Health

What is the purpose of contraception?

To prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.

What are the types of hormonal contraception?

Pill, patch, ring, implant, injection.

How does hormonal contraception work?

It suppresses ovulation by decreasing LH and FSH levels and thickens cervical mucus.

What are the benefits of hormonal contraception?

Highly effective and reduces period pain.

What are the risks associated with hormonal contraception?

Mood changes and increased clot risk due to estrogen.

What is the mechanism of barrier contraception?

It acts as a physical block to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

What are the benefits of barrier contraception?

Provides protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What are the risks of barrier contraception?

Breakage and user error.

What is long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)?

IUDs (copper/hormonal) and implants that prevent fertilization and thicken mucus.

What are the benefits of LARC?

Most effective and long-term.

What are permanent methods of contraception?

Vasectomy and tubal ligation.

What is an important exam trap regarding condoms?

Condoms are the only method that provides STI protection.

What are the types of STIs?

Bacterial (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis), viral (HIV, HPV, herpes, hepatitis B), parasitic (pubic lice, trichomoniasis).

How are bacterial STIs treated?

They are treatable with antibiotics.

What are some examples of viral STIs?

HIV, HPV, herpes, hepatitis B — manageable but not curable.

What are common symptoms of STIs?

Discharge, pain, sores, fever, or none (a common exam point).

What are the prevention methods for STIs?

Condoms, vaccination (HPV), regular testing.

What is menopause?

The permanent end of menstruation, defined as 12 months without a period.

What hormonal changes occur during menopause?

Decreased estrogen and increased FSH/LH due to loss of negative feedback.

What are common symptoms of menopause?

Hot flushes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues.

What is the management for menopause?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with estrogen ± progesterone, lifestyle changes.

What is a critical consideration regarding HRT for women with a uterus?

They must have progesterone to prevent endometrial cancer.

What is the mechanism of vaccines?

Introduce antigen to activate B & T cells and create memory cells for a faster, stronger response upon real exposure.

What are the types of vaccines?

mRNA, live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, toxoid.

What are the benefits of vaccines?

Herd immunity and prevention of severe disease.

What are some risks associated with vaccines?

Mild fever, soreness; anaphylaxis is rare.

What is the difference between screening and diagnostic testing?

Screening identifies risk in a low-risk population, while diagnostic testing confirms a condition.

What are some examples of diagnostic testing?

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis.

What ethical issues are associated with genetic testing?

Autonomy, informed consent, and reproductive choice.

What are the four principles of bioethics?

Autonomy (patient choice), beneficence (do good), non-maleficence (avoid harm), justice (fairness, access).

What historical significance does thalidomide hold?

It was an anti-nausea drug in the 1950s-60s that caused limb deformities (phocomelia), leading to stricter drug testing laws.

What are the effects of alcohol during pregnancy?

It crosses the placenta and can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) characterized by facial changes, learning issues, and growth restriction.

What are some effects of drugs during pregnancy?

Opioids cause neonatal abstinence syndrome, cocaine can lead to placental abruption, and marijuana is linked to low birth weight.

What are the features of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Facial features including a smooth philtrum and thin upper lip, CNS features such as poor memory and attention issues, and growth issues like low birth weight.