Female Nonobstetric Genitourinary Emergencies

The emergency medicine provider sees a broad range of pathology involving the female genitourinary system on a daily basis. Must-not-miss diagnoses include pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian torsion, because these diagnoses can have severe complications and affect future fertility. Although most patients with abnormal uterine bleeding are hemodynamically stable, it can present as a life-threatening emergency and providers should be adept managing severe hemorrhage. Bartholin gland cysts are common complaints that often require procedural intervention. This article discusses these diagnoses and appropriate evaluation and management in the emergency department.