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Reproductive System
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| cervic/o | Cervix (neck of uterus). |
| colp/o | Vagina. |
| -gravida | Pregnant |
| gynec/o | Female or woman. |
| hyster/o | Uterus. |
| mast/o | Breast |
| men/o | Menstruation, menses. |
| orchid/o | Testicles |
| ov/o | Egg, ovum. |
| ovari/o | Ovary |
| -para | To give birth. |
| -pexy | Surgical fixation. |
| salping/o | Uterine (fallopian) tube. |
| test/i | Testicle, testis. |
| vagin/o | Vagina. |
| abruptio placentae | A disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus. |
| amenorrhea | The abnormal absence of menstrual periods for 90 days or more. |
| amniocentesis | A surgical puncture with a needle to obtain a specimen of amniotic fluid. |
| andropause | The decrease of the male hormone testosterone. |
| Apgar score | A scale of 1-10 to evaluate a newborn infant's physical status at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. |
| azoospermia | The absence of sperm in the semen. |
| cervical dysplasia | The presence of precancerous changes in the cells that make up the inner lining of the cervix. |
| colpopexy | The surgical fixation of a prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure. |
| colporrhaphy | Surgical suturing of a tear in the vagina. |
| colposcopy | Direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina. |
| dysmenorrhea | Pain caused by uterine cramps during a menstrual period. |
| eclampsia | A more serious form of preeclampsia that is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma. |
| ectopic pregnancy | A condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus; also known as an extrauterine pregnancy. |
| endocervicitis | Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the cervix. |
| endometriosis | A condition in which patches of endometrial tissue escape the uterus and become attached to other structures in the pelvic cavity. |
| epididymitis | Inflammation of the epididymis. |
| episiotomy | A surgical incision of the perineum to facilitate delivery and prevent laceration of the tissues. |
| fibroadenoma | A round, firm, rubbery mass that arises from excess growth of glandular and connective tissue in the breast. |
| fibrocystic breast disease | The presence of single or multiple benign cysts located in the breasts. |
| galactorrhea | The production of breast milk in women who are not breastfeeding. |
| gonorrhea | A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. |
| hematospermia | The presence of blood in the seminal fluid. |
| hydrocele | A fluid-filled sac in the scrotum that is located along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles. |
| hypomenorrhea | An unusually small amount of menstrual flow during a shortened regular menstrual period. |
| hysterectomy | The surgical removal of the uterus. |
| hysterosalpingography | A radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes following the instillation of radiopaque material. |
| hysteroscopy | The direct visual examination of the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes. |
| leukorrhea | A profuse whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina. |
| mastalgia | Pain in the breast; also known as mastodynia. |
| mastopexy | A surgical procedure to affix sagging breasts into a more elevated position. |
| menarche | The beginning of the menstrual function at puberty. |
| menometrorrhagia | Excessive uterine bleeding occurring both at the usual time of menstrual periods and at other irregular intervals. |
| neonate | A newborn infant during the first 4 weeks after birth. |
| nulligravida | A woman who has never been pregnant. |
| nullipara | A woman who has never borne a viable child. |
| obstetrician | A physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately thereafter. |
| oligomenorrhea | Infrequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods. |
| oophorectomy | The surgical removal of one or both ovaries. |
| orchidectomy | The surgical removal of one or both testicles; also known as an orchiectomy. |
| orchiopexy | Endoscopic surgery to move an undescended testicle into its normal position in the scrotum. |
| pelvic inflammatory disease | Any inflammation of the female reproductive organs not associated with surgery or pregnancy. |
| perimenopause | The transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all. |
| Peyronie’s disease | A form of sexual dysfunction in which the penis is bent or curved during erection. |
| placenta previa | The abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus. |
| polycystic ovary syndrome | A condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries are enlarged by the presence of many cysts formed by incompletely developed follicles. |
| preeclampsia | A complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria. |
| priapism | A painful erection that lasts 4 or more hours and is not accompanied by sexual excitement. |
