Comprehensive 2-Hour Presentation Outline: Gynecologic and Reproductive Health
Recommended Structure
This presentation should be organized into 6 major modules of approximately 15-20 minutes each, with integrated case discussions and interactive elements to maximize student engagement and clinical application.
Module 1: Foundations of Reproductive Health (15 minutes)
Human Sexuality and Gender Identity
- Define reproductive health as encompassing sexuality, reproduction, family planning rights, and access to information 1
- Address gender inequality and discrimination across the woman's life cycle, including cultural and religious practices 2
- Discuss intimate partner violence screening at every wellness visit, with referral to appropriate resources 1
- Include male reproductive health considerations, emphasizing paternal involvement in pregnancy outcomes 1
Preconception and Reproductive Planning
- Assess reproductive goals at every visit for all patients of reproductive age 1
- Screen for chronic disease management (hypertension, diabetes, depression) with medication optimization before conception 1
- Recommend folic acid supplementation for all women of reproductive age; higher doses for those at high risk of neural tube defects 1
- Review immunization status annually 1
- Screen for substance use (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) and occupational hazards affecting fertility 1
Module 2: Contraception and Infertility (20 minutes)
Contraceptive Methods
- Offer full range of contraceptive methods with counseling tailored to patient preference when pregnancy is not desired 1
- Counsel on birth spacing importance 1
- Discuss safe sex practices and STI prevention 1
- Address contraceptive access during public health emergencies, prioritizing long-acting reversible contraception appointments 3
- Consider pharmacist-provided hormonal contraception and patient-controlled injectable options 3
Infertility Assessment
- Evaluate both partners: assess medications, health conditions, and activities affecting fertility 1
- Conduct physical examination for signs/conditions impairing fertility 1
- Screen for occupational hazards, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and testicular conditions in males 1
- Address weight extremes: BMI ≥30 or <18.5 kg/m² associated with infertility and pregnancy risks 1
- Discuss genetic screening based on family history and paternal age 1
Module 3: Breast Disorders (15 minutes)
Benign Breast Conditions
- Mastitis: Lactational infection requiring antibiotics and continued breastfeeding
- Abscess: Requires drainage plus antibiotics
- Fibroadenoma: Benign solid mass, most common in young women, typically observation unless symptomatic
- Fibrocystic changes: Hormonal-related breast pain and nodularity, reassurance primary management
- Galactorrhea: Evaluate for hyperprolactinemia and medications; hyperprolactinemia suppresses GnRH pulsatility and gonadotropin secretion 4
- Gynecomastia: Assess for hormonal imbalances, medications, and underlying conditions
Breast Cancer Screening
- Routine mammography screening may be safely delayed during public health emergencies for average-risk patients, but prioritize higher-risk populations per society guidelines 3
- Consider patient-collected samples and telemedicine follow-up when appropriate 3
Module 4: Cervical, Vaginal, and Uterine Disorders (20 minutes)
Cervical Disorders
- Cervicitis: Assess STI risk, provide testing and treatment; prioritize in-person appointments for symptomatic patients at risk for complications 3
- Cervical dysplasia: HPV-related; routine screening may be delayed but not indefinitely 3
- Expand patient-collected HPV self-samples for screening 3
Vaginal/Vulvar Disorders
- Vaginitis: Bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis—diagnose and treat appropriately
- Bartholin gland cysts: Observation if asymptomatic; incision and drainage or Word catheter if symptomatic
- Cystocele/Rectocele/Prolapse: Pelvic floor dysfunction requiring pelvic examination and staging
Uterine Disorders
- Endometriosis: Chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, infertility; diagnose clinically or surgically
- Leiomyoma (fibroids): Benign smooth muscle tumors causing bleeding, pain, or bulk symptoms
- Uterine prolapse: Pelvic organ prolapse requiring staging and management based on severity
Module 5: Ovarian Disorders and Menstrual Dysfunction (15 minutes)
Ovarian Disorders
- Ovarian cysts: Functional vs. pathologic; most resolve spontaneously
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, metabolic syndrome; associated with increased stroke risk (RR 1.36) 1
