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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procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn through a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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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incontinence, urinary - uncontrollable,
involuntary leaking of urine.
infertility - not being able to produce children.
intrauterine insemination - treatment
for infertility in which semen is introduced into the uterus via a slim
tube inserted through the vagina.
in vitro fertilization - treatment for
infertility in which a woman's egg is fertilized outside her body, with
her partner's sperm or sperm from a donor.
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labia - the folds of skin at the
opening of the vagina (and other organs).
laparoscopy - use of a viewing tube with a lens or
camera (and a light on the end), which is inserted through a small
incision in the abdomen to examine the contents of the abdomen and remove
tissue samples.
laparotomy - a surgical procedure that involves an
incision from the upper to lower abdomen; often used when making a
diagnosis by less invasive tests is difficult.
liposuction - type of cosmetic surgery
in which localized areas of fat are removed from beneath the skin using a
suction-pump device inserted through a small incision.
loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
- procedure for treating cervical dysplasia in which a fine wire loop and
low-energy current are used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.
lumpectomy - breast-conserving surgical
procedure for breast cancer patients in which only the tumor and a small
area of surrounding tissue are removed.
luteinizing hormone (LH) - hormone secreted by the
pituitary gland in the brain that stimulates the growth and maturation of
eggs in females and sperm in males.
lymphatic system - tissues and organs, including bone
marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce, store, and carry
white blood cells to fight infection and disease.
lymph nodes (Also called lymph glands.) - small organs
located in the channels of the lymphatic system which store special cells
to trap bacteria or cancer cells traveling through the body in lymph.
Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest,
and abdomen.
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive
procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or
structure, especially the brain and spinal cord. The MRI may show abnormal
nodules in bones or lymph nodes - a sign that cancer may be spreading.
malignant - cancerous cells are present.
mammogram - x-ray of the breast tissue.
mastectomy - surgical removal of all or
part of the breast.
mastitis - infection of the milk ducts
in the breast.
melanoma - the most serious,
life-threatening form of skin cancer.
menarche - a young woman's first menstrual period.
menopause - end of menstruation; commonly used to
refer to the period ending the female reproductive phase of life.
menorrhagia - the most
common type of abnormal uterine bleeding (also called dysfunctional
uterine bleeding) characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.
In some cases, bleeding may be so severe and relentless that daily
activities become interrupted.
menses - menstrual flow.
menstruation - a cyclical process of the endometrium
shedding its lining, along with discharge from the cervix and vagina, from
the vaginal opening. This process results from the mature egg cell (ovum)
not being fertilized by a sperm cell as it travels from one of the ovaries
down a fallopian tube to the uterus, in the process called ovulation.
metastasis - the spread of cancer from
its original site to other sites in the body.
metrorrhagia - any irregular, acyclic
non-menstrual bleeding from the uterus; bleeding between menstrual
periods.
miscarriage - spontaneous termination
of a pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to survive outside
the uterus.
morning-after pills - hormonal
medications to prevent pregnancy taken within 72 hours of having
unprotected intercourse.
mycoplasma - very common sexually
transmitted disease or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like
organism in the urethra and reproductive system.
myomectomy - surgical procedure done to
remove fibroids from the uterus and leaving the uterus intact.
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needle biopsy - biopsy procedure in
which a small sample of tissue is removed through a hollow needle.
neural tube defect - type of birth
defect, such as spina bifida, that results from failure of the spinal cord
or brain to develop normally in a fetus.