| primigravida | A woman during her first pregnancy. |
| primipara | A woman who has borne one viable child. |
| pruritus vulvae | Severe itching of the external female genitalia. |
| salpingo-oophorectomy | The surgical removal of a fallopian tube and an ovary. |
| syphilis | A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. |
| trichomoniasis | A sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. |
| uterine prolapse | The condition in which the uterus slides from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and sags into the vagina. |
| varicocele | A knot of widening varicose veins in one side of the scrotum. |
| vasovasostomy | A procedure performed as an attempt to restore fertility to a vasectomized male; also known as a vasectomy reversal. |
| genitalia | are the organs of reproduction and their associated structures. |
| perineum | the external surface region in both males and females between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx. |
| scrotum | the sac-like structure that surrounds, protects, and supports the testicles. The scrotum is suspended from the pubic arch behind the penis and lies between the thighs. |
| testicles | also known as testes, are the two small, egg-shaped glands that produce the sperm (singular, testis). These glands develop within the abdomen of the male fetus and normally descend into the scrotum before or soon after birth. |
| epididymis | a coiled tube at the upper part of each testicle. This tube runs down the length of the testicle, then turns upward toward the body. Here, it narrows to form the tube known as the vas deferens. |
| spermatic cord | extends upward from the epididymis and is attached to each testicle. Each cord |
| Sperm | also known as spermatozoa, are the male gametes (reproductive cells). Semen (SEE-men) is the whitish fluid containing sperm that is ejaculated through the urethra at the peak of male sexual excitement. The term ejaculate means to expel suddenly. |
| Spermatogenesis | the process of sperm formation |
| penis | the male sex organ that transports the sperm into the female vagina. The penis is composed of three columns of erectile tissue |
| glans penis | also known as the head of the penis, is the sensitive region located at the tip of the penis |
| foreskin | also known as the prepuce, is a retractable double-layered fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers and protects the glans penis. |
| vas deferens | also known as the ductus deferens, are the long, narrow continuations of each epididymis. These structures lead upward and eventually join the urethra |
| seminal vesicles | glands that secrete a thick, yellow substance to nourish the sperm cells. This secretion forms 60% of the volume of semen. These glands are located at the base of the urinary bladder and open into the vas deferens as it joins the urethra. |
| ejaculatory duct | which begins at the vas deferens, passes through the prostate gland and empties into the urethra. During ejaculation, a reflex action caused by these ducts, semen passes into the urethra, which exits the body via the penis. |
| prostate gland | lies under the bladder and surrounds the end of the urethra in the region where the vas deferens enters the urethra |
| bulbourethral glands | also known as Cowper’s glands, are located just below the prostate gland. One of these glands is located on either side of the urethra, and they open into the urethra |
| urethra | passes through the penis to the outside of the body. In the male, the urethra serves both the reproductive and the urinary systems |
| urologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the genitourinary system of males and the urinary system of females. The term genitourinary refers to both the genital and urinary organs. |
| Balanitis | an inflammation of the glans penis that is usually caused by poor hygiene in men who have not had the foreskin removed by circumcision |
| balan | glans penis |
| Phimosis | a narrowing of the opening of the foreskin so it cannot be retracted (pulled back) to expose the glans penis. This condition can be present at birth or become apparent during childhood. |
| Erectile dysfunction (ED) | also known as impotence, is the inability of the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection. A penis that is not erect is referred to as being flaccid, or limp. |
| Peyronie’s disease | also known as penile curvature, is a form of sexual dysfunction in which the penis is bent or curved during erection. |
| Priapism | a painful erection that lasts 4 hours or more but is either not accompanied by sexual excitement or does not go away after sexual stimulation has ended. The condition can be caused by medications or by blood-related diseases |
| Premature ejaculation | a condition in which the male reaches climax too soon, usually before or shortly after penetration of the female. |
