Female Reproductive Disorders Overview

Female Reproductive Disorders

• Objectives: Learners will be able to review female reproductive anatomy and physiology, discuss functions of ligaments and pelvic floor muscles, understand hormonal changes in menstrual cycles, explore causes, pathophysiology, and manifestations of various reproductive disorders, discuss diagnostic, medical, and surgical management, apply nursing process to clients with reproductive disorders, and develop a teaching plan for clients with reproductive issues.

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• External female genitalia collectively called the vulva
• Structures include labia majora, labia minora, clitoris

Internal Genitalia

• Internal organs in the pelvic cavity
• Structures include vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes (oviducts), ovaries
• Components of the uterus include the fundus, body, cervix, endometrium (uterine lining), myometrium (muscle layer), perimetrium (outer layer).
• Vagina: Fibromuscular tube; receptive for penis during intercourse; passage for childbirth.

Uterus

• Hollow, pear-shaped organ
• Located in pelvic cavity between bladder and rectum
• Three layers: perimetrium, myometrium (muscle), endometrium
• Parts: fundus (dome-shaped top), body (main part), cervix.

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

• About 10 cm long
• Extend from sides of uterus
• Fimbriae: Finger-like projections at the end of each tube
• Functions: Propel the ovum from the ovary to the uterus via peristalsis and cilia; nourish ovum and sperm; fertilization typically occurs in the tube; zygote moves into the uterus for implantation.

Ovaries

• Female gonads
• Two layers: medulla (center with blood vessels and nerves), cortex (outer layer with connective tissue, stroma, and follicles containing ova)
• Ovarian cycle phases: Follicular phase (egg matures in follicle; estrogen released); Ovulation (egg released; LH surge); Luteal phase (corpus luteum develops and produces progesterone and estrogen if not fertilized; estrogen and progesterone levels decline).

Menstrual Disorders

• Include: abnormal uterine bleeding (dysfunctional uterine bleeding), polymenorrhea (frequent periods), metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), menorrhagia (heavy periods), menometrorrhagia (heavy and frequent), oligomenorrhea (reduced flow), amenorrhea (absence of flow).

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

• Bleeding due to hormonal changes.
• Polymenorrhea (periods more frequent than every 21 days).
• Metrorrhagia (intermenstrual bleeding), Menorrhagia (excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding).
• Menometrorrhagia (severe and frequent abnormal bleeding).
• Oligomenorrhea (reduced or infrequent menstrual flow).
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual flow).

Amenorrhea

• Absence of menstruation
• Can be primary (never started) or secondary (started then stopped).

Dysmenorrhea

• Painful menstrual cramps
• May be primary (no identifiable pelvic pathology), or secondary (underlying pathology).

Other Disorders

• Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue grows outside uterus; causes pain, infertility.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Cysts on ovaries; causes hormonal imbalances, often insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and irregular periods.
• Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on ovaries; can be functional (benign, normal cycle-related), or pathological (abnormal cell growth).

Other Relevant Topics

• Treatment for various conditions/disorders (mention medication, relaxation techniques, etc.)
• Assessment and intervention procedures (related to each condition)