Women's Health
Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
abdominal hysterectomy - the uterus is removed through the abdomen via a surgical incision.
abortion - medical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus.
adhesion - a band of scar tissue that joins normally separated internal body structures, most often after surgery, inflammation, or injury in the area.
adrenal glands - two glands, one on top of each kidney, which produce a variety of hormones that affect nearly every body system.
advance directives - legal documents - such as living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care decisions - that detail a person's wishes regarding medical treatment prior to an illness or accident that makes him/her unable to do so.
alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - a protein produced by a developing fetus that is present in amniotic fluid and, in smaller amounts, in a pregnant woman's blood. Abnormal levels of AFP found in a blood test between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy can indicate abnormalities in the fetus.
Alzheimer's disease - A progressive, incurable condition that destroys brain cells, gradually causing loss of intellectual abilities - such as memory - and extreme changes in personality and behavior.
amenorrhea - absence or cessation of menstrual periods.
amenorrhea, primary - from the beginning and lifelong; menstruation never begins at puberty.
amenorrhea, secondary - due to some physical cause and usually of later onset; a condition in which menstrual periods which were at one time normal and regular become increasing abnormal and irregular or absent.
amniocentesis - prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn through a needle inserted through a pregnant woman's abdominal wall into the uterus, then examined in a laboratory to detect genetic abnormalities in a fetus.
amniotic fluid - clear liquid that surrounds and protects the fetus throughout pregnancy.
anemia - blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells); it can result from abnormal blood loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
anovulation - failure of the ovaries to produce or release mature eggs.
antibodies - proteins produced by the immune system to fight specific bacteria, viruses, or other antigens.
antioxidants - compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.
assisted reproductive technology (ART) - medical procedures, such as intrauterine insemination, that are performed to help infertile couples conceive.
B
basal body temperature - temperature of a person's body taken first thing in the morning after several hours of sleep and before any activity, including getting out of bed or talking; often charted to determine the time of ovulation.
benign - cell growth that is not cancerous, does not invade nearby tissue, or spread to other parts of the body.
biopsy - removal of sample of tissue via a hollow needle or scalpel.
body mass index (BMI) - number, derived by using height and weight measurements, that gives a general indication if weight falls within a healthy range.
bone density - measure of the mass of bone in relation to its volume to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Braxton Hicks contractions - Relatively brief, painless contractions of the uterus that may begin during the second half of pregnancy.
breast self-examination (BSE) - routine, monthly examination of the breasts.
C
CA-125 test - Blood test to detect an elevated level of a protein antigen called CA-125, which may indicate ovarian cancer, among other disorders.
calcium - mineral that gives strength to bones and teeth and has an important role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.
cancer - abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
carcinogen - a substance that is known to cause cancer.
cervical dysplasia - condition in which cells in the cervix have undergone precancerous changes. It is detected by a Pap smear; treatment can prevent it from progressing to cervical cancer.
cervicitis - an irritation of the cervix by a number of different organisms. Cervicitis is generally classified as either acute or chronic.
cervix - the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) - term used to classify the degree of precancerous change in cells of the cervix in a condition called cervical dysplasia.
cesarean delivery (Also called c-section.) - surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus.
chlamydial infection - very common sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and reproductive system.
chorionic villus sampling (CVS) - diagnostic test usually performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the placenta and examined to detect genetic abnormalities in a fetus.
chromosomes - filaments of genetic material in every cell nucleus that are made up of genes and that transmit genetic information from one generation of cells to the next.
climacteric (Also called perimenopause.) - the transition period of time before menopause, marked by a decreased production of estrogen and progesterone, irregular menstrual periods, and transitory psychological changes.
colostrum - thin, white, first milk produced by the breasts during late pregnancy and for a few days after childbirth. It provides a nursing infant with essential nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies.
colposcopy - visual examination of the cervix and vagina using a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcope).
cone biopsy (Also called conization.) - a biopsy in which a larger cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix by using the loop electrosurgical excision procedure or the cold knife cone biopsy procedure. The cone biopsy procedure may be used as a treatment for precancerous lesions and early cancers.
contractions, labor - rhythmic tightening of the muscular wall of the uterus to push the fetus down through the vagina during childbirth.
cryosurgery - use of liquid nitrogen, or a probe that is very cold, to freeze and kill cancer cells.
culdocentesis - a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the pelvic cavity through the vaginal wall to obtain a sample of pus.
cyst - a fluid-filled or semi-solid sac in or under the skin.
cystitis - inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection.
cystocele - condition in which weakened pelvic muscles cause the base of the bladder to drop from its usual position down into the vagina.
cystometry - diagnostic procedure that measures bladder capacity and pressure changes as the bladder fills and empties.
cystoscopy - procedure in which a viewing tube (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder and ureters or to treat a disorder.
cystourethrocele - condition that results when the urethra and its supporting tissues weaken and drop into the vagina leading to stress incontinence.
