Concept and Etiology: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common cause of Ovarian Cysts. It is caused
by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. (Pal, 2019) With this hormonal imbalance it causes
problems within the ovaries, which causes cysts to form. Also, the ovaries are meant to create eggs,
and release them once a month for a monthly ovulation, which is what women track in order to get
pregnant. When the ovaries do not release an egg, this can cause infertility in a woman, which is a
reproductive problem. There are also some women who have urinary system problems. PCOS can
cause incontinence, urgency, and even some pelvic floor muscles weaken, which is caused from
weight gain which is common with PCOS. (2018)
Classification: "Based on the response to hCRH, patients with PCOS could be classified into three
categories: those with a normal response to hCRH (group 1), those with an exaggerated response of
ACTH to hCRH (group 2), and those with a high basal level of cortisol and a poor response to hCRH
(group 3). " - (Kondoh)
Clinical Manifestations: Some signs and symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles, acne,
facial hair, weight gain, skin tags, and thinning of hair. There is also mood swings, infertility, and
bladder control issues.
Diagnostic Testing: A physical exam will be completed to see if there are any physical features, such
as facial hair, wider hips, etc that could point to PCOS. A pelvic exam is also a common research
tool. It helps identify if there is an enlarged clitoris (which is a sign of extra male hormones) as well
as checking to see if ovaries are enlarged or swollen. A pelvic ultrasound is used to examine the
ovaries for cysts as well as see the endometrium. Another possible test is blood test. This will check
your androgen hormone levels. (Pal, 2019)
Concept and Etiology:
Pelvic inflammatory disease also known as PID, is an infection that happens in the female
reproductive system (Story, 2018). This disease affects about five percent of females, and it has
been declining in recent years (Story, 2018). Pelvic inflammatory disease does not follow the health
definition that was discussed in module one because it affects many aspects of a female’s body. The
first indication of pelvic inflammatory disease would be the signs of infection, which deviates from
the health definition.
Classification: Pelvic inflammatory disease has four different stages. Stage I includes endometritis
without peritonitis. Stage II includes salpingitis with peritonitis. Stage III includes acute salpingitis
with tubal occlusion. Lastly stage IV includes a tube ovarian abscess rupture. (Story, 2018)
Clinical Manifestations:
Indications of infection such as fever, chills, myalgia, and leucocytosis (with acute forms)
Pain or tenderness in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or lower back (sudden and severe with acute
forms)
Abnormal vaginal and cervical discharge (usually purulent)
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Painful sexual intercourse
Urinary frequency
Dysuria
Dysmenorrhea
Amenorrhea
Metrorrhagia
Anorexia
Nausea and vomiting
(Story, 2018)
Diagnostic Test:
Antibiotic therapy
Screen and treat sexual partners (to prevent spreading and reinfection)
Practice safe sex (to prevent spreading and reinfection)
Avoid douching (which spreads the infection to the upper reproductive tract)
Treat abscesses (needle aspiration or surgical removal)
Follow-up re-examination (to ensure that infection is completely resolved)
Infertility evaluation
(Story, 2018)
References
Story, L. (2018). Pathophysiology: A Practical Approach 3rd Edition. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett
Learning.
Kondoh, Y. (n.d.). Classification of polycystic ovary syndrome into three types according to response
to human corticotropin-releasing hormone. Fertility and sterility. Retrieved November 26, 2021,
from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10428142/.
Pal, L. (n.d.). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome | Office on Women's Health.
Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-
syndrome#:~:text=PCOS%20is%20one%20of%20the%20most%20common%2C%20but%20treatable
%2C%20causes,you%20can%27t%20get%20pregnant.
Polycystic ovary syndrome - PCOS symptoms. Bladder & Bowel Community. (2018, February 22).
Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.bladderandbowel.org/associated-
illness/polycystic-ovary-syndrome- pcos/.
