Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

DUB affects an estimated 30% of women in the United States, is most common at the extremes of the reproductive years, and has no predilection for race. DUB rarely causes mortality but is accountable for two thirds of all hysterectomies and the majority of endoscopic endometrial destructive surgery.¹

Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common pelvic tumor in women and have been noted on pathologic examination in approximately 80% of surgically excised uteri.² Risk factors include African American race, early menarche (<10 years of age), nulliparity, and family history. Several studies have shown more subtle correlations with obesity and diet.^3,4

Vaginal Foreign Body

The epidemiology of vaginal foreign bodies is largely unknown, but one study theorizes that approximately 20% of preteenage girls with vaginal bleeding with or without discharge and 50% of those with bleeding and no discharge will prove to have vaginal foreign bodies.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and occurs in approximately 25 per 100,000 women.^5,6 This malignant disease develops during the reproductive and menopausal years, with most patients being 50 to 59 years of age. About 5% of women younger than 40 have adenocarcinoma, and it is diagnosed in a quarter of patients before menopause. Many cases of endometrial cancer go undetected given that Papanicolaou smears detect only 50% of cases and the diagnosis is rarely considered in perimenopausal women despite the aforementioned statistics.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide. Approximately 11,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, and it accounts for around 4000 deaths per year. Minority populations are more commonly affected. The peak incidence of cervical cancer occurs in women 45 to 54 years of age; however, there is a surge in prevalence in women in their 20s and 30s as human papillomavirus (HPV) rates have increased.^5,6

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

DUB is the most common cause of menorrhagia in menstruating females and is defined as abnormal uterine bleeding in the absence of organic disease. DUB can be ovulatory or anovulatory. Ovulatory DUB is hallmarked by regular intervals of increased menstrual flow. The root cause is an abnormality in uterine hemostasis secondary to cytokine and prostaglandin production. More commonly (accounting for 90% of cases of DUB), anovulatory DUB is hallmarked by irregular intervals of alternating heavy and light flow. This can be caused by primary ovarian disorders or a disruption in the HPO axis.⁷

Polycystic ovarian disease is classically associated with anovulatory uterine bleeding. It is defined by ovulatory failure, which leads to the absence of a corpus luteum and thus the lack of progesterone production and therefore unopposed action of estrogen on the endometrium. The uterine lining persists in the proliferative phase until it outgrows its vascular supply and degenerates, thereby leading to irregular menses with alternation between heavy and light flow. Women often have signs of hyperandrogenism, including hirsutism, obesity, acne, palpable enlarged ovaries, and acanthosis nigricans (hyperpigmentation typically in the folds of the skin of the neck, groin, or axilla).

Anovulatory DUB is most commonly seen in postpubescent girls secondary to immaturity of hypothalamic function. In general, it is failure to mount an LH surge that causes this dysfunction. As the central nervous system matures, the menses are ultimately regulated. In addition, systemic disease such as thyroid disorders, extreme fluctuations in weight, excessive exercise, or stress can all disrupt the HPO axis and lead to anovulation.

Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)

Uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors arising from the myometrium that ultimately disrupt the normal contour of the endometrium. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom and is usually manifested as chronic heavy and prolonged menses, or menometrorrhagia. The location of the myomas seems to determine the majority of the symptomatology, whereas size is of secondary importance.

The disease process just described generally occurs in the fourth decade of life and usually abates after menopause. Approximately 10% to 40% of fibroids will regress over a period of 6 months to 3 years, and almost all symptomatology will abate at the time of menopause because these uterine tumors are estrogen sensitive. With the use of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, however, symptoms may continue past the cessation of menses.^8,9

Vaginal Foreign Body

Vaginal foreign bodies can lead to vaginal bleeding secondary to direct trauma, local irritation, superimposed infection, or any combination of these causes. The two most common foreign bodies are toilet tissue (minors) and tampons, although a wide range of vaginal foreign bodies have been reported.

Endometrial Cancer

Risk factors for the development of endometrial cancer include age older than 35 years, history of anovulatory cycles, nulliparity, obesity, tamoxifen therapy, exogenous estrogen use without progestins, and diabetes mellitus. Almost all these risk factors are associated with elevated levels of estrogen or prolonged exposure to estrogen.

