SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

Nursing Department

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING 2 (CLINICAL AREA)

Name: ________________________________________ Group: _____ Date:________

Provide a brief answer on the following questions.

1. Describe three physiologic functions that supress ovulation when the “the pill” is used as a
method of contraception?
 The birth control pill functions primarily by preventing ovulation. The pill elevates the
body’s levels of progesterone, which mimics pregnancy. The body behaves as though it
is pregnant, disrupting the normal menstrual cycle and the release of additional
hormones that cause a woman to ovulate.

2. Describe how the “minipill” differs from the traditional oral contraceptives.
 Unlike combination birth control pills, the minipill, also known as the progestin-
only birth control pill, doesn't contain estrogen. The progestin dose in a minipill is lower
than the progestin dose in a combination oral contraceptive pill.

3. Discuss the use of IUD, spermicides, and condoms as a method of reproductive life
planning.

4. What are the common treatments for menstrual irregularities?

 Treatment for menstrual irregularities include Insertion of a hormone-releasing
intrauterine device. Use of various medications (such as those containing progestin or
tranexamic acid) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

5. How will you justify the role of nurses in promoting family planning?

Define the following:

1. Dyspareunia – Defined as painful intercourse. Persistent or recurrent genital pain that

occurs just before, during or after intercourse.
2. Vaginismus – involuntary contraction of muscles around the opening of the vagina
in women with no abnormalities in the genital organs.
3. Premature ejaculation - when ejaculation happens sooner than a man or his
partner would like during sexual intercourse.
4. Aspermia - the complete lack of semen with ejaculation, which is associated with
infertility.

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5.

Andrenarche -  an early stage in sexual maturation that happens in some higher primates
and in humans, typically peaks at around 20 years of age, and is eventually
involved in the development of pubic hair, body odor, skin oiliness, and
acne.
6. Menorrhagia - medical term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged
bleeding. 
7. Metrorrhagia - abnormal bleeding that occurs between periods or that is not
associated with menstruation.
8. Gynecomastia – An enlargement or swelling of breast tissue in males. It is most
commonly caused by male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of
balance with testosterone levels. 
9. Thelarche - stage at which male and female breasts become distinct due to variance in
hormone levels. It is the beginning of breast development.
10. Culdoscopy - an endoscopic procedure performed to examine the rectouterine pouch and
pelvic viscera by the introduction of a culdoscope through the posterior
vaginal wall.