- Ovarian torsion: Surgical emergency with acute pelvic pain and adnexal mass
Menstrual Disorders
- Evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding patterns
- Primary hypogonadism: Low estrogen/progesterone from ovarian damage (chemotherapy, radiation ≥10 Gy in prepubertal girls, ≥5 Gy postpubertal) 1
- Central hypogonadism: Impaired GnRH/LH/FSH release from hypothalamic-pituitary damage; FSH/LH inappropriately normal or low despite low sex steroids 1, 4
- Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea from excessive exercise, energy deficit, or psychological stress 4
Menopause
- Average age 51 years; assess vasomotor symptoms and quality of life
- Consider hormone replacement therapy when appropriate 1
Module 6: Pregnancy Complications and High-Risk Obstetrics (35 minutes)
Early Pregnancy Complications
- Ectopic pregnancy: Life-threatening; requires immediate diagnosis and management
- Classifications of abortion: Threatened, inevitable, incomplete, complete, missed, septic
- Gestational trophoblastic disease: Molar pregnancy requiring surveillance
Antepartum Complications
- Hypertensive disorders: Gestational hypertension (RR stroke 1.83), pre-eclampsia (RR stroke 2.95), recurrent pre-eclampsia (RR stroke 1.69) 1
- Gestational diabetes: Increases stroke risk (RR 1.25) 1; requires glycemic control
- Placenta previa: Painless vaginal bleeding; avoid digital examination
- Abruptio placentae: Painful bleeding with fetal distress
- Cervical insufficiency: Painless cervical dilation; consider cerclage
- Prelabor rupture of membranes: Assess gestational age and infection risk
- Rh incompatibility: Administer RhoGAM prophylaxis
Labor and Delivery Complications
- Preterm birth: Associated with increased stroke risk (RR 1.65-1.71) 1
- Breech presentation: External cephalic version vs. cesarean delivery
- Shoulder dystocia: Obstetric emergency requiring specific maneuvers
- Umbilical cord prolapse: Immediate cesarean delivery
- Fetal distress: Continuous monitoring and intervention
- Cesarean and operative delivery: Indications and complications
Postpartum Complications
- Postpartum hemorrhage: Leading cause of maternal mortality; requires immediate management
- Postpartum psychiatric disorders: Screen for depression and anxiety; untreated illness carries risks 1
- Postpartum pituitary disorders: Sheehan syndrome from hemorrhage-induced necrosis
- Postnatal/postpartum care: Phone follow-up for medication abortions when appropriate 3
Trauma in Pregnancy
- Physical trauma: Leading non-obstetric cause of maternal death
- Sexual trauma: Screen at every visit 1
- Psychological trauma: Assess for intimate partner violence with increased screening during social distancing 3
Module 7: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and STIs (10 minutes)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Ascending infection from cervicitis causing endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess
- Requires prompt antibiotic therapy to prevent infertility and chronic pelvic pain
- Offer expedited partner therapy 3
STI Management
- Screen all reproductive-age patients for STI risk 1
- Provide counseling and immunizations (HPV, hepatitis B) 1
- Prioritize in-person appointments for symptomatic patients at risk for complications 3
- Address increased STI acquisition risk during public health emergencies 3
Module 8: Health Equity and Special Populations (10 minutes)
Addressing Disparities
- Racial and minority disparities in reproductive healthcare are exacerbated during public health crises 3
- Ensure contraception and abortion access through reduced ultrasonography/laboratory requirements for eligible patients 3
- Expand telemedicine with validated screening questionnaires for intimate partner violence and depression 3
- Address barriers to technology access (continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps) in minoritized populations 5
Reproductive Health in Special Populations
- Cancer survivors: Assess fertility preservation and ovarian function 1, 5
- Patients with rheumatic diseases: Multidisciplinary approach between rheumatology and obstetrics 1
- Adolescents: Screen for intimate partner violence and promote consensual relationships 1
Presentation Delivery Tips
- Use case-based learning for each module
- Include visual aids (images of conditions, algorithms for management)
- Incorporate audience response questions
- Provide handouts with screening recommendations and management algorithms
- Allow 5-10 minutes for Q&A at the end