Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Gynecologic Conditions
Number of Conditions: 2
Ovarian Torsion
Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care
Category: Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies
Sub-category: Gynecologic Conditions
Symptoms:
sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; abdominal tenderness; fever (occasionally)
Root Cause:
Twisting of the ovary and sometimes the fallopian tube, which compromises blood flow to the ovary. Often associated with ovarian cysts or masses.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical exam, transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound with Doppler to assess blood flow to the ovary, and occasionally diagnostic laparoscopy.
Treatment:
Emergency surgical intervention (laparoscopy or laparotomy) to untwist the ovary and preserve ovarian function. In some cases, oophorectomy (removal of the ovary) may be necessary.
Medications:
Pain relief is often managed with analgesics such as NSAIDs or opioids. Post-surgery antibiotics may be used to prevent infection. Examples - Ibuprofen (NSAID), Morphine (opioid), and Ceftriaxone (antibiotic).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; accounts for about 3% of gynecologic emergencies.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Ovarian cysts or tumors, pregnancy, hormonal treatments for ovulation induction, previous ovarian torsion, long ovarian ligaments.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly. Delay in treatment can lead to ovarian necrosis and loss of ovarian function.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infertility, ovarian necrosis, peritonitis, sepsis, and in severe cases, death.
Severe Menorrhagia
Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care
Category: Obstetric and Gynecologic Emergencies
Sub-category: Gynecologic Conditions
Symptoms:
heavy menstrual bleeding lasting more than 7 days; clots larger than a quarter; fatigue; shortness of breath; dizziness; pallor
Root Cause:
Excessive uterine bleeding, often caused by hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, bleeding disorders, or underlying medical conditions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical exam, pelvic ultrasound, blood tests (CBC for anemia, coagulation profile, thyroid function tests), and endometrial biopsy if indicated.
Treatment:
Depends on the underlying cause but includes medical management and sometimes surgical interventions.
Medications:
Hormonal therapy, antifibrinolytics, and NSAIDs. Examples - Tranexamic acid (antifibrinolytic), Combined oral contraceptives (hormonal), Ibuprofen (NSAID).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-30% of menstruating individuals, with higher rates in perimenopausal women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, anticoagulant use, hereditary bleeding disorders (e.g., von Willebrand disease).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; treatable in most cases with appropriate management. Severe or untreated cases may lead to chronic anemia.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, poor quality of life, and in rare cases, severe hypovolemia requiring transfusion.