Question 1

Which type of cancer of the female reproductive system is most likely to lead to death?

Accepted Answer

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly cancer of the female reproductive system. It often goes undetected until it has spread to other organs, making it difficult to treat. Cervical and endometrial cancers are usually detected earlier and have higher survival rates. Breast cancer, while common, also has high survival rates with early detection and treatment.

Question 2

Sadaf has irregular menstruation, is overweight, and has excessive body and facial hair, and acne. What condition could she have?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are characteristic of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and can cause irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, excessive body hair, and acne. Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins that can occur during menstruation. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) refers to abnormal bleeding that occurs outside of regular menstrual periods. Premenopausal dysphoric syndrome (PMDS) is a mood disorder that occurs before menopause and can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Question 3

Recent research has concluded that there is no medical need for women to have monthly periods.

Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that there is no medical reason for women to have monthly periods, and that continuously taking hormonal birth control or other forms of contraception can safely suppress periods without negative health effects. However, some women may still prefer to have regular periods for personal or cultural reasons.

Question 4

When is it common for a woman to discover she has endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Endometriosis is often discovered when a woman is trying to become pregnant because it can cause infertility.

Question 5

The withdrawal bleeding that occurs while women are using oral contraceptives is different from the bleeding that occurs when women who do not use oral contraceptives have their periods.

Accepted Answer

The withdrawal bleeding that occurs during the placebo week of oral contraceptives is often lighter and shorter than a regular period, and it is caused by the sudden drop in hormone levels when women stop taking active pills. Regular periods are caused by a complex interplay of hormones and the shedding of the uterine lining.

Question 6

According to the textbook, when is it recommended for women to undergo their first gynecological exam with a Pap smear?

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, it is recommended for women to undergo their first gynecological exam with a Pap smear beginning within 3 years after first sexual intercourse or by the age of 21 (whichever comes first).

Question 7

What is the age range in which menopause will typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Menopause typically occurs in women between the ages of 40 and 58. This is when they naturally stop having menstrual periods for at least 12 months.

Question 8

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a psychological disorder.

Accepted Answer

PMDD is recognized as a psychological disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

Question 9

Implantation of a fertilized egg usually occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Accepted Answer

During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If a fertilized egg is present, it will implant into the uterine lining during this phase.

Question 10

Decreasing estrogen during the years leading up to and after menopause can lead to all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Decreasing estrogen can lead to many changes in the body, including growth of hair on the upper lip and chin, increased risk for osteoporosis, and vaginal dryness. However, it is not known to cause enlargement of the clitoris and labia.

Question 11

The labia minora join at the clitoris to form the prepuce.

Accepted Answer

The labia minora join at the front of the vulva to form the clitoral hood, also known as the prepuce, which covers and protects the clitoris.

Question 12

The clitoris is the only human organ whose sole function is to bring sexual pleasure.

Accepted Answer

The clitoris is a highly sensitive sexual organ located at the top of the vulva, and its sole function is to provide sexual pleasure. It has no other physiological purpose.

Question 13

Sara is experiencing vaginal burning and rawness along with a sometimes stabbing pain in the vaginal area. Although her gynecologist has been unable to identify a specific cause, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with vulvodynia, a condition that causes chronic pain and discomfort in the vulvar area without any identifiable cause. Although other conditions such as UTIs, fibroids, and TSS may also cause vaginal discomfort, the specific symptoms of burning/rawness and stabbing pain are more indicative of vulvodynia.

Question 14

Which woman is LEAST likely to develop breast cancer in the next year?

Accepted Answer

Deanna is the least likely to develop breast cancer in the next year because she is 60 years old, White, has no family history of breast cancer, and has never had a child. These are all factors that decrease the risk of developing breast cancer.

Question 15

The term amenorrhea refers to painful menstruation.

Accepted Answer

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation, not painful menstruation.

Question 16

Couples who are more comfortable with their sexuality report higher levels of sexual intercourse during menstruation.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that couples who are more comfortable with their sexuality and have positive attitudes towards menstruation are more likely to engage in sexual activity during menstruation. This may be due to increased communication and openness about preferences and needs during this time, as well as a lack of shame or stigma surrounding menstruation. However, it is important to note that there are individual and cultural factors that may influence a person's comfort level with menstruation and sexual activity during this time.

Question 17

What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause changes to cells in the cervix, leading to cancer. Other risk factors include smoking, having multiple sexual partners, and a weakened immune system. Family history and trauma during childbirth may increase the risk but are not the main cause. Having sexual intercourse at a young age may increase the risk but is not a direct cause.

Question 18

In cultures that practice female circumcision, the procedure typically occurs at birth.

Accepted Answer

Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), typically occurs between infancy and adolescence, with most cases occurring before the age of 15. It is not typically done at birth.

Question 19

What does the Instead Softcup do?

Accepted Answer

The Instead Softcup is a menstrual product that is inserted into the vagina and acts as a barrier to hold back menstrual fluid during sexual activity.

Note: It is important to remember that the Instead Softcup is not a form of contraception and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It is also recommended that the cup be changed every 12 hours to prevent the risk of infection.

Question 20

A fertilized ovum typically implants in the cervix.

Accepted Answer

A fertilized ovum typically implants in the uterus, not the cervix.

Quiz 5: Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology