(47) Diseases of the reproductive system 2 Flashcards
(133 cards)
What is endometriosis?
A condition where endometrial tissue is found outside of the uterus (ectopic endometrium)
What are the different theories as to why endometriosis occurs?
- regurgitation theory
- metaplasia theory
- stem cell theory (stem cells themselves turn into endometrium)
- metastasis theory (spread through lymphatics or vasculature)
In general, what does ectopic endometrium lead to?
Bleeding into tissues and fibrosis
Who does endometriosis occur in?
6-10% of women, 30-40 years old
What are the signs/symptoms of endometriosis?
- 25% asymptomatic
- dysmenorrhoea
- dyspareunia
- pelvic pain
- subfertility
- pain on passing stool
- dysuria
What is dyspareunia?
Pain on sexual intercourse
What is the investigation technique into endometriosis?
Laparoscopy
What does treatment choice for endometriosis (and many other conditions) depend upon?
The patient’s age and whether or not they want to maintain fertility
What are the medical treatments for endometriosis?
- COCP
- GnRH agonists/antagonists
- progesterone antagonists
What are the surgical treatments for endometriosis?
- ablation
- TAH-BSO
What is ablation?
The surgical removal of body tissue
What is a TAH-BSO?
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Bilateral Salpingo Oophorectomy
- removes the uterus including the cervix and the ovaries including the fallopian tubes
What other conditions is endometriosis also linked to?
- ectopic pregnancy
- ovarian cancer
- IBD
What does COCP stand for?
Combined oral contraceptive pill
What is endometritis?
Inflammation of the endometrium
What may acute endometritis be due to?
- retained product of conception (POC)/placenta
- prolonged ROM
- complicated labour
What do you see on histology in acute endometritis?
Lots of neutrophils (manifestation of acute inflammatory response)
What may chronic endometritis be due to?
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- retained gestational tissue
- endometrial TB
- IUCD infection
What do you see on histology in chronic endometritis?
Lymphocytes and plasma cells
What are the signs/symptoms of endometritis?
- abdominal/pelvic pain
- pyrexia
- vaginal discharge
- dysuria
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
What investigations are done into endometritis?
- biochemistry/microbiology
- ultrasound scan (USS)
What is the treatment for endometritis?
- analgesia
- antibiotics
- remove cause (eg. remove infected uterine device/retained POC etc)
What are endometrial polyps?
Sessile/polypoid E2-dependent uterine overgrowths (growths from endometrium)
Who do endometrial polyps occur in?
Less than 10% of women (40-50s)