| Andropause (ADAM) | marked by the decrease of the male hormone testosterone. It usually begins when a man is in his late 40s and progresses very gradually over several decades. Androgen is a male sex hormone. |
| andr/o | male or masculine |
| -pause | stopping |
| Cryptorchidism | also known as an undescended testicle, is a developmental defect in which one or both of the testicles fail to descend into their normal position in the scrotum |
| crypt | hidden |
| Anorchism | congenital absence of one or both testicles |
| an- | without |
| Epididymitis | inflammation of the epididymis that is frequently caused by the spread of infection from the urethra or the bladder |
| hydrocele | a fluid-filled sac in the scrotum along the spermatic cord leading from the testicles |
| spermatocele | a cyst that develops in the epididymis and is filled with a milky fluid containing sperm |
| -cele | hernia, tumor, or swelling |
| Testicular cancer | cancer that begins in the testicles. It is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 34 years. This cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early. |
| Testicular torsion | a sharp pain in the scrotum caused by twisting of the vas deferens and blood vessels leading into the testicle. Torsion means twisting. |
| Testitis | also known as orchitis, is inflammation of one or both testicles |
| varicocele | a knot of widening varicose veins in one side of the scrotum |
| Azoospermia | the absence of sperm in the semen |
| olig/o | few |
| -ia | abnormal condition |
| Hematospermia | the presence of blood in the seminal fluid |
| Sperm count | also known as a sperm analysis, is the testing of freshly ejaculated semen to determine the volume plus the number, shape, size, and motility of the sperm. |
| Testicular self-examination | a self-help step in early detection of testicular cancer by detecting lumps, swelling, or changes in the skin of the scrotum. |
| Circumcision | the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. This optional procedure is usually performed within a few days of birth. |
| orchidectomy | also spelled as orchiectomy, is the surgical removal of one or both testicles |
| Orchiopexy | the repair of an undescended testicle ( orchi/o means testicle, and -pexy means surgical fixation). This is an endoscopic surgery performed on infants before the age of 1 year to move the testicle into its normal position in the scrotum. |
| varicocelectomy | the removal of a portion of an enlarged vein to relieve a varicocele |
| Sterilization | any procedure rendering an individual (male or female) incapable of reproduction. |
| Castration | also known as bilateral orchidectomy, is the surgical removal or destruction of both testicles. |
| vasectomy | is the male sterilization procedure in which a small portion of the vas deferens is surgically removed. This prevents sperm from entering the ejaculate but does not change the volume of semen created by the body |
| vasovasostomy | also known as a vasectomy reversal, is a procedure performed as an attempt to restore fertility to a vasectomized male |
| Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), | also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections caused by either bacteria or a virus that affects both males and females. These conditions are commonly spread through sexual intercourse or other genital contact. |
| Chlamydia | caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. It is highly contagious and requires early treatment with antibiotics. |
| Bacterial vaginosis | condition in women there is an abnormal overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Can cause complications during pregnancy and an increased risk of HIV infection if exposed to the virus. |
| Genital herpes | caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. Symptoms include itching or burning before the appearance of lesions (sores) on the genitals or rectum. This condition is highly contagious, even when visible lesions are not present. |
| Genital warts, caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) | highly contagious. In the male, this virus infects the urethra. In the female, it infects the external genitalia, cervix, and vagina. It also increases the risk of cervical cancer |
| Gonorrhea | a highly contagious condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, this condition affects the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. In men, it affects the urethra by causing painful urination and an abnormal discharge. |
| human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids, particularly through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. |
| Syphilis | caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has many symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other STDs. Syphilis is highly contagious and is passed from person to person through direct contact with a chancre, which is a sore caused by syphilis |
