STEP 1 Content Outline

Reproductive System


Normal processes

  • embryonic development, fetal maturation, and perinatal changes
  • organ structure and function
    • female structure, including breast
    • female function (eg, menstrual cycle, puberty, menopause)
    • male structure
    • male function (eg, spermatogenesis, puberty)
    • intercourse, orgasm
    • pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, labor and delivery, the puerperium, lactation, gestational uterus, placenta
  • cell/tissue structure and function, including hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, sex steroids, and gestational hormones
  • reproductive system defense mechanisms and normal flora

Abnormal processes

  • infectious, inflammatory, and immunologic disorders (eg, toxic shock syndrome, breast abscess, orchitis, sexually transmitted diseases, autoimmune hypogonadism, cystic mastitis)
  • traumatic and mechanical disorders (eg, female incontinence, torsion of testis, varicocele)
  • neoplastic disorders (eg, female reproductive, male reproductive, breast [including fibrocystic changes], trophoblastic disease)
  • metabolic and regulatory processes
    • female (eg, anovulation, infertility, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, orgasmic dysfunction, delayed and premature puberty)
      • menopausal syndrome
    • male (eg, infertility, impotence, gynecomastia, delayed and premature puberty)
      • benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • systemic disorders affecting reproductive function (eg, obesity, myotonic dystrophy, cirrhosis, renal failure)
  • disorders relating to pregnancy, the puerperium, and the postpartum period
    • obstetric problems (eg, ectopic pregnancy, third-trimester bleeding)
    • complications affecting other organ systems (eg, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders)
    • disorders associated with the puerperium (eg, postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis, depression)
    • antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum disorders of the fetus (eg, prematurity, postmaturity, cord compression, macrosomia)

Principles of therapeutics

  • mechanisms of action, use, and adverse effects of drugs for treatment of disorders of the reproductive system and management of normal reproductive function
    • female reproductive tract
      • fertility drugs
      • oral contraception, other methods of contraception (eg, condoms)
      • estrogen, progestogen replacement, treatment of menopause
      • stimulants and inhibitors of labor
      • estrogen and progesterone antagonists
      • stimulators and inhibitors of lactation
    • male reproductive tract
      • fertility drugs
      • androgen replacement and antagonists
    • gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropin replacement
    • abortifacients
    • antimicrobials
    • antineoplastics
    • restoration of potency
  • other therapeutic modalities affecting the reproductive system (eg, tampons)

Gender, ethnic, and behavioral considerations affecting disease treatment and prevention, including psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental

  • emotional and behavioral factors (eg, sexually transmitted diseases)
  • influence on person, family, and society (eg, infertility)
  • occupational and other environmental risk factors (eg, radiation)
  • family planning and pregnancy (eg, unwanted)
  • gender identity, sexual orientation, sexuality, libido
  • effects of traumatic stress syndrome, violence, rape, child abuse