Cervical Cancer

Risk factors for cervical cancer are strongly correlated with sexual activity and include multiple sexual partners, early age at first coitus, early pregnancy, and previous history of sexually transmitted diseases. All these risk factors increase exposure to HPVs, which have been implicated as a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer and high-risk lesions.¹⁰

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

The typical finding of DUB is irregular menses with alternation between heavy and light flow. Women often have signs of hyperandrogenism, including hirsutism, obesity, acne, palpable enlarged ovaries, and acanthosis nigricans (hyperpigmentation typically in the folds of the skin of the neck, groin, or axilla).

Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)

The symptoms that arise from uterine myomas can be classified into abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, and reproductive dysfunction. The number, size, and location of these tumors dictate the severity of symptoms. Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom and is usually manifested as chronic heavy and prolonged menses, or menometrorrhagia. Bulk-related symptoms of fibroids include urinary frequency, difficulty voiding, urinary obstruction, constipation, and occasionally back pain. In addition, leiomyomas have the propensity to degenerate or twist on their stalk and cause torsion. In this setting, pelvic pain may be accompanied by low-grade fevers, uterine tenderness, leukocytosis, or even peritoneal signs. Distortion of the uterine cavity secondary to leiomyomas may result in difficulty conceiving and has been associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor.

Vaginal Foreign Body

Mild vaginal bleeding may be the initial sign in a patient with a retained vaginal foreign body. If associated with infection, the patient may also have a purulent discharge or vaginal irritation.

Endometrial Cancer

Symptoms include painless postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. In perimenopausal patients, the menses typically lighten and become farther apart. Heavy or frequent menstrual periods or intermenstrual bleeding in this patient population should be evaluated.

Cervical Cancer

The typical manifestation of cervical cancer is painless, abnormal vaginal bleeding, often postcoital secondary to localized inflammation.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

The majority of the work-up for DUB, including laboratory analysis and diagnostic imaging, is completed in the outpatient setting. However, several critical actions should be done by an emergency physician (EP) when these patients are encountered in the ED. Initial screening in appropriate patients includes human chorionic gonadotropin because the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding during the reproductive years is an abnormal pregnancy. Once pregnancy is ruled out, further laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging can be tailored to each particular patient.

Complete blood count analysis is prudent in most patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding and can both provide analysis for anemia and establish a baseline hemoglobin and hematocrit level for the patient. Further laboratory analysis could include thyroid function tests and prolactin levels because these abnormalities are associated with ovulatory dysfunction. If significant bleeding is a concern, liver function tests and coagulation factor assay should be performed because hepatic disease and inborn errors of coagulation can complicate abnormal vaginal bleeding.

The mainstay of imaging for patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding is pelvic ultrasonography. Ultrasound imaging can be helpful in evaluating the status of the endometrium to look for hyperplasia, carcinoma, polyps, and uterine fibroids and, if available, can direct treatment and follow-up care for the EP.

Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)

The diagnosis of fibroids is based on the physical examination finding of an enlarged, mobile uterus with irregular contours in combination with pelvic ultrasound imaging. It is important that the physician keep a broad differential diagnosis when identifying a new uterine mass because both benign and malignant lesions may be manifested similarly. Other conditions characterized by an enlarged uterus include pregnancy, adenomyosis, hematometra, uterine sarcoma, uterine carcinosarcoma, endometrial carcinoma, and metastatic disease.

Transvaginal ultrasound remains the primary imaging modality in this patient population. This study has high sensitivity (95% to 100%) for detecting myomas in mild to moderate cases of uterine enlargement. Other imaging modalities include diagnostic hysteroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hysterosalpingography.¹¹

Vaginal Foreign Body

Once a vaginal foreign body is suspected, a thorough gynecologic examination, including a speculum and bimanual examination, should be completed. The physician should make every attempt to identify secondary injury from the foreign body and intervene as necessary.

If secondary systemic infection is a concern, urgent laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging should take place to evaluate for end-organ injury. Testing may include laboratory tests such as a complete blood count, chemistry panel, lactate analysis, and blood cultures. Diagnostic tools such as plain film radiographs or computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis may be indicated depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Endometrial Cancer

No specific laboratory testing is necessary in the ED setting to evaluate for endometrial adenocarcinoma. As with all vaginal bleeding, assessment of the patient and the need for a complete blood count analysis and other laboratory testing founded on a differential diagnosis is done on a case-by-case basis.