| Trichomoniasis | also known as trich, is an infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. One of the most common symptoms in infected women is a thin, frothy, yellow-green, foul-smelling vaginal discharge. |
| mons pubis | a rounded, fleshy prominence located over the pubic symphysis (Figure 14.6). These structures are known collectively as the vulva (VUL-vah) or the pudendum. The vulva consists of the labia, clitoris, Bartholin’s glands, and vaginal orifice. |
| labia majora and labia minora | the vaginal lips that protect the other external genitalia and the urethral meatus (singular, labium). The urethral meatus, which is the external opening of the urethra |
| clitoris | an organ of sensitive, erectile tissue located anterior to the urethral meatus and the vaginal orifice |
| Bartholin’s glands | produce a mucus secretion to lubricate the vagina. These two small, round glands are located on either side of the vaginal orifice. |
| vaginal orifice | the exterior opening of the vagina. |
| hymen | thin mucous membrane that partially covers this opening and can be torn either during the first instance of intercourse or other activity. This tissue can be absent in a woman who has not been sexually active |
| Breasts | made up of fat, connective tissue, and the mammary glands (the word parts mamm/o and mast/o both mean breast). Each breast is fixed to the overlying skin and the underlying pectoral muscles by suspensory ligaments |
| Mammary glands | also known as the lactiferous glands, are the milk-producing glands that develop during puberty. |
| lactiferous ducts | also known as milk ducts, carry milk from the mammary glands to the nipple |
| -iferous | carrying or producing |
| nipple | Breast milk flows through the nipple, which is surrounded by the dark-pigmented area known as the areola |
| areola | the dark-pigmented area known |
| ovaries | a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen, one on either side of the uterus |
| follicle | a fluid-filled sac containing a single ovum (egg). There are thousands of these sacs on the inside surface of the ovaries. |
| ova | also known as eggs, are the female gametes (singular, ovum). These immature ova are present at birth. Normally, after puberty, one ovum matures and is released each month. |
| fallopian tubes | also known as uterine tubes. These tubes extend from the upper end of the uterus to a point near but not attached to an ovary |
| infundibulum | the funnel-shaped opening into the fallopian tube near the ovary. |
| fimbriae | the fringed, finger-like extensions of this opening. Their role is to catch the mature ovum when it leaves the ovary |
| uterus | ormerly known as the womb, is a pear-shaped organ with muscular walls and a mucous membrane lining filled with a rich supply of blood vessels |
| anteflexion | when the uterus is in its normal position, the body of the uterus is bent forward |
| fundus | the bulging, rounded part above the entrance of the fallopian tubes. Because the fundus rises during pregnancy, measuring the fundal height in relation to the pubic bone helps determine the baby’s growth. |
| corpus | also known as the body of the uterus, is the middle portion. |
| cervix | also known as the cervix uteri, is the lower, narrow portion that extends into the vagina. Within the cervix is the cervical canal, which ends at the cervical os at the vagina. |
| perimetrium | also known as the uterine serosa, is the tough, membranous outer layer |
| myometrium | the muscular middle layer |
| endometrium | the inner layer, and it consists of specialized epithelial mucosa that is rich in blood vessels |
| vagina | the muscular tube lined with mucosa that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. |
| Menstruation | also known as menses, is the normal periodic discharge of the endometrial lining and unfertilized egg from uterus. The average menstrual cycle consists of 28 days. These days are grouped into four phases |
| Menarche | he beginning of menstruation. This begins after the maturation that occurs during puberty. In the United States the average age of menarche is 12. |
| men | menstration |
| -arche | beginning |
| Menopause | the normal termination of menstruation in a woman during middle age. Menopause is considered to be confirmed when a woman has gone 1 year without having a period. |
| Perimenopause | the term used to designate the transition phase between regular menstrual periods and no periods at all |
| Ovulation | the release of a mature egg from a follicle on the surface of one of the ovaries that happens on approximately the 13th or 14th day of a woman’s menstrual cycle. |
| corpus luteum | secretes the hormone progesterone during the second half of the menstrual cycle. This maintains the growth of the uterine lining in preparation for the fertilized egg. |
| coitus | also known as sexual intercourse or copulation, the male ejaculates approximately 100 million sperm into the female’s vagina. The sperm travel upward through the vagina, into the uterus, and on into the fallopian tubes. |
