Introduction Description: Uterine prolapse is the loss of the normal support mechanism, resulting in descent of the uterus down the vaginal canal. In the extreme, this may result in the uterus descending beyond the vulva to a position outside the…
Introduction Description: A uterine leiomyoma is a benign monoclonal connective tissue tumor found in or around the uterus, which may be disseminated in rare cases. Prevalence: 50%–70% of women older than 50 years (one study has demonstrated a rate of…
Introduction Description: Uterine abnormalities are characterized by the incomplete formation of the uterus, resulting in one or two separate halves or horns or a single uterus with a central septum. The central septum may divide the uterine cavity either partially…
Introduction Description: Uterine sarcoma is characterized by a sarcomatous change in the tissues of the Müllerian system, including the endometrial stroma and myometrium. Mixed Müllerian sarcomas may include elements not native to the genital tract such as cartilage or bone…
Introduction Description: As a symptom only, postmenopausal bleeding—vaginal bleeding that occurs in women who have passed menopause—requires evaluation to rule out processes that may threaten the long-term health of the patient. Prevalence: Common, up to 10% of postmenopausal women. Predominant…
Introduction Description: Menorrhagia—heavy menstrual flow—is generally divided into primary and secondary. Secondary is caused by (secondary to) some clinically identifiable cause; primary is caused by a disturbance in prostaglandin production. Menorrhagia is generally distinguished from acute vaginal bleeding (most often…
Introduction Description: Menstrual cycles that do not follow a rhythmic pattern or have a pattern significantly differing from that expected as “normal” are considered irregular. This represents a special form of dysfunctional (abnormal) uterine bleeding. Prevalence: 10%–15% of all gynecologic…
Introduction Description: Bleeding between otherwise normal menstrual cycles. Constitutes a special form of dysfunctional (abnormal) uterine bleeding. Prevalence: 10%–15% of all gynecologic visits involve menstrual disturbances. Predominant Age: Reproductive age; highest in adolescents and patients who are climacteric. Genetics: No…
Introduction Description: Hematometra is a collection of blood in the body (cavity) of the uterus, resulting from the obstruction of the normal outflow tract. This obstruction may result from congenital abnormalities, acquired cervical stenosis, iatrogenesis (dilation and curettage, endometrial ablation),…
Introduction Description: Endometritis is an acute or chronic inflammation, usually of infectious origin, of the lining of the uterus. This is a general term that is used for this condition in either nonpregnant or not recently pregnant patients; chorioamnionitis or…