Cervical Cancer

Again, no specific laboratory testing is necessary in the ED setting to evaluate for cervical cancer. The patient may need a complete blood count analysis and other laboratory testing on a case-by-case basis, depending on the degree of bleeding and other factors associated with the findings and evaluation for malignant spread. Further diagnostic imaging is generally performed for staging purposes and may include chest radiography, CT, or positron emission tomography.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) remain first-line therapy for DUB. OCPs suppress endometrial development, reestablish predictable bleeding patterns, decrease menstrual flow, and lower the risk for iron deficiency anemia. Treatment can be effective in either a cyclic or continuous regimen, and many gynecologists recommend tapering of OCPs over 1-week period to control acute blood loss in patients with DUB. The typical regimen includes low-dose OCPs two to three times daily for 7 days, 7 days off for withdrawal bleeding, followed by once-daily OCP use for 3 months. Single-agent therapy with estrogen or progesterone alone is used in selected cases and is best prescribed with gynecologic consultation.

If significant hemorrhage from a uterine source is leading to hemodynamic instability, the physician must consider a primary bleeding disorder. In this case, laboratory analysis should focus on identification of disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia, or inherited coagulopathies with a focus on repletion of blood products as necessary and prompt gynecologic consultation. In certain cases, desmopressin has been shown to be effective in controlling hemorrhage because it rapidly increases von Willebrand factor and factor VIII with duration of action lasting about 6 hours.

In these extreme cases or in patients with medical failure, surgical intervention may be necessary, including dilation and curettage or endometrial ablation; if all else fails, abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy may be indicated.

Uterine Leiomyomas (Fibroids)

Treatment of leiomyomas is generally initiated when the tumors become symptomatic and is dependent on size, location, severity, age, and reproductive plans. OCPs again are the first-line treatment for medical management; however, although they may work well in regulating abnormal uterine bleeding, they are not very effective in reducing the bulk symptoms. More effective at medical management of fibroids are GnRH agonists. They work by causing an increase in the release of gonadotropins, which in turn desensitizes and downregulates the reproductive tissue and thus causes a hypogonadal state.^12,13 Most women will experience amenorrhea and a significant reduction (35% to 60%) in uterine size within 3 months of initiation of therapy. Even though these medications are quite effective, initiation of therapy should be guided by a gynecologist, and they are rarely started in the ED setting. The addition of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is useful in this population to regulate painful menses, but they do not have much action on uterine bleeding.

Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment of uterine myomas, which is the most common indication for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is reserved for patients with acute hemorrhage that does not respond to medical management, women with increased risk for malignancy, those in whom minimally invasive procedures fail, or patients who no longer wish to preserve fertility. Several minimally invasive procedures such as myomectomy, endometrial ablation, or uterine artery embolization have increased in popularity and can be used in patients who wish to retain their uterus or have not yet completed childbearing.

Vaginal Foreign Body

Generally, prompt removal of the foreign body will result in resolution of the patient’s symptoms and is often the only intervention necessary. If toxin-mediated disease such as toxic shock syndrome is suspected, urgent administration of antibiotics is paramount and lifesaving. An antibiotic regimen targeted against staphylococcal and streptococcal species is prudent and should be augmented with clindamycin because it is a potent suppressor of the synthesis of bacterial toxin.

Endometrial Cancer

Depending on the histopathology noted on endometrial biopsy and staging of the cancer, surgical or chemotherapeutic interventions may be initiated.

Cervical Cancer

As with other gynecologic malignancies, the primary role for the EP is timely recognition and referral to a gynecologic specialist who can arrange for a Papanicolaou test, colposcopy, directed biopsies, and endocervical curettage. Surgical, radiation, or chemotherapeutic interventions are tailored to the stage of cervical cancer and directed by specialty care.

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion is the fifth most common gynecologic surgical emergency, and because of vague, nonspecific findings, the diagnosis is usually delayed, which can result in necrosis of the ovary and poor salvage rates.¹⁴ Several studies have reported salvage rates as low as 10% to 25%. Adnexal torsion can occur at any age, but the highest incidence is in the early reproductive years, with approximately 80% of cases occurring in those younger than 50 years.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are estimated to affect 7% to 10% of premenopausal and postmenopausal woman. Up to 4% of women will be admitted to the hospital with a primary diagnosis of ovarian cysts. Approximately 3% of theca lutein cysts are complicated by torsion or hemorrhage, and approximately 30% of these cysts can cause maternal androgen excess. Ovarian cysts affect all age ranges of females, from those in utero to postmenopausal women.

