Women's Health Flashcards

Which contraceptive method has the highest typical-use failure rate?

Answer: Male condoms

Male condoms have a typical-use failure rate of approximately 13–18% due to inconsistent or incorrect use, compared to less than 1% for IUDs.

A 35-year-old woman who smokes more than 15 cigarettes per day asks about oral contraceptives. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Prescribe progestin-only pills as a safer alternative

Women over 35 who smoke have a significantly increased risk of thromboembolic events with estrogen-containing contraceptives; progestin-only methods are a safer alternative.

A pregnant woman at 28 weeks with no blood type antibodies has Rh-negative blood. What intervention is indicated?

Answer: Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injection now and after delivery

Rh-negative women receive RhoGAM at 28 weeks and again within 72 hours of delivery to prevent sensitization that could cause hemolytic disease in future Rh-positive fetuses.

Which diagnostic test is the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis?

Answer: Laparoscopy with biopsy

Laparoscopy with direct visualization and biopsy of ectopic endometrial implants remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of endometriosis.

A woman reports galactorrhea and amenorrhea. What is the most important initial laboratory test?

Answer: Serum prolactin level

Galactorrhea with amenorrhea strongly suggests hyperprolactinemia; serum prolactin is the initial test, and an elevated level warrants pituitary imaging to rule out prolactinoma.

Which USPSTF-recommended screening is appropriate for a 40-year-old average-risk woman with no family history of breast cancer?

Answer: Biennial mammogram starting at age 40

The 2024 USPSTF guidelines recommend that average-risk women begin biennial mammography screening at age 40, updated from the prior recommendation of age 50.