Female Reproductive System Diseases

Overview

• Topics Covered: Inflammation, infection, tumors, cysts, hormonal imbalances, breast issues, pregnancy
• Focus on disorders and their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

• Symptoms: Headache, nausea, back/joint pain, edema, bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, sleep disturbances, irritability, mood swings, depression.
• Causes: Uncertain, probably hormonal fluctuations.
• Treatment: Individualized; dietary changes (avoid caffeine, chocolate, nicotine, salt, sugar, alcohol); medications (diuretics, painkillers, progesterone).
• Prevention: Not preventable; activities to reduce symptoms include quitting smoking, limiting caffeine, taking dietary calcium/vitamin B6, exercising, balanced diet, reducing stress.

Abnormal Menstrual Issues

• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
  • Primary: No menses by age 18. Causes: hormonal disorders, malformation/absence of female organs, pregnancy, anorexia.
  • Secondary: No menses for 6+ months in women with previous regular cycles. Causes: hormonal imbalances, emotional upset, depression, malnutrition, excessive fitness training, ovarian tumors, pregnancy.
  • Diagnosis & Treatment: Physical exams, hormone levels, urine studies. Treatment based on cause.
  • Prevention: Adequate nutrition, exercise, stress reduction.
• Dysmenorrhea: Painful or difficult menses.
  • Causes: Pelvic inflammation, cervical stenosis, endometriosis, unknown causes.
  • Symptoms: Dull cramping to severe pain in pelvic area, low back, radiating to upper back, thighs, genitalia.
  • Treatment: Birth control, oral contraceptives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, hot packs.
• Menorrhagia: Excessive or prolonged menstrual flow.
  • Causes: Uterine tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, hormonal imbalances.
  • Treatment: Surgical removal of tumors, antibiotics for PID, hormone therapy.
• Metrorrhagia: Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods.
  • Causes: Hormonal imbalances.
  • Treatment: D&C procedure to remove excess tissue.
• Menopause: Natural halting of menstruation, not a disease.
  • Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, sleep disorders, decreased libido.
  • Diagnosis: Blood test for FSH.
  • Treatment: Usually unnecessary unless for managing symptoms.
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Consult with a doctor.

Vaginitis

• Causes: Bacterial or yeast infections, irritation, possibly progressing to bladder infection/UTI.
• Symptoms: Vaginal burning, itching, swelling, discharge.
• Diagnosis: Vaginal fluid pH, cultures.
• Treatment: Based on cause; antibiotics for bacterial, antifungals for yeast.
• Types: Candidia (fungal/yeast): Caused by antibiotic use, tampons, douching. Treat with vinegar douching, yogurt, over-the-counter antifungals.
• Trichomonas (parasite): Spread via sexual intercourse. Treat both partners with oral antiparasitics.
• Atrophic/Post-menopausal: Due to decreased estrogen. Treat with estrogen therapies, adequate lubrication during intercourse.

Endometriosis

• Definition: Abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside uterus.
• Common implantation sites: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdominal wall, intestines.
• Symptoms: Dysmenorrhea, low back/pelvic cramping, heavy menses, dyspareunia, infertility.
• Treatment: Hormones, surgery (pan-hysterectomy), pregnancy/nursing/menopause can induce remission.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Definition: Inflammation of pelvic organs.
• Causes: Usually STDs.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge.
• Treatment: Antibiotics, analgesics, rest.
• Prevention: Safe sex practices, monogamous relationship, abstaining from sex.

Ovarian Cysts

• Types: Benign (physiological), neoplastic (cancerous).
• Symptoms: Low back/pelvic pain, dyspareunia, nausea, vomiting.
• Treatment: Based on type/size; may resolve on own or need surgical removal.

Fibroid Tumors

• Also known as: Leiomyomas.
• Definition: Benign tumors in uterine wall.
• Symptoms: Abnormal uterine bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, pain.
• Treatment: Dependent on age/desire for children; may include surgical removal or hysterectomy.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

• Causes: Staphylococcus aureus related to tampon use.
• Symptoms: High fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure.
• Treatment: IV fluids, antibiotics.
• Prevention: Proper tampon use, changing frequently, education on product use.

Uterine Prolapse

• Definition: Uterus protrudes into vagina.
• Causes: Aging, weak pelvic floor muscles.
• Symptoms: Pelvic heaviness, urinary issues, lower back pain.
• Treatment: Hysterectomy, depending on age/desire to have children.

Cystocele and Rectocele

• Cystocele: Bladder herniates into anterior vaginal wall. Treated with Kegel exercises or surgery.
• Rectocele: Rectum herniates into posterior vaginal wall. Treated with surgical repair.

Cervical Cancer

• Cause: Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Symptoms: Abnormal cervical bleeding.
• Treatment: Surgical removal, radiation if metastasized.
• Prevention: Early pap smears, HPV vaccine.

Uterine Cancer

• Symptoms: Abnormal bleeding in post-menopausal females.
• Treatment: Removal of uterus and ovaries, possible radiation.

Ovarian Cancer

• Symptoms: Pressure on bladder, abdominal/pelvic pain, general illness.
• Treatment: Complete hysterectomy, radiation, chemotherapy.

Breast Diseases

• Self-Breast Examinations: Important for early detection.
• Fibrocystic Disease: Lumpy breasts due to estrogen. Symptoms peak around menstruation. Treat by reducing caffeine/salt, using diuretics, and analgesics.
• Mastitis: Inflammation from bacteria, usually during breastfeeding. Treat with antibiotics, heat, supportive bra.
• Breast Cancer: Second leading cause of death in women. Early detection through exams and mammograms. Treat with surgery, possible hormone therapy.

Pregnancy Disorders

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Egg implants outside uterus. Treat with prompt surgery to avoid tube rupture.
• Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage): Natural termination before fetus is viable. Symptoms: bleeding, cramping. Bed rest or D&C if severe.
• Morning Sickness: Often in first trimester, can be any time. Treat by eating light/resting.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Severe vomiting; treat with IV fluids, possible medication.
• Toxemia/Pre-Eclampsia: High blood pressure, swelling, proteinuria. Treat by monitoring, possible delivery.
• Placenta Issues:
  • Abruptio Placentae: Separation from uterine lining. Treat with prompt delivery.
  • Placenta Previa: Placenta covers cervical opening. Treat with bed rest, possible C-section.