Hypertensive states during pregnancy include preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. Preeclampsia is a medical condition where hypertension appears in pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester, in association with significant proteinuria. Eclampsia is a new onset of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia. Accurate preeclampsia statistics are difficult. The single most significant risk factor is having had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy. There are many different mechanisms for preeclampsia...

The male and female reproductive systems consist of the gonads, testes or ovaries; the reproductive tract; the external genitalia; and the hypothalamic-pituitary unit. The functions of the reproductive system are to produce and deliver gametes, spermatozoa or oocytes, for sexual reproduction; and produce hormones that regulate reproductive function and secondary sex characteristics. Abnormalities in anatomic or physiologic function affect the development and delivery of gametes, and potential fertility. This book provides a comprehensive review of the anatomy and physiology specific to...

Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to be a necessary factor in the development of almost all cases of cervical cancer. Cancer screening using the Pap smear can identify precancerous changes in cervical cells. Recognition of the etiologic role of HPV infection in cervical cancer has led to the recommendation of adding HPV testing to the screening regimen. However, women who have symptoms, abnormal screening test results, or...

Pregnancy makes profound changes in the cardiovascular system that have the potential to adversely affect maternal and fetal health, especially in the presence of underlying heart conditions. Valvular heart disease in pregnancy is relatively infrequent, and tends to have a favorable prognosis if the risks are appropriately managed. Patients with congenital heart disease were traditionally advised against pregnancy; however, as our understanding of the unique issues facing this population has improved, many of those limitations have been removed. The presence of cardiovascular disease in...

Medical research is necessary to establish the safety and effectiveness of specific health and medical products and practices. Analyzing the data and interpreting the results are the most exciting stages of a research project because these provide the answers to the study questions. This book discusses the basic process by which research studies are conducted, and show how to report results for publication. Section I provides an overview on the principles of research practice, and presents in details all the necessary steps of research design; including an essential introduction to...

Male factors are often the cause of a couple's failure to conceive, therefore, it is important to evaluate and treat the male partner. A male factor may be due to abnormalities of hormonal control, testicular function, or sperm transport or delivery. Evaluation of infertile men is essential to identify both correctable and uncorrectable conditions. A thorough medical and reproductive history and physical examination are integral parts of the workup. The semen analysis provides the basis for identifying the cause of male infertility, as well as planning additional testing and treatment....

Infertility is defined by the World Health Organization as the absence of conception after at least 12 months of unprotected intercourse. This condition affects approximately 10-15% of reproductive-aged couples. Isolated conditions of the female are responsible for infertility in 35% of cases, isolated conditions of the male in 30%, conditions of both the male and female in 20%, and unexplained causes in 15%. Female factor infertility can be divided into several categories: ovarian, tubal and peritoneal, uterine, cervical and other. A basic evaluation for female infertility includes an...

"Ethics consists of knowing what is right to do and what is wrong to avoid" (Socrates; 470-399 BC). Medical ethics refers to a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to medical practice. Ethics is and always has been an essential component of physician-patient relationship, which facilitates the exchange of medical knowledge and care within a framework of trust. The basic principles of medical ethics include: autonomy (respect of the patient preferences), beneficence (taking actions that serve the best interests of patients), non-maleficence (first, do no harm), and...