| Conception | occurs when a sperm penetrates and fertilizes the descending ovum. |
| zygote | the union of sperm and descending ovum, the beginning of a new life form, a single cell. |
| embryo | From implantation through the 8th week of pregnancy, the developing baby |
| fetus | From the 9th week of pregnancy to the time of birth, the baby in utero is known as a fetus |
| Fraternal twins | result from the fertilization of separate ova by separate sperm cells. These develop into two separate embryos |
| Identical twins | formed by the fertilization of a single egg cell by a single sperm that divides to form two embryos. Each of these twins receives exactly the same genetic information from the parents. |
| multiples | used to describe a birth involving more than two infants. |
| chorion | the thin outer membrane that encloses the embryo. It contributes to the formation of the placenta |
| placenta | a temporary organ that forms within the uterus to allow the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the mother and fetus without allowing maternal blood and fetal blood to mix. |
| afterbirth | After delivery of the newborn, the placenta and fetal membranes are expelled |
| amniotic sac | which is also known as the amnion, is the innermost membrane that surrounds the embryo in the uterus |
| amniotic cavity | This is the fluid-filled space between the embryo and the amniotic sac. |
| Amnionic fluid | also known as amniotic fluid, is the liquid that protects the fetus and makes possible its floating movements. |
| umbilical cord | the tube that carries blood, oxygen, and nutrients from the placenta to the developing baby. It also transports waste from the fetus to be disposed of through the mother’s excretory system. |
| navel | also known as the belly button, is formed where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. |
| Gestation | lasts approximately 280 days (40 weeks), is the period of development of the baby in the mother’s uterus. Upon completion of this developmental time, the fetus is described as being at term and should be ready for birth |
| pregnancy | which is often used interchangeably with gestation, means the condition of having a developing baby in the uterus. |
| trimesters | For descriptive purposes, pregnancy can also be divided into three trimesters of about 13 weeks each. |
| due date | estimated date of confinement (EDC), is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). Confinement is an old-fashioned term describing the time when a period of rest for the mother followed childbirth. |
| Quickening | the first movement of the fetus in the uterus that can be felt by the mother. This usually occurs during the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy. |
| Braxton Hicks contractions | intermittent painless uterine contractions that occur with increasing frequency as the pregnancy progresses. These contractions are not true labor pains and are usually infrequent, irregular, and essentially painless |
| viable | The fetus is described as being viable when it is capable of living outside the uterus. Viability depends on the developmental age, birth weight, and developmental stage of the lungs of the fetus. |
| antepartum | refers to the final stage of pregnancy just before the onset of labor. |
| Multiparous | means a woman who has given birth two or more times |
| Labor and delivery | also known as childbirth or parturition, occurs in three stages, Dilation, Delivery of the baby, Expulsion of the afterbirth |
| dilation | During the first (and longest) stage of labor, the changes that occur include the gradual dilation (dye-LAY-shun) and effacement of the cervix and the rupture of the amniotic sac |
| Effacement | the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery as it gradually softens, shortens, and becomes thinner |
| Fetal monitoring | the use of an electronic device to record the fetal heart rate and the maternal uterine contractions during labor. |
| Cephalic presentation | or crowning describes when the baby is coming head first. The head can be seen at the vaginal opening |
| Puerperium | the time from the delivery of the placenta through approximately the first 6 weeks after the delivery. By the end of this period, most of the changes in the mother’s body due to pregnancy have resolved, and the body has reverted to the nonpregnant state. |
| Lochia | the postpartum vaginal discharge that typically continues for 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth |
| Uterine involution | the return of the uterus to its normal size and former condition after delivery. Involution means the return of an enlarged organ to its normal size. |
| Colostrum | is a specialized form of breast milk that delivers essential nutrients and antibodies in a form that the newborn can digest. Colostrum is produced by the mammary glands in late pregnancy and during the first few days after giving birth. |
