chapter 5 Flashcards
(45 cards)
a woman’s final menstrual period
menopause
period of decreased estrogen production and menstruation stops; 40-58 years, average 51 years
climacteric
menopause
- sexual glands decrease in size
- secondary sex characteristics change
- typically have irregular cycles, rather than a sudden stop
- hormonal changes
- sexual complaints
hot flashes, headaches, sleep disturbances
hormonal changes
______are recommended for women to be familiar with their genitals and any possible abnormalities
genital self exams
most prevalent gynecological health concerns
- endometriosis
- menstrual toxic shock syndrome
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- uterine fibroids
- vulvodynia
- infections
- endometrial cells deposit outside of the uterus
- will engorge/ weaken with the menstrual cycle
- painful periods, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, pain on defecation, pain during intercourse
- typically childless women between 25 and 40
- cause unknown
- hormones, surgery, laser therapy
endometriosis
- associated with use of high-absorbency tampons, which creates a buildup of bacteria
- fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, muscle ache, rash
- dizziness, respiratory distress, kidney failure, heart failure, death
- avoid by changing tampons using sanitary pads
menstrual toxi shock syndrome
- endocrine disorder affects 7% of premenopausal women
- causes cyst formation on ovaries, causing hormones to increase
- many effects including lack of ovulation, excessive body and facial hair, obesity, acne, infertility
polycystic ovarian syndrome
- hard tissue masses in the uterus; size rage
- affects 3 out of 4 women; many are unaware of them
- symptoms:pelvic pain and pressure, heavy cramping, heavy or prolonged bleeding, constipation, frequent urination, painful sex
- treatment- hormones, drugs, laser therapy, surgery, crynotherapy
uterine fibroids
- chronic pain and soreness of the vulva
- symptoms: vaginal burning, itching, rawness, stinging, stabbing of vagina/vulva
- this pain may be intermittent or constant
- cause unknown
- treatment- biofeedback drugs, dietary changes, nerve blocks, surgery, pelvic floor muscle stregthening
vulvodynia
non sexually transmitted infections can occur
bartholin’s glands
urinary tract
infections may be due to
poor hygiene practices and or frequent intercourse
cancers of the female reproductive organs
- breast cancer
- uterine cancer
- cervical cancer
- endometrial cancer
- ovarian cancer
one of the most common cancers among american women; early detections critical
breast cancer
high cure rates
hpv is main cause
rates decreased over past several decades
pap smear is used for detection
cervical cancer
symptoms include: abnormal bleeding, spotting
detection most successful with dilation and curettage
over 90% survival rate
endometrial cancer
less common than breast, uterine cancers
most deadly
childlessness, early menopause, high fat diet, higher SES, lactose intolerant, use talc powder on vulva
ovarian cancer
entire female region of external sex organ
vulva
protective fatty cushion over the pubic bone; covered with pubic hair
mons veneris
outer lips; tissue folds from mons to perineum surrounding the rest of the female genitals;
engorges with blood if excited
covered in pubic hair and pigmented
labia majora
inner lips; pink tissue folded between vestibules and labia majora; no hair; many oil glands;
darkens if sexually aroused
labia minora
small cylindrical erectile tissue beneath the prepuces
rich in blood supply and nerve endings
solely to provide sexual pleasure
clitoris
tissue covering introitus at birth, typically with an opening; great variation in size and form;
may tear and bleed during sexual or non sexual activities
hymen