D
dilation and curettage (Also called D & C.) - a minor operation in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument).
DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) - imaging technique that uses a very low dose of radiation to measure bone density for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
domestic violence - violence and abuse by family members or intimate partners such as a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend, or date.
dysmenorrhea - pain or discomfort experienced just before or during a menstrual period.
dysmenorrhea, primary - from the beginning and usually lifelong; severe and frequent menstrual cramping caused by uterine contractions.
dysmenorrhea, secondary - due to some physical cause and usually of later onset; painful menstrual periods caused by an another medical condition present in the body (i.e., pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis).
dyspareunia - pain in the vagina or pelvis experienced during sexual intercourse.
dysplasia - an abnormality of growth.
E
eclampsia - a serious, life-threatening condition in late pregnancy in which very high blood pressure can cause a woman to have seizures.
ectopic pregnancy (Also called tubal pregnancy.) - pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.
endocervical curettage (ECC) - a procedure which uses a narrow instrument called a curette to scrape the lining of the endocervical canal. This type of biopsy is usually completed along with the colposcopic biopsy.
endometrial ablation - a procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
endometrial biopsy - a procedure in which a sample of tissue is obtained through a tube which is inserted into the uterus.
endometrial hyperplasia - abnormal thickening of the endometrium caused by excessive cell growth.
endometrial implants - fragments of endometrium that relocate outside of the uterus, such as in the muscular wall of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, or intestine, and bleed monthly just as endometrium does in the uterus.
endometriosis - condition in which tissue resembling that of the endometrium grows outside the uterus, on or near the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or in other areas of the pelvic cavity.
endometrium - mucous membrane lining of the inner surface of the uterus that grows during each menstrual cycle and is shed in menstrual blood.
endoscopy - use of a very flexible tube with a lens or camera (and a light on the end), which is connected to a computer screen, allowing the physician to see inside the hollow organs, such as the uterus. Biopsy samples can be taken through the tube.
enterocele - condition caused by weakened muscles in the pelvis in which a portion of the intestines bulges into the top of the vagina.
epidural anesthesia - method of pain relief used during surgery or childbirth in which an anesthetic is injected into a small area surrounding the spinal cord (the epidural space) to block pain nerve impulses from the lower half of the body.
episiotomy - incision made in the skin between the vagina and anus to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth.
estrogen - a group of hormones secreted by the ovaries which affect many aspects of the female body, including a woman's menstrual cycle and normal sexual and reproductive development.
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) - use of the female hormone estrogen to replace that which the body no longer produces naturally after medical or surgical menopause.
F
fallopian tubes - two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries as a passageway for eggs and sperm.
fecal occult-blood test - screening test for possible signs of cancer of the colon or rectum.
fertile - able to become pregnant.
fetal alcohol syndrome - set of serious birth defects that can occur when a pregnant woman drinks excessive amounts of alcohol.
fibroadenoma - noncancerous, firm, rubbery lump in the breast that is painless and moves around easily when touched.
fibrocystic breasts - noncancerous condition in which small lumps and cysts develop in the breasts.
fibroids - non-cancerous growths in, on, or within the walls of the uterus.
folic acid - a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain that stimulates the growth and maturation of eggs in females and sperm in males, and sex hormone production in both males and females.
functional incontinence - difficulty reaching a restroom in time because of physical conditions such as arthritis.
G
genes - basic, functional units of heredity, each occupying a specific place on a chromosome.
genetic counseling - providing information, advice, and testing to prospective parents at risk of having a child with a birth defect or genetic disorder.
genitals - external sex organs.
genital herpes - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus.
genital warts - sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
gestational diabetes - form of diabetes that may develop during pregnancy in women who do not otherwise have diabetes.
GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) - method of treating infertility by removing eggs from a woman's ovaries, combining them with sperm from her partner or a donor in the laboratory, and placing the eggs and sperm together in one of her fallopian tubes, where fertilization can occur.
gonorrhea - common sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium, which can lead to infertility in women.
H
hirsutism - excessive growth of body and facial hair, including the chest, stomach, and back
hormones - chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - use of the female hormones estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) to replace those the body no longer produces after menopause.
hormone therapy - treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones.
human chorionic gonadotropin - hormone produced by the placenta during early pregnancy.
human papillomaviruses (HPVs) - viruses that can cause warts. Some HPVs are sexually transmitted and cause wart-like growths on the genitals. HPV is a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
hyperplasia - an abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or an organ (i.e., cervix or the lining of the uterus).
hypothalamus - small structure at the base of the brain that regulates many body functions, including appetite and body temperature.
hysterectomy - surgical removal of the uterus.
hysterosalpingography - x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes that uses dye and is often performed to rule out tubal obstruction.
hysteroscope - visual examination of the canal of the cervix and the interior of the uterus using a viewing instrument (hysteroscope) inserted through the vagina.
I
incontinence, urinary - un