| Lactation | the process of forming and secreting milk from the breasts as nourishment for the infant. The breast milk develops a few days after giving birth to replace the colostrum. |
| Vernix | a greasy substance that protects the fetus in utero and can still be present at birth. |
| neonate | The newborn infant is known as a neonate (NEE-oh-nayt) during the first 4 weeks after birth. |
| Meconium | the greenish material that collects in the intestine of a fetus and forms the first stools of a newborn. |
| Apgar score | a scale of 1 to 10 to evaluate a newborn infant’s physical status at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The Apgar score is named for obstetrical anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar. |
| gynecologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system |
| obstetrician | a physician who specializes in providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately thereafter. This specialty is referred to as obstetrics. |
| neonatologist | a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the newborn |
| infertility specialist | also known as a fertility specialist, helps infertile couples by diagnosing and treating problems associated with conception and maintaining pregnancy. |
| fimbriae | the finger-like structures of the fallopian tube that catch the ovum |
| Anovulation | the absence of ovulation when it would be normally expected |
| Oophoritis | inflammation of an ovary |
| Ovarian cancer | originates within the cells of the ovaries. These cancer cells can break away from the ovary and spread (metastasize) to other tissues and organs within the abdomen or travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. |
| Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) | any inflammation of the female reproductive organs that is not associated with surgery or pregnancy. This condition occurs most frequently as a complication of a sexually transmitted disease and can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy |
| Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) | a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries are enlarged by the presence of many cysts formed by incompletely developed follicles. |
| Pyosalpinx | an accumulation of pus in a fallopian tube |
| Salpingitis | an inflammation of a fallopian tube |
| Endometrial cancer | involves a cancerous growth that begins in the lining of the uterus. One of the earliest symptoms of this cancer that frequently occurs after menopause is abnormal bleeding from the uterus. |
| uterine fibroid | also known as a myoma, is a benign tumor composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that occurs in the wall of the uterus |
| Cervical cancer | a slow-growing squamous cell cancer (see Chapter 12). It is caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can now usually be prevented through vaccination. Cervical cancer can be detected early through routine Pap smears. |
| Cervicitis | an inflammation of the cervix that is usually caused by an infection |
| Colporrhexis | tearing or laceration of the vaginal wa |
| Dyspareunia | Dyspareunia |
| -pareunia | sexual intercourse |
| Leukorrhea | a profuse, whitish mucus discharge from the uterus and vagina |
| Vaginal atrophy | a decrease in elasticity and lubrication caused by hormonal changes. It affects about half of all postmenopausal women and can be treated with moisturizers or estrogen therapy. |
| Vaginal candidiasis | also known as a yeast infection, is a vaginal infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans |
| Vaginismus | is an involuntary spasm of the pelvic floor muscles, which close off the vagina |
| Vaginitis | an inflammation of the lining of the vagina |
| Vulvodynia | a painful syndrome of unknown cause ( vulv/o means vulva, and -dynia means pain). It is characterized by chronic burning, dyspareunia, itching, or stinging irritation of the vulva. |
| Vulvitis | an inflammation of the vulva ( vulv means vulva, and -itis means inflammation). Possible causes include fungal or bacterial infections, chafing, skin conditions, or allergies to products such as soaps and bubble bath. |
| fibroadenoma | a round, firm, rubbery mass that arises from excess growth of glandular and connective tissue in the breast |
| Fibrocystic breast disease | the presence of single or multiple benign cysts in the breasts. This condition occurs more frequently in older women. A cyst is a closed sac containing fluid or semisolid material. |
| Galactorrhea | the production of breast milk in a woman who is not breastfeeding. This condition is caused by a malfunction of the thyroid or pituitary gland. |
| Mastalgia | also known as mastodynia, is pain in the breast |
| Mastitis | a breast infection that is caused by bacteria that enter the breast tissue, most frequently during breastfeeding |
| Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) | a condition characterized by abnormal bleeding, often due to an imbalance in hormone level changes. |
