic.

Testicular Torsion

Twisting of spermatic cord causing acute scrotal pain; emergency to prevent infertility.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-malignant prostate enlargement leading to obstructive urinary symptoms.

TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate)

Endoscopic removal of prostate tissue for severe BPH; requires continuous bladder irrigation.

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)

Blood marker used with shared decision making for prostate cancer screening ages 55-69.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Advancing age, Black race, BRCA gene mutations, family history.

Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism)

Deficient serum testosterone causing low libido, fatigue, muscle loss and mood changes.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Gel/patch/implant restoring age-appropriate testosterone; risks include BPH, prostate growth and DVT.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Potential vascular complication linked to testosterone therapy.

Copper vs Hormonal IUD Bleeding

Copper increases menstrual flow; hormonal IUD decreases flow and may cause amenorrhea.

Clomiphene for Men

SERM used to stimulate endogenous testosterone and sperm production in male infertility.

Heat Avoidance for Sperm

Male advice to skip hot tubs, saunas, tight jeans to preserve spermatogenesis.

ACHES – Chest Pain

May indicate pulmonary embolism or MI in COC users; urgent evaluation required.

ACHES – Severe Leg Pain

Possible sign of DVT in combined oral contraceptive users.

ACHES – Eye Problems

Visual changes signalling possible retinal artery thrombosis on COCs.

Emergency Contraception Counseling

Ask time since intercourse, BMI, and possibility of existing pregnancy to choose method.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

First-line pharmacologic treatment for PMDD when lifestyle measures insufficient.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cabbage & cauliflower aiding estrogen metabolism and PMS reduction.

Dyspareunia

Painful sexual intercourse; common with menopausal vaginal atrophy or endometriosis.

Ulipristal Contra-BMI

Less affected by high BMI than Plan B; preferred EC if BMI > 29.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Rare but serious infection risk if diaphragm left >24 h.

Shared Decision-Making

Process where clinician & patient jointly weigh benefits/risks (e.g., PSA screening).

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Check

Rule out active infection before IUD insertion to prevent ascending infection.

Hyperstimulation (Ovarian)

Drug-induced multiple follicle development for IVF; monitored by ultrasound.

Donor Gametes

Sperm or oocytes obtained from third parties when partners lack viable gametes.

Copper IUD Duration

Provides contraception for up to 10 years, longest of LARC options.

Ectopic Pregnancy Risk Post-Tubal

Residual risk of pregnancy occurring in blocked tube after sterilisation.

Basal Metabolic Temperature Rise

0.5–1 °C sustained increase post-ovulation due to progesterone.

Luteal Phase

Post-ovulation portion of cycle when PMS/PMDD symptoms appear.

Pelvic Floor Disorders

Prolapse conditions that increase after menopause due to estrogen deficiency.

Semen Clearance After Vasectomy

Need for negative sperm count 1–3 mo or after ~20 ejaculations.

Sperm Morphology

Structural appearance of sperm cells; abnormalities affect fertility.

Motility

Sperm’s ability to swim efficiently toward the oocyte.

Hydrostatic Pressure Irrigation

Continuous bladder irrigation post-TURP to prevent clot obstruction.

Negative Feedback Loop

External testosterone suppresses endogenous testicular testosterone and sperm production.