Name and describe the components and rationale of the gynecological health history.
Define and describe each component of the GTPAL system used to document pregnancy history.
Following the guidelines of the United States Preventive Service Taskforce (USPSTF) what screening recommendations would you do to G.R. a 66-year-old female patient who visits you at the office for the first time (last visit to her PCP 5 years ago) with only positive health history of hysterectomy 10 years ago due to fibroids.
A 35-year-old women with a BMI of 40 comes in asking about combined hormonal contraception’s. You explain the contraindications for hormonal contraception include (name more than 4 contraindications).
Focusing on women's health
Full Answer Section
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- Last menstrual period (LMP)
- Obstetric History:
- Number of pregnancies (gravidity)
- Number of live births (parity)
- Number of miscarriages/abortions
- Pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
- Delivery methods (vaginal, cesarean)
- Postpartum complications
- Sexual History:
- Number of sexual partners
- Use of contraception (type and consistency)
- History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Gynecologic History:
- Previous gynecologic surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy, tubal ligation, D&C)
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- History of endometriosis
- History of ovarian cysts
- History of abnormal Pap smears or HPV infections
- Urogynecologic History:
- Urinary incontinence (stress, urge, overflow)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Medications:
- Current and past medications (including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements)
- Family History:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Cervical cancer
GTPAL System:
- G: Gravidity - Total number of pregnancies, including current pregnancy.
- T: Term births - Number of pregnancies delivered at 37 weeks or more gestation.
- P: Preterm births - Number of pregnancies delivered between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation.
- A: Abortions/Miscarriages - Number of pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks of gestation (includes spontaneous and induced abortions).
- L: Living children - Number of living children.
USPSTF Screening Recommendations for G.R. (66-year-old female with hysterectomy):
- No routine screening for cervical cancer: Given her history of hysterectomy, G.R. no longer requires cervical cancer screening.
- Mammography:
- The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50-74 years.
- Since G.R. is 66 years old, screening mammography may be continued based on individual risk assessment and patient preference.
- Osteoporosis screening:
- The USPSTF recommends screening for osteoporosis in women aged 65 years and older.
- Cardiovascular risk assessment:
- Given her age and history of hysterectomy, a thorough cardiovascular risk assessment, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant risk factors, is recommended.
Contraindications to Combined Hormonal Contraception:
- History of venous thromboembolism (VTE): Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- History of cerebrovascular accident (stroke) associated with estrogen use.
- Current or history of estrogen-dependent cancers: Breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or certain types of liver cancer.
- Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- **Known or suspected pregnancy.
- Severe liver disease.
- Active or history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Smoking (especially for women over 35 years old).
Sample Answer
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Components of a Gynecological Health History:
- Menstrual History:
- Age of menarche (onset of menstruation)
- Cycle length (number of days between periods)
- Duration of menstrual flow
- Amount of menstrual flow (light, heavy, spotting)
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) - severity, location, duration, any associated symptoms
- Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between periods)