| Hypermenorrhea | also known as menorrhagia, is an excessive amount of menstrual flow over a period of more than 7 days |
| Metrorrhagia | uterine bleeding between menstrual periods, often referred to as spotting |
| Oligomenorrhea | the term used to describe infrequent or very light menstruation in a woman with previously normal periods |
| Polymenorrhea | the occurrence of menstrual cycles more frequently than is normal |
| Premature menopause | a condition in which the ovaries cease functioning before age 40 years due to disease, a hormonal disorder, or surgical removal. This causes infertility and often brings on menopausal symptoms. |
| Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | a group of symptoms experienced by some women within the 2-week period before menstruation. These symptoms can include bloating, swelling, headaches, mood swings, and breast discomfort. |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) | a condition associated with severe emotional and physical problems that are closely linked to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms occur regularly in the second half of the cycle and end when menstruation begins or shortly thereafter. |
| abortion | the interruption or termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A spontaneous abortion, also known as a miscarriage, usually occurs early in the pregnancy and is due to an abnormality or genetic disorder. |
| ectopic pregnancy | also known as an extrauterine pregnancy, is a potentially dangerous condition in which a fertilized egg is implanted and begins to develop outside of the uterus. Ectopic means out of place |
| Gestational diabetes mellitus | a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy |
| Infertility | the inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to a live birth. |
| Preeclampsia | also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension (high blood pressure), edema (swelling), and proteinuria (an abnormally high level of protein in the urine). |
| Eclampsia | which is a more serious form of preeclampsia, is characterized by convulsions and sometimes coma. Treatment for this condition includes the delivery of the fetus. |
| HELLP syndrome | life-threatening pregnancy complication characterized by hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. It occurs in 10–20% of pregnant women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia and can occur during third trim |
| Rh factor | defines the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells The Rh factor can cause difficulties when an Rh negative (Rh–) mother is pregnant with an Rh positive (Rh+) baby. If a small amount of the baby’s blood enters the mother’s bloodstream, |
| Abruptio placentae | or placental abruption, is a disorder in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus. Abruption means breaking off. This condition is a leading cause of fetal death. |
| Breech presentation | occurs when the buttocks or feet of the fetus are positioned to enter the birth canal first instead of the head. |
| Placenta previa | the abnormal implantation of the placenta in the lower portion of the uterus. Previa means appearing before or in front of. Symptoms include painless, sudden-onset bleeding during the third trimester. |
| premature infant | also known as a preemie, is a fetus born before the 37th week of gestation. |
| stillbirth | the birth of a fetus that died before or during delivery. |
| Postpartum depression | a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness and the loss of pleasure in normal activities that can occur shortly after giving birth. One cause of this depression is the rapid change in the hormone levels that occurs after giving birth. |
| Colposcopy | the direct visual examination of the tissues of the cervix and vagina |
| endometrial biopsy | a small amount of the tissue from the lining of the uterus is removed for microscopic examination. This test is most often used to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. |
| Endovaginal ultrasound | performed to determine the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. This test is performed by placing an ultrasound transducer in the vagina so that the sound waves can create images of the uterus and ovaries. |
| Hysterosalpingography | a radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test requires the instillation of radiopaque contrast material into the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes to make them visible. |
| Hysteroscopy | the direct visual examination of the interior of the uterus and fallopian tubes |
| Pap smear | an exfoliative biopsy of the cervix. It is performed to detect conditions that can be early indicators of cervical cancer |
| pregnancy test | performed to detect an unusually high level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone in either a blood or urine specimen, which is usually an indication of pregnancy. |