Ovarian Tumors

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of death from gynecologic tumors in the United States. Worldwide, the reported lifetime risk for the development of ovarian malignancy is 1 in 70, and it accounts for 100,000 deaths annually.¹⁵ Ovarian cancer affects white women more than black women, and the incidence increases with age. The mean age of females with ovarian carcinoma is 56. The overall prognosis for ovarian cancer is poor, with reported 5-year mortality rates reaching 46%, but it is closely related to staging. In girls younger than 9 years, 80% of ovarian masses are malignant, with the majority being germ cell tumors. These tumors are generally localized to the ovary and have cure rates of 90% after chemotherapy.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is commonly a disease of reproductive-age women, with the highest incidence of disease in those 25 to 35 years of age. It is uncommon in prepuberal girls and postmenopausal women who are not receiving estrogen replacement therapy. The disease is reported to occur in approximately 7% to 10% of the general population of women and is found in 20% to 50% of infertile women and 80% of women with chronic pelvic pain. There is a strong familial relationship, with the incidence in women who have an affected first-degree relative being significantly increased.^16,17

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion is caused by mechanical obstruction of the vascular supply to the ovary, and progressive edema and eventually necrosis ensue if the torsion is untreated.

Classically, ovarian torsion occurs unilaterally in a pathologically enlarged ovary, almost always secondary to a cyst or neoplasm. Approximately 80% of cases of torsion occur in ovaries that are 5 cm or larger, and it occurs on the right more than on the left. In young children, ovarian torsion may develop in a normal ovary secondary to developmental abnormalities such as a long fallopian tube or absent mesosalpinx. Pregnancy is a strong risk factor for ovarian torsion because of the corpus luteum increasing the ovarian mass, and it is responsible for approximately 20% of cases. Ovarian tumors and pelvic surgery also increase the risk for torsion, and it has even occurred in patients following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Ovarian Cysts

Different kinds of functional ovarian cysts can form during the menstrual cycle. Follicular cysts may result from lack of physiologic release of the ovum because of excessive FSH stimulation or from lack of the normal LH surge at midcycle just before ovulation. Hormonal stimulation causes these cysts to continue to grow. Follicular cysts are typically larger than 2.5 cm in diameter.

In the absence of pregnancy, the life span of the corpus luteum is 14 days. If the ovum is fertilized, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone for 5 to 9 weeks until its eventual dissolution in 14 weeks, when the cyst undergoes central hemorrhage. Failure of dissolution to occur may result in a corpus luteal cyst, which is arbitrarily defined as a corpus luteum that grows to 3 cm in diameter.

Theca lutein cysts are caused by luteinization and hypertrophy of the theca interna cell layer in response to excessive stimulation of β-human chorionic gonadotropin. This type of cyst can occur in the setting of gestational trophoblastic disease, multiple gestation, or exogenous ovarian hyperstimulation. Theca lutein cysts are usually bilateral and result in massive ovarian enlargement.

Ovarian Tumors

The peak incidence of ovarian tumors occurs at 55 to 65 years of age; however, the majority of ovarian masses in children are malignant. Consequently, a palpable ovary in a postmenopausal woman or prepubescent girl should be considered a malignancy until proved otherwise. Risk factors include frequent ovulation, nulliparity, late menopause, family history, and late childbearing age. Oral contraceptives are believed to decrease risk for the development of ovarian malignancies.

Epithelial tumors represent the most common histologic type (90%), with other causes including sex cord stromal tumors, germ cell tumors, and metastatic disease. These tumors appear as partially cystic lesions with solid components.¹⁸ Metastatic disease is often found on the peritoneal surfaces but can be found in the liver, small bowel, uterus, lymphatic system, and lungs. In the prepubescent population, germ cell tumors are the most common histologic type, and the risk for teratomas increases into adolescence.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue in a location outside the uterine cavity and can be definitively diagnosed only by direct visualization via laparoscopy. There is no clear-cut explanation for the pathogenesis of endometriosis; however, several hypotheses have been proposed, including retrograde menstruation, surgical transplantation, lymphatic or hematogenous spread, cellular metaplasia, altered immunity, or genetic disposition.

