Reproductive Health – Nursing 1040 Unit 18

Vocabulary flashcards covering key reproductive health concepts, disorders, diagnostics, treatments, contraception, and male health from Unit 18.

Vulvovaginitis

Inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina, often triggered by pH change, antibiotics, diabetes, tight clothing, or douching.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Overgrowth of Candida causing burning, itching, and thick “cottage-cheese” discharge; treated with antifungal agents.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Imbalance of vaginal flora producing gray, foul-smelling discharge or no symptoms; treated with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis

Protozoal STI causing vaginal irritation and discharge; managed per STI guidelines.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection of upper genital tract linked to untreated STIs; may cause pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy; treated with IV then oral antibiotics.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Life-threatening Staph or Strep infection associated with high-absorbency tampons; presents with sudden fever, rash, hypotension; requires hospitalization and IV antibiotics.

Cystocele

Bladder prolapse into the vagina causing stress incontinence and pressure; repaired by anterior colporrhaphy.

Rectocele

Rectal wall protrusion into the vagina leading to constipation and fecal incontinence; repaired by posterior colporrhaphy.

Uterine Prolapse

Descent of uterus (grades 1–3) producing back pain, incontinence, and constipation; severe cases treated with hysterectomy.

Pessary

Removable plastic or rubber device inserted vaginally to support prolapsed organs; requires regular cleaning and follow-up.

Vaginal Fistula

Abnormal tract between vagina and rectum, bowel, or bladder; causes leakage and infection; corrected surgically with antibiotics.

Uterine Fibroid Tumor

Benign myometrial tumor that may cause pain or bleeding; managed by hormonal suppression, myomectomy, embolization, or hysterectomy.

Ovarian Cyst

Fluid-filled ovarian sac, usually from incomplete ovulation; watchful waiting, OCPs, or surgery if hemorrhage or torsion occurs.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Endocrine disorder with anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries; linked to insulin resistance and treated with lifestyle change, metformin, hormones, or fertility meds.

Mastitis

Breast infection in lactation presenting with flu-like symptoms and red, tender area; treated with antibiotics and continued breastfeeding.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Benign, often tender breast cysts; managed with needle aspiration, biopsy, and analgesics.

Estrogen Effect

Prolonged lifetime exposure to estrogen (early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity) increases risk for many gynecologic cancers.

Malignant Breast Disease

Cancerous breast cell growth; risk factors include age, BRCA genes, dense breasts, and high estrogen exposure.

Dense Breasts

Breasts with little fat and abundant fibroglandular tissue; raise cancer risk and obscure mammogram detection.

Lumpectomy

Surgical removal of a small, localized breast tumor with breast conservation.

Mastectomy

Excision of all breast tissue; may be simple, modified radical, or radical depending on extent.

Modified Radical Mastectomy

Removal of breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes while preserving chest muscles.

Radical Mastectomy

Removal of breast, lymph nodes, and underlying pectoral muscle.

Lymphedema

Arm swelling after lymph-node removal; avoid BP cuffs, needle sticks, and promote elevation/exercise.

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

Malignancy of uterine lining, often presenting with post-menopausal bleeding; strongly linked to excess estrogen.

Ovarian Cancer

High-mortality “silent” cancer with vague symptoms; risk reduced by OCPs, breastfeeding, and tubal ligation.

BEAT Acronym

Bloating, Eating difficulty, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes—symptom set for early ovarian-cancer awareness.

Cervical Cancer

HPV-related malignancy preventable by Pap smears and HPV vaccination; early lesions often asymptomatic.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Common virus causing 99% of cervical cancers; certain strains prevented by vaccination.

Gardasil 9

HPV vaccine given in two doses between ages 9–26 (approved up to 45) to prevent cervical and other HPV-related cancers.

Vulvar Cancer

Cancer of external female genitalia; early itching or lesions treated topically, advanced cases need radical vulvectomy.

Infertility

Inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse or carry pregnancy to term.

Primary Infertility

Couple has never achieved pregnancy.

Secondary Infertility

Couple previously conceived but currently unable to do so.

Semen Analysis

First-line male infertility test measuring volume, count, motility, morphology, and viability of sperm.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Daily waking temperature charted to detect post-ovulatory rise and identify fertile period.

Postcoital Test

Assessment of cervical mucus after intercourse to evaluate sperm survival and antibodies.

Hysterosalpingogram

Radiographic dye study checking uterine shape and fallopian-tube patency; can flush minor obstructions.

Clomiphene (Clomid)

Ovulation-inducing drug used in female infertility and sometimes to stimulate spermatogenesis in males.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Washed sperm placed directly into uterus around ovulation to enhance fertilization.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Eggs fertilized in lab; embryos transferred to uterus 3–5 days later; effective for tubal factor infertility.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Single sperm injected into egg before embryo transfer; used for male-factor infertility.

Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)

Collected eggs and sperm placed in fallopian tube for in vivo fertilization.

Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)

Lab-fertilized zygotes placed into fallopian tube for further development.

Donor Egg

Oocyte provided by another woman for IVF when recipient lacks viable ova.

Gestational Carrier (Surrogate)

Woman who carries pregnancy for another individual or couple using donor or intended parents’ embryos.

Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)

Daily pill with estrogen and progestin that suppresses ovulation and regulates menses.

Progestin-only Pill (Mini-pill)

Daily low-dose progestin pill that thickens cervical mucus; safe in breastfeeding and clot risk.

Hormonal Injection

Progestin-only depot shot given every 3 months; may cause weight gain and bone loss.

Transdermal Patch

Weekly estrogen–progestin patch worn 3 weeks on, 1 week off for contraception.

Vaginal Ring

Monthly self-inserted flexible ring releasing estrogen and progestin for 3 weeks.

Spermicide (Nonoxynol-9)

Chemical agent that kills sperm; contraindicated for people at high HIV risk.

Male Condom

Latex or natural sheath covering penis to collect semen; latex type protects against STIs.

Female Condom

Polyurethane pouch inserted vaginally up to 8 h pre-intercourse; barrier to sperm and STIs.

Vaginal Sponge

OTC spermicide-impregnated polyurethane sponge placed over cervix; left 6 h after sex.

Diaphragm

Fitted dome covering cervix, used with spermicide; leave ≤24 h; refit after pregnancy.

Cervical Cap

Small silicone cap sealing cervix with spermicide; higher failure in parous women; leave ≤48 h.

Copper IUD

Hormone-free intrauterine device effective 10 years; copper ions are spermicidal but may increase bleeding.

Hormonal IUD

Progestin-releasing IUD effective 5 years; often induces amenorrhea.

Hormonal Implant

Progestin rod inserted subdermally, effective up to 3 years; may cause irregular bleeding.

Emergency Contraception

High-dose progestin pill or IUD placement after unprotected sex to delay ovulation; best within 24 h.

Medical Abortion

Early pregnancy termination using mifepristone followed by misoprostol to expel uterine contents.

Vacuum Aspiration

First-trimester surgical abortion using suction without major dilation.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Cervical dilation with scraping of uterine lining for abortion or diagnostic purposes.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Second-trimester abortion combining dilation and surgical removal of fetal tissue.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation; primary treated with NSAIDs, secondary linked to pathology like endometriosis.

Endometriosis

Ectopic endometrial tissue causing cyclic pelvic pain and possible infertility; managed with NSAIDs, OCPs, or surgery.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Recurring physical and emotional symptoms during luteal phase that resolve with menses onset.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Severe PMS variant with ≥5 disabling symptoms; treated with lifestyle change, SSRIs, and hormones.

Menopause

Permanent cessation of menses after 12 months amenorrhea due to ovarian hormone decline.

Perimenopause

Transitional period of hormonal fluctuation before menopause, characterized by irregular cycles and vasomotor symptoms.

Hormone Therapy (HT)

Estrogen ± progestin given early in menopause to relieve hot flashes and prevent bone loss, with cardiovascular and cancer risks.

Kegel Exercises

Pelvic floor muscle contractions that strengthen support structures and prevent prolapse and incontinence.

Hydrocele

Fluid collection within scrotal sac; often self-resolving in infants, aspirated or excised if large.

Varicocele

Dilated scrotal veins causing heat and reduced sperm quality; surgically corrected for infertility.

Testicular Torsion

Twisting of spermatic cord causing acute scrotal pain and ischemia; requires emergency surgical detorsion.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Age-related prostate enlargement leading to urinary hesitancy and dribbling; treated with watchful waiting, meds, or surgery.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Endoscopic removal of prostatic tissue for BPH; post-op bladder irrigation required.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

Blood marker used with exam to screen for prostate cancer; elevated levels prompt biopsy.

Prostate Cancer

Common male cancer often slow-growing; risks include age, race, family history; treated with hormone therapy or surgery.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer affecting men 15–34 y; presents as painless lump; 95% survival when orchiectomy performed.

Low Testosterone

Deficiency causing decreased libido, muscle mass, and mood; diagnosed by morning labs.

Testosterone Therapy

Replacement via injections, gels, or implants; monitored for erythrocytosis, prostate growth, and cardiovascular risks.

Tubal Ligation

Female sterilization by occluding or removing fallopian tubes; may lower ovarian-cancer risk.

Vasectomy

Male sterilization by cutting vas deferens; semen remains sperm-free after 1–3 months and negative test.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method

Temporary contraception via exclusive breastfeeding, effective only ≤6 months postpartum while amenorrheic.

Calendar (Rhythm) Method

Natural family planning technique avoiding intercourse during calculated fertile days in regular cycles.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Set of natural contraceptive techniques (BBT, cervical mucus, sympto-thermal, LH testing) requiring cycle tracking.