MS23:Female Reproductive Health: Infertility, Causes and Treatments, Pregnancy Loss, Spontaneous and Induced Abortion, Ectopic Pregnancy and Methotrexate Therapy, Menstrual Disorders, Premenstrual Syndrome and PMDD, Dysmenorrhea Management, Abnormal Uteri

MS23:Female Reproductive Health: Infertility, Causes and Treatments, Pregnancy Loss, Spontaneous and Induced Abortion, Ectopic Pregnancy and Methotrexate Therapy, Menstrual Disorders, Premenstrual Syndrome and PMDD, Dysmenorrhea Management, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Amenorrhea, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Menopause, Perimenopause, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, Urogenital Atrophy, Hormone and Nonhormone Therapies, Lower Genital Tract Infections, Vaginitis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Cervical, Uterine, and Adnexal Disorders, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Fistulas, Cervical and Ovarian Cancer, Screening, Risk Factors, Patient Education and Psychosocial Support Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 Infertility Inability to conceive after at least 1 year of regular intercourse without contraception, 6 months for those 35 years or older. What are some potential causes of infertility? Diminished ovarian reserve, ovulatory dysfunction, and structural problems of fallopian tubes and uterus. TRUE OR FALSE: Infertility most commonly affects the female partner. FALSE. Infertility affects both sexes equally. How can infertility be treated? Lifestyle changes (weight loss, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol and caffeine intake). Drug therapy (Metformin can be used). Surgery (addressing blockages in fallopian tubes or uterine problems). Assisted reproductive technology (ART), IUI, IVF. Pregnancy Loss Loss of pregnancy up to 20 weeks gestation is considered abortion. Abortions are spontaneous (miscarriage) or elective. May lead to grief and psychological distress. Spontaneous Abortion Natural loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation. Causes: Chromosomal abnormalities, endocrine problems, maternal infection, uterine abnormalities, immune, environmental factors, unknown. What are risk factors for pregnancy loss? Age greater than 35 years old, history of pregnancy loss, diabetes, obesity, thyroid disease, stress, substance use. What are S/S of pregnancy loss? Vaginal bleeding and cramping. Diagnosed with history, assessment, ultrasound, and hCG labs. Is bed rest recommended for those with threatened abortion? No, because there are no studies showing that bedrest decreases risk. How is pregnancy loss treated? Waiting for POC to pass on its own, drug therapy with misoprostol or mifepristone to open cervix, dilation and curettage (D&C). Instruct patients to report heavy bleeding, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or severe pain. For a woman that is losing or has lost a pregnancy unexpectedly, how should medical personnel refer to it when speaking to the woman? Refer to the fetus as a baby, and the loss of pregnancy as a miscarriage rather than an abortion. Induced Abortion Medical or aspiration. Educate patients on the risks, provide psychosocial support, preventing future pregnancy. Complications: infection, hemorrhage, uterine perforation, incomplete abortion. What are signs and symptoms of an induced abortion? Heavy bleeding, severe abdominal cramping, fever, foul-smelling discharge. What is an ectopic pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube. Why is an ectopic pregnancy an emergency? Risk for rupture; early identification is key to preventing mortality. Hemorrhage is very possible due to rupture. What are risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy? History of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery or deformity, pelvic infection, assisted reproduction, previous abortions.