The most common sites are ovarian and dependent portions of the pelvis, including the ovaries, broad ligament, fallopian tubes, sigmoid colon, and appendix. Endometriosis can sometimes be found outside the pelvis and has been reported in the breast, pancreas, liver, kidney, vertebrae, and lung.

Ovarian Torsion

The typical finding is an acute onset of unilateral pelvic pain that can be intermittent and associated with nausea and vomiting. Approximately 25% of patients experience bilateral lower quadrant pain, and as many as 70% of patients have an element of nausea and vomiting that can often mimic a gastrointestinal cause. Fever is evidence that necrosis of the tissue has occurred.

Findings on physical examination are traditionally nonspecific and variable. Bimanual examination will reveal a tender adnexal mass or fullness in between 50% and 90% of patients. However, absence of this finding should not exclude this diagnosis. Peritonitis usually occurs late in the disease process.

Ovarian Cyst

Ruptured cysts may cause an acute onset of unilateral pelvic pain and can mimic ovarian torsion or acute appendicitis. They usually occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle and begin during strenuous physical activity. Though rare, other associated symptoms may be present, including vaginal bleeding, nausea and vomiting, syncope, orthostatic changes, shoulder pain, and circulatory collapse.

Ovarian Tumors

Ovarian tumors may be accompanied by abnormal vaginal bleeding secondary to hormone secretion; however, they generally cause signs and symptoms related to a mass effect. Patients are often asymptomatic, and ovarian tumors are commonly found during evaluation or imaging for an unrelated issue. Adults generally have typical bulk-related complaints, including urinary frequency, constipation, rectal fullness, pelvic pressure, and bloating. Conversely, the pediatric population will generally have pelvic pain initially.

Endometriosis

The sometimes diffuse pelvic pain caused by endometriosis is cyclic and estrogen responsive. Pain is the most common initial symptom and can be manifested as chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, back pain, or dyschezia. Bleeding can be an initial sign and may be manifested as abnormal menstrual bleeding, as rectal bleeding, or if located under the skin, as abdominal ecchymosis. Unfortunately, physical findings in patients with endometriosis are nonspecific and highly related to the location and size of the implants.

Ovarian Torsion

The clinical diagnosis of ovarian torsion is based on findings on physical examination and clinical suspicion, in coordination with pelvic imaging; however, definitive diagnosis is based on surgical findings.^19,20 Pelvic ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic imaging modality used to aid in identification of ovarian torsion. Doppler ultrasound can be used to identify the physical anatomy of the pelvic organs, as well as to detect ovarian vessel flow. Data on the sensitivity of Doppler ultrasound in detecting ovarian torsion are controversial, especially with regard to vessel flow. Sensitivities as low as 43% and as high as 100% have been reported. In contrast, Doppler ultrasound is quite specific for diagnosing torsion, with sensitivities found to be anywhere from 92% to 97%.²¹ It has been reported that up to 50% of patients with torsion may have normal findings on pelvic ultrasound. Therefore, despite negative findings on imaging, if the EP has high enough suspicion for ovarian torsion, prompt gynecologic consultation is warranted. CT and MRI have also been shown to aid in the diagnosis, but their cost and the time required for imaging are prohibitive to regular use of these imaging modalities as long as ultrasound is readily available.

Laboratory testing is generally performed in the setting of acute abdominal pain. Changes in the white blood cell count, hematocrit, and electrolytes have been seen with torsion but are quite nonspecific. Research to identify serum markers is promising, with several studies reporting that increased levels of interleukin-6 are associated with ovarian torsion; however, further investigation is warranted.^22,23

Ovarian Cysts

Routine laboratory studies will generally be ordered in patients with acute abdominal pain, especially with hemodynamic changes, as the physician attempts to rule out a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or acute appendicitis. Laboratory tests specifically helpful in the setting of hemorrhagic cysts are a hemoglobin level, coagulation profile, and blood type and screen or crossmatch. Again, these tests are nonspecific but aid in monitoring and treatment of patients if they become unstable.

Pelvic ultrasonography is the best imaging modality because it can identify the location and size of a cyst, as well as detect free pelvic fluid, but it is not specific. The physician may also apply the concept of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) to evaluate for free intraperitoneal fluid, which if positive would raise suspicion for significant hemorrhage. If the diagnosis is unclear after pelvic ultrasound, CT of the abdomen and pelvis may be necessary, especially because it may help evaluate for nongynecologic causes.

