Glossary
Adhesions:
Scarring that binds together the surfaces of tissues inside the abdomen or uterus.
Anesthesia:
Relief of pain by loss of sensation.
Antibiotics:
Drugs that treat infections.
Biopsy:
A minor surgical procedure to remove a small piece of tissue that is then examined under a microscope in a laboratory.
Bladder:
A muscular organ in which urine is stored.
Cervix:
The lower, narrow end of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina.
Cystocele:
Bulging of the bladder neck into the vagina.
Cystourethrocele:
Bulging of the bladder neck into the vagina.
Diuretics:
Drugs given to increase the production of urine.
Diverticulum:
An abnormal pouch or sac in an internal organ or structure
Ectopic Pregnancy:
A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg begins to grow in a place other than inside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis:
A condition in which tissue similar to that normally lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.
Enterocele:
Bulging of the intestine into the upper part of the vagina.
Estrogen:
A female hormone produced in the ovaries that stimulates the growth of the lining of the uterus.
Fascia:
Tissue that supports the organs and muscles of the body.
Fistula:
An abnormal opening or passage between two internal organs.
Fibroids:
Benign (noncancerous) growths that form on the inside of the uterus, on its outer surface, or within the uterine wall itself
General Anesthesia:
The use of medications that produce a sleeplike state to prevent pain during surgery.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
A special X-ray procedure in which a small amount of fluid is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to detect abnormal changes in their size and shape or to determine whether the tubes are blocked.
Hysteroscopy:
A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting telescope, the laparoscope, is used to view the pelvic organs or perform surgery.
Infertility:
A condition in which a woman has been unable to get pregnant after 12 months without the use of any form of birth control.
Kegel Exercises:
Pelvic muscle exercises that assist in bladder and bowel control.
Laparoscopy:
A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting telescope, the laparoscope, is used to view the pelvic organs or perform surgery.
Laparotomy:
A surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen
Lymph:
A nearly colorless fluid that bathes body cells and moves through a system of lymph vessels and nodes in the body.
Menopause:
The process in a woman’s life when ovaries stop functioning and menstruation stops.
Ovaries:
Two glands, located on either side of the uterus, that contain the eggs released at ovulation and that produce hormones
Pap Test:
A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.
Pelvic Exam:
A manual internal and external examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.
Peritoneum:
The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds the internal organs.
Pessary:
A device inserted into the vagina to support sagging organs.
Polyps:
Benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from membrane tissue, such as that lining the inside of the uterus.
Progesterone:
A female hormone that is produced in the ovaries and matures the lining of the uterus. When its level falls, menstruation occurs.
Rectocele:
Bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall.
Resectoscope:
A slender telescope with an electrical wire loop or rollerball tip used to remove or destroy tissue inside the uterus.
Sedative:
An agent or drug that eases nervousness or tension.
Sterilization:
An operation that prevents a woman from becoming pregnant or a man from fathering a child
Ultrasound:
A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures. During pregnancy, it can be used to examine the fetus.
Ureters:
A pair of tubes, each leading from one of the kidneys to the bladder.
Urethra:
A short, narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Uterine Prolapse:
Falling of the uterus into the vagina.
Uterus:
A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.
Vagina:
A passageway surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body, also known as the birth canal.
Vaginal Prolapse:
Bulging of the top of the vagina into the lower vagina or outside the opening of the vagina.