Alterations in Sexual Function – Lecture Review

22 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts from the Adult Health Med-Surg lecture on alterations in sexual function.

Acute Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate often precipitated by a urinary tract infection; risk increases with prior UTI, indwelling catheter, diabetes, or previous prostatitis.

Transgender Woman

An individual assigned male at birth who identifies and lives as a female.

Primary Syphilis – Long-Term Risks

If untreated, the infection can progress to stroke, blindness, dementia, aortitis, and carotid artery stenosis, reflecting systemic involvement of the brain and heart.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes

Benign, estrogen-driven alterations in breast tissue that typically regress after menopause when estrogen levels decline.

Acetaminophen Maximum Daily Dose

Total intake (from all sources) should not exceed 4,000 mg per 24 h to avoid hepatotoxicity; clients must read medication labels for hidden acetaminophen.

Bacterial Vaginosis – Risk Factor

Douching after intercourse disrupts normal vaginal flora and increases the likelihood of bacterial vaginosis.

Sildenafil

A phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction; users must seek emergency care for erections lasting >4 h.

Priapism

A prolonged erection (>4 h) causing penile ischemia; a medical emergency often associated with PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil.

Genital Herpes – Pharmacologic Management

Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) lessen outbreak severity and frequency but do not cure the herpes simplex virus; safe-sex practices remain essential.

Gender-Affirming Therapy – Outcome

Comprehensive care tailored to gender identity typically improves overall quality of life and mental health.

Nitrate–PDE5 Inhibitor Interaction

Concurrent use of nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) and sildenafil or similar agents can cause life-threatening hypotension; combination is contraindicated.

Colposcopy

Visualization of the cervix, vagina, or vulva with possible on-site biopsy of abnormal cells detected during the procedure.

Gonorrhea Culture Sites

Specimens for Neisseria gonorrhoeae are commonly obtained from the cervix, rectum, and oropharynx based on sexual practices.

Genital Herpes – Female Manifestations

Painful vesicles or ulcerative lesions on the labia and surrounding genital skin.

Risk Factors for Prostatitis

Include recent UTI, indwelling urinary catheter, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and past history of prostatitis.

Health Concerns in the Transgender Population

Higher prevalence of suicide attempts, anxiety, depression, intimate-partner violence, STI exposure, and housing instability.

Chlamydia High-Risk Groups

Greatest incidence in sexually active individuals aged 15–24, Black Americans, and men who have sex with men; multiple partners amplify risk.

Condom Use Education

Always check expiration date; consistent use lowers—but does not abolish—STI transmission risk.

Erectile Dysfunction – Lab Evaluation

Typical tests include fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol), serum testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone to identify contributing disorders.

Medications Causing Erectile Dysfunction

Agents such as certain antidepressants, centrally acting antihypertensives (clonidine, methyldopa), diuretics, and beta-blockers can impair erectile function.

Lifestyle Interventions for Erectile Dysfunction

Increase physical activity, assess and reduce tobacco use, and screen/treat depression to improve erectile performance.

Genital Herpes – Male Manifestations

Painful penile ulcers accompanied by low-grade fever (≥99.6 °F).