Ovarian Tumors

Many laboratory tests and serum markers can be used to evaluate an ovarian mass; however, much of the work-up is done on an outpatient basis and is guided by a gynecologist. The laboratory testing done by an EP is usually limited to evaluation of pelvic pain in conjunction with vomiting. Further laboratory testing will probably include serum markers such as CA 125, which can be elevated in 80% of women with ovarian malignancy and is 90% sensitive in women with advanced disease. However, given that it has low sensitivity in women with early disease and can be associated with several other gynecologic and nongynecologic illnesses, routine testing in the regular population is discouraged.^24,25 Promising studies of human epididymal secretory protein E4 have been shown to be more specific for ovarian carcinoma, but further investigation is warranted.

If the EP suspects or finds an ovarian mass on examination, pelvic ultrasound should be performed. Several characteristics of ovarian tumors should raise the EP’s suspicion for malignancy, such as having a complex internal structure, including complex cysts with solid components; masses in prepubescent or postmenopausal women; or persistence beyond the length of a normal menstrual cycle.

If the findings on ultrasound are equivocal or limited, further diagnostic imaging could include CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis or MRI. CT scanning is often helpful to the EP who may be trying to evaluate or rule out other causes of pelvic pain or symptoms of a mass effect in these specific patients.

Endometriosis

As noted earlier, the diagnosis of endometriosis is made by direct visualization of the implants by surgical methods such as laparoscopy or laparotomy. Laboratory analysis is rarely conducted by the EP aside from evaluating abdominal pain in an undifferentiated patient. Serum CA 125 has been shown to correlate with endometriosis but is not a sensitive marker because it can be elevated in other gynecologic and nongynecologic disease, most notably ovarian carcinoma.

Transvaginal ultrasound is the initial diagnostic imaging test for endometriosis. The classic finding on ultrasound is an ovarian cyst containing low-level homogeneous internal echoes consistent with old blood that correlates with the chocolate cyst found on laparoscopy. MRI has been reported to be useful in cases that require identification of peripheral implant spread, but it is rarely used for this purpose in the ED setting.

Ovarian Torsion

Management of ovarian torsion is emergency operative intervention in an attempt at detorsion of the affected adnexal structures and restoration of blood flow and venous drainage. In the past the adnexal structures were surgically resected; however, recent studies and practice have shown that mechanical detorsion is effective and safe. The most important factor in preservation of ovarian function is early recognition and treatment. Several studies have reported high salvage rates when treatment is initiated within the first 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.^20,26

Ovarian Cysts

The mainstay of treatment in the majority of patients with ovarian cysts is pain control. Cyst ruptures are typically self-limited and treated with pain control and expectant management in an outpatient setting. However, significant rupture and intraperitoneal hemorrhage occasionally occur and cause hemodynamic instability. In these cases, urgent gynecologic evaluation and performance of diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy are indicated. An unstable patient may require aggressive fluid resuscitation and, in extreme cases, blood products and more aggressive hemodynamic stabilization with pressors or intubation.

Ovarian Tumors

When the EP finds a highly suspicious ovarian mass, prompt gynecologic referral or consultation must be arranged so that further diagnostic work-up and possible medical or surgical therapy can be initiated. Symptomatic control of bulk-related or pain-related symptoms can include urinary catheter insertion, disimpaction, or narcotic pain medications.

Endometriosis

Although optimal treatment of this chronic disease is unclear, options are focused on three main categories—pelvic pain, infertility, and pelvic mass—and tailored to each specific patient. The EP will primarily focus on the treatment of pelvic pain with NSAIDs and combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives. NSAIDs are thought to control pain, as well as affect prostaglandin production, thus altering growth and secretion of the endometrial implants. In a similar manner, OCPs induce decidualization and atrophy of the endometrial tissue and ectopic implants, which may control the cyclic pain and limit progression of the disease. The EP can initiate this therapeutic regimen in the ED setting, but it should be done with close gynecologic consultation or follow-up.

If a conservative medical approach fails, further treatment with GnRH agonists, danazol, aromatase inhibitors, or conservative surgery may be indicated. All these treatments are coordinated by a gynecologist on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on severity of the symptoms.