Adnexal Torsion (Ovarian Torsion)
Adnexal torsion occurs when the ovary, fallopian tube, or a paraovarian mass twists around itself. It is an emergency that is characterised by vascular congestion, tissue oedema, and necrosis.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)
Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as menstrual blood loss (MBL) that interferes with physical, social, and mental quality of life, irrespective of the regularity, frequency, or duration (NICE) Non-menstrual bleeding (postcoital, intermenstrual or post-menopausal bleeding) always warrants further investigation and early referral to…
Menopause
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menses for at least 12 months, following the loss of ovarian activity. Symptoms of menopause are due to low oestrogen levels, and these are mainly psychological symptoms, vasomotor symptoms and urogenital symptoms. Urogenital symptoms worsen with age, while vasomotor…
Gonorrhoeal and Chlamydial Infection
Gonorrhoeal and chlamydial infection cannot be differentiated on physical examination Gonorrhoea vs Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Symptoms Asymptomatic, itching or burning Asymptomatic, itching or burning Physical exam Mucupurulent discharge, cervicitis, motion tenderness Mucupurulent discharge, cervicitis, motion tenderness Investigations NAAT NAAT Treatment…
Instrumental Delivery (Operative Vaginal Delivery)
Instrumental Delivery Instrumental delivery, AKA operative vaginal delivery, refers to the use of suction cups or forceps to assist vaginal delivery in the second stage of labour. The procedure is carried out by an experienced obstetrician with facilities for caesarean…
Malaria in Pregnancy
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum (mainly in Africa) and Plasmodium vivax (mainly in Asia). Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria due to immunologic changes and placental sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Primigravidas have a higher prevalence of placental malaria, especially in areas with stable transmission, i.e. endemic regions. Population…
Obstructed Labour
Obstructed labour is when the presenting part fails to descend despite strong uterine contractions. It is an obstetric emergency. Diagnosis of obstructed labour Component required for diagnosis Features Prolonged labour More than 12 – 24 hours of labour with strong, frequent…
Pelvimetry
Overview Pelvimetry is the measurement of the bony dimensions of the birth canal to determine whether vaginal delivery is possible. A pelvis with an adequate size and shape is required for vaginal delivery. The best indicator of an adequate pelvis is good progress…
Thrombophilia in Pregnancy
Some pregnant mothers can be predisposed to thrombosis through genetic or acquired changes in their coagulation or fibrinolytic system. Many patients are usually asymptomatic to begin with, and manifest symptoms of thrombophilia for the first time during pregnancy. The most common…