Conference Sessions
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting people with ovaries, typically during reproductive years. It affects how the ovaries work and can impact menstrual cycles, fertility, appearance, and overall health. Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a milder and more common form of ovarian hormonal imbalance than PCOS. While both PCOD and PCOS involve the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries, PCOD is more of a lifestyle-related condition, and usually does not significantly impact fertility or long-term health if managed well.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography): Offers clearer images by taking multiple X-ray pictures of the breast from different angles. Increases detection rates and reduces false positives. Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI): Detects cancers in dense breast tissue using radiotracers that target cancer cells.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopy (e.g., da Vinci system) enables precise, minimally invasive procedures for hysterectomies, myomectomies, and endometriosis. Tele-gynecology services have expanded, providing easier access to contraception counseling, STI screening, and menopausal care.Fetal surgeries (e.g., for spina bifida or twin-twin transfusion syndrome) are now safer with real-time imaging and minimally invasive tools.
Women’s oncology covers cancers primarily affecting the female reproductive system and breast. These include: Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, Cervical cancer, Endometrial (uterine) cancer and Vulvar and vaginal cancers. Types of Breast Cancer: Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – Most common type (~80%) Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) – Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors HER2-positive breast cancer, Inflammatory breast cancer – Rare and aggressive, Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Non-invasive, early stage
Maternal health refers to the health of individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It is influenced by clinical, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Improving maternal health is a global health priority, as complications can have lifelong consequences for both mother and baby. Major Maternal Health Challenges: Preeclampsia & Hypertensive Disorders. Hemorrhage Infections Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, Chronic pelvic pain, and sometimes infertility. Clinical evaluation: Based on symptoms and physical exam. Imaging: Ultrasound may detect endometriomas (ovarian cysts), MRI for deeper lesions. Laparoscopy: The gold standard for definitive diagnosis with biopsy.
Menopause marks the natural end of menstrual cycles, diagnosed after 12 months without a period, typically occurring between ages 45-55 Tissue-selective estrogen complexes (TSECs) combining estrogen with SERMs to reduce risks. Neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists (e.g., fezolinetant) for hot flashes — new non-hormonal class. Advances in understanding the genetics of menopause timing and personalized symptom management. Digital health apps for symptom tracking and virtual support
Sexual Reproductive Health encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being related to the reproductive system and sexuality throughout life. It includes the right to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. Promotion of consensual, respectful relationships. Addressing gender-based violence and discrimination. LGBTQ+ inclusive health services.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse (or after 6 months in women over 35). It affects both men and women and may result from a variety of physiological, anatomical, environmental, or genetic factors. Management of Infertility: Lifestyle modification (weight loss, smoking cessation, reduce alcohol/caffeine), Timed intercourse and fertility education.
Women’s mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and is influenced by a unique interplay of biological, social, and cultural factors. Women's experiences with mental health can differ significantly from men’s due to hormonal fluctuations, reproductive events, societal expectations, and gender-based violence.
Hormonal Changes
- Puberty
- Menstrual cycle (e.g., PMS, PMDD)
- Pregnancy and postpartum period
- Perimenopause and menopause
Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability among women worldwide. Effective management of chronic illness in women requires a gender-sensitive approach, considering biological differences, reproductive health, psychosocial stressors, and social determinants of health.
Common Chronic Diseases in Women: Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Osteoporosis, Breast and Gynecological Cancers and Autoimmune Diseases
Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, particularly affecting women and girls. It is a global public health, human rights, and development issue with profound impacts on physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health. Types of Gender-Based Violence Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse by a current or former partner. Sexual Violence Includes rape, attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, and sexual coercion. Can occur in private, public, or institutional settings and Psychological and Emotional Abuse
Complementary therapies are non-mainstream practices used alongside conventional medical treatments to support holistic care. In nursing and midwifery, these therapies can enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, particularly in areas like chronic illness, pregnancy, labor, and palliative care. Assessment: Identify patient needs, preferences, and suitability for complementary therapies. Education: Provide accurate information about safe and effective use. Implementation: Integrate appropriate therapies into care plans when trained and permitted.
Nursing education equips individuals with the knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to deliver safe and compassionate care across the healthcare continuum. It spans a range of academic and professional pathways, from basic training to advanced specialization and leadership.
Nursing practice and safety are foundational to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Nurses are responsible not only for executing clinical tasks but also for creating and maintaining a safe, ethical, and therapeutic environment. Ensuring safety means protecting patients, healthcare providers, and systems from harm. Patient Safety Implementing safety protocols (e.g., hand hygiene, checklists) Workplace Safety for Nurses and Environmental Safety.
Child and adolescent mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of individuals from infancy through young adulthood. It influences how children think, feel, learn, relate to others, and handle stress. Early detection and support are critical to lifelong mental health and well-being.
Importance of Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
- Affects learning, behavior, and emotional development
- Mental health issues often begin before age 14
- Untreated conditions can lead to academic failure, substance abuse, self-harm, and social withdrawal
- Early intervention leads to better outcomes and reduced stigma
Nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.
Objectives of Nursing Informatics
- Improve patient outcomes and safety
- Support evidence-based practice
- Enhance clinical decision-making
- Promote efficiency and workflow
- Facilitate interdisciplinary communication
- Ensure data privacy and security
Nursing and health care are interdependent fields that work together to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and compassionate care across the lifespan. Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, providing care coordination, health education, disease prevention, and advocacy within a wide range of clinical and community settings.: “The autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups, and communities, sick or well, in all settings.”
Nursing includes:
- Promotion of health
- Prevention of illness
- Care of the ill, disabled, and dying
- Advocacy, education, research, and policy work
Cosmetic gynecology refers to a set of elective surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance or function of the female genitalia. While some procedures are performed for reconstructive or functional reasons (e.g. post-childbirth trauma), many are driven by personal preference, body image concerns, or sexual well-being.
Aesthetic Procedures
- Focused on appearance and symmetry, Often involve external genitalia (e.g., labia, vulva)
Functional/Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures
- Target structural or sexual function concerns, Often include tightening or enhancement of pelvic floor tone
Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on managing health concerns of the mother and fetus before, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Also referred to as perinatology, MFM is essential for high-risk pregnancies and provides expert care through advanced diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment.
Maternal–Fetal Medicine aims to:
- Optimize outcomes for high-risk pregnancies
- Identify and manage fetal anomalies or maternal complications
- Provide advanced prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic options
- Support preconception counseling and multidisciplinary care
ART includes all fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled outside the human body. This includes:
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) (sometimes considered semi-ART)
- Egg, sperm, or embryo donation
Indications for IVF and ART
- Female infertility (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, anovulation)
- Male infertility (low sperm count or motility)
- Unexplained infertility
- Age-related infertility
- Genetic disorders requiring embryo screening
- Same-sex couples or single parents
- Cancer patients (fertility preservation before treatment)