| First trimester screening | also known as combined screening, is performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and involves an ultrasound and a finger-stick blood test. The combined results, plus the mother’s age, detect if the fetus is at increased risk for Down syndrome |
| Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) | the examination of cells retrieved from the chorionic villi, which are minute, vascular projections on the chorion. This test is performed between the 8th and 10th weeks of pregnancy to search for genetic abnormalities in the developing fetus. |
| Amniocentesis | a surgical puncture with a needle to obtain a specimen of amniotic fluid. This specimen, which is usually obtained after the 14th week of pregnancy, is used to evaluate fetal health and to diagnose certain congenital disorders. |
| Pelvimetry | a radiographic study to measure the dimensions of the pelvis to evaluate its capacity to allow passage of the fetus through the birth canal |
| contraceptive | a measure taken to lessen the likelihood of pregnancy. |
| diaphragm | a barrier contraceptive that prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. |
| intrauterine device (IUD) | a molded plastic contraceptive inserted through the cervix into the uterus to prevent pregnancy |
| condom | will also prevent pregnancy when used correctly. It is the only contraceptive method mentioned here that will also prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). |
| Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) | s the use of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to replace those the body no longer produces during and after perimenopause. Estradiol and progestin are commonly used synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, respectively. |
| salpingectomy | the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes |
| salpingo-oophorectomy (SO) | the surgical removal of a fallopian tube and ovary |
| Tubal ligation | a surgical sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are sealed or cut to prevent sperm from reaching a mature ovum |
| Conization | also known as a cone biopsy, is the surgical removal of a cone-shaped specimen of tissue from the cervix. This is performed as a diagnostic procedure or to remove abnormal tissue. |
| Dilation and curettage | commonly known as a D & C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and the endometrium of the uterus is scraped away. This can be performed as a diagnostic or a treatment procedure |
| myomectomy | is the surgical removal of uterine fibroids |
| total hysterectomy | also known as a complete hysterectomy, the uterus and cervix are removed. This procedure can be performed through the vagina or laparoscopically through the abdomen |
| radical hysterectomy | also known as a bilateral hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy, is most commonly performed to treat uterine cancer |
| Mammoplasty | also spelled mammaplasty, is a general term for a cosmetic operation on the breasts |
| Breast augmentation | mammoplasty performed to increase breast size, often for cosmetic reasons. Augmentation means the process of adding to make larger. Breast augmentation is the opposite of breast reduction. |
| Breast reduction | mammoplasty performed to decrease and reshape excessively large, heavy breasts. Breast reduction, which is sometimes done to relieve back and neck pain, is the opposite of breast augmentation. |
| Mastopexy | also called a breast lift, is a mammoplasty to affix sagging breasts in a more elevated position |
| cesarean section | also known as a C-section, is the delivery of the child through an incision in the maternal abdominal and uterine walls. This is usually performed when a vaginal birth would be unsafe for either the mother or baby. |
| VBAC | vaginal birth after a cesarean. |
| episiotomy | a surgical incision made into the perineum to enlarge the vaginal orifice to prevent tearing of the tissues as the infant moves out of the birth canal |
| episiorrhaphy | the surgical suturing to repair an episiotomy |
| incubator | an apparatus for maintaining an environment of controlled temperature, humidity, and oxygen concentration for a premature or ill newborn |
| assisted reproductive technology (ART) | describes techniques used to aid an infertile couple in achieving a viable pregnancy. |
| Artificial insemination (AI) | also called intrauterine insemination (IUI), is a technique in which sperm from a woman’s partner or from a donor are introduced into the vagina or uterus during the ovulatory phase of her menstrual cycle. |
| In vitro fertilization (IVF) | In vitro fertilization |
| AMA | Advanced maternal age is the term applied to women in their late 30s to late 40s. As one of these women age, the possibility of her becoming pregnant decreases. |
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