Women’s Health Lecture One: Female Reproductive Disorders and Cancers

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Women’s Health lecture on female reproductive disorders and cancers.

Vaginitis

Inflammation/infection of the vagina; may be bacterial or inflammatory; discharge is common.

Vulvovaginitis

Inflammation of the lower genital tract from hormonal balance disturbance and flora changes; can be transmitted sexually or nonsexually.

Trichomonas vaginitis

Vaginal infection with profuse, foamy, bubbly discharge caused by Trichomonas.

Candida albicans

Yeast infection causing thick, cheese-like vaginal discharge.

Gardnerella (bacterial vaginosis)

Malodorous, milky discharge due to disruption of normal vaginal flora.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection of the upper reproductive tract (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes) that can cause adhesions and infertility.

Cervicitis

Inflammation of the cervix, commonly caused by STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea) and other irritants.

Atrophic vaginitis

Vaginal thinning from low estrogen; increased risk of infection; treated with estrogen therapy.

Endometriosis

Growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus; causes pain and often infertility.

Retrograde menstruation

Theory that menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes, contributing to endometriosis.

Leiomyoma (fibroids)

Benign uterine tumors arising from smooth muscle; classified as intramural, submucosal, or subserosal.

Ovarian cysts

Benign cystic growths from dermoid tissue or ovarian structures; often asymptomatic and usually not premalignant.

Cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix, strongly linked to HPV; detected early with Pap testing; HPV types 16/18 are high-risk.

Pap test

Screening test for cervical cancer; early detection and follow-up with colposcopy/biopsy.

Gardasil (HPV vaccine)

Vaccine protecting against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18; recommended at ages 11–12 in a series.

Colposcopy

Magnified examination of the cervix to evaluate abnormal Pap results or lesions.

Carcinoma in situ

Localized preinvasive cancer that is highly curable with appropriate treatment.

Endometrial cancer

Cancer of the uterine lining; common in postmenopausal women; abnormal vaginal bleeding is a key symptom; diagnosed by biopsy.

Ovarian cancer

Cancer of the ovaries; often diagnosed late; CA-125 supports diagnosis but is not definitive; survival improves with early detection.

CA-125

Tumor marker used to aid ovarian cancer assessment; not diagnostic on its own.

Hysterectomy (Subtotal)

Removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix in place.

Hysterectomy (Total)

Removal of both uterus and cervix; can be performed via abdominal or laparoscopic approach.

Radical hysterectomy

Extensive removal of uterus with surrounding tissues; used for certain cancers.

Salpingo-oophorectomy

Removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries; can be unilateral or bilateral.

Pelvic organ prolapse: cystocele

Bladder protrusion into the vagina due to weakened pelvic support.

Pelvic organ prolapse: rectocele

Rectum protrusion into the vagina due to weakened pelvic support.

Uterine prolapse

Descent of the uterus into or beyond the vaginal canal; may relate to childbirth or pelvic floor weakness.

Pessary

Device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs; needs regular cleaning and replacement.

Kegel exercises

Contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles to strengthen support; 30–80 reps per day advised.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Acute bacterial infection (often Staph/Strep) linked to tampon use; rapid onset; prevention includes hygiene and proper tampon use.

Tampon care (prevention)

Change every 4 hours; avoid super-absorbent tampons; alternate with pads; wash hands; remove last tampon at cycle end.

Vesicovaginal fistula

An abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina causing continuous urine leakage.

Urethrovaginal fistula

An abnormal opening between the urethra and vagina.

Rectovaginal fistula

An abnormal opening between the rectum and vagina allowing fecal matter to enter the vaginal canal.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation, often associated with endometriosis or other pelvic disorders.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Monthly breast examination to detect lumps or changes; timing differs by menstruation status.

Mastectomy post-care (nursing points)

Postoperative care including avoiding blood pressure and injections in the affected arm, monitoring drains, and performing ROM exercises.