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Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) - Physicians who
specialize in general women's medical care, diagnosis and treatment of
disorders of the female reproductive system, and care of pregnant women.
oligomenorrhea - infrequent or light menstrual cycles.
oncogenes - genes that promote normal
cell division.
oncologist - physician who specializes in treating
cancer.
oophorectomy - surgical removal of one
or both ovaries.
osteoporosis - disorder in which bones
thin and become brittle and more prone to fracture; most common in women
after menopause due to estrogen deficiency.
ovaries - pair of small glands, located
on either side of the uterus, in which egg cells develop and are stored
and the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced.
overflow incontinence - the leakage of
small amounts of urine from a bladder that is always full.
ovulation - release of a mature egg
from an ovary.
ovum - a mature egg cell released during ovulation
from an ovary.
oxytocin - hormone produced by the
pituitary gland that stimulates contractions of the uterus during labor
and release of milk during breast-feeding.
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Pap test (Also called Pap smear.) -
Test that involves microscopic examination of cells collected from the
cervix, used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer,
and to show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation.
pelvic examination - an internal examination of the uterus,
vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - inflammation of the pelvic
organs caused by a type of bacteria.
pelvic lymph node dissection - removal of some lymph nodes
from the pelvis.
pelvis - a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal
column and contains the sacrum, coccyx, and hip bones (ilium, pubis, and
ischium).
perimenopause (Also called climacteric.) - the transition
period of time before menopause, marked by a decreased production of
estrogen and progesterone, irregular menstrual periods, and transitory
psychological changes.
perineum - area between the anus and the sex organs.
pessary - rubber or plastic device that
is inserted through the vagina to help hold the uterus in place in women
who have prolapse of the uterus.
pituitary gland - gland at the base of
the brain that secretes hormones and regulates and controls other
hormone-secreting glands and many body processes, including reproduction.
placenta - organ that develops in the uterus during
pregnancy; links the blood supplies of a pregnant woman to the fetus to
provide nutrients and remove waste products.
placental abruption - premature
detachment of the placenta from the wall of the uterus causing severe
bleeding that is life threatening to both a pregnant woman and fetus.
placenta previa - abnormal location of
the placenta in the lower part of the uterus, near or over the cervix.
polymenorrhea - too frequent menstruation.
polyp - growth that projects, usually
on a stem, from a membrane in the body and can sometimes develop into
cancer.
postmenopausal bleeding - any
bleeding that occurs more than 6 months after the last normal menstrual
period at menopause.
preeclampsia - disorder of pregnancy
characterized by increased blood pressure, water retention, and protein in
the urine.
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -
a much more severe form of the collective
symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD) is considered a severe and chronic medical condition that
requires attention and treatment.
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - a group
of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience during their
menstrual cycle. Although the symptoms usually cease with onset of the
menstrual period, in some women, symptoms may last through and after their
menstrual periods.
preterm labor - labor that begins
before the 37th week of pregnancy.
progesterone - a female sex hormone,
produced by the ovaries during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
progestin - synthetic form of the
female sex hormone progesterone.
prolactin - hormone produced by the
pituitary gland that stimulates breast development and milk production.
prolapse of the uterus - displacement
of the uterus down into the vagina caused by a weakening of supporting
tissues in the pelvis.
pudendal block - pain relieving
procedure used during childbirth in which an anesthetic is injected into
tissues surrounding the pudendal nerves on either side of the vagina. It
blocks pain in the tissues between the vagina and anus.
pyelonephritis - kidney infection.
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radiation therapy (Also called radiotherapy.) -
treatment with high-energy rays (such as x-rays or gamma rays) to kill
cancer cells; may be by external radiation or by internal radiation from
radioactive materials placed directly in or near the tumor.
rape - forced or manipulated
nonconsensual sexual contact, including vaginal or anal intercourse, oral
sex, or penetration with an object.
rectocele - condition in which
weakening of the lower vaginal wall causes the rectum to bulge into the
vagina.
rectum - lower end of the large intestine, leading to
the anus.
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safe sex - sex in a monogamous
relationship where neither party is infected with a sexually transmitted
disease or urinary tract infection is considered to be "safe". However,
many healthcare professionals believe there really is no such thing as
"safe" sex and the only way to be truly safe is to abstain because all
forms of sexual contact carry some risk.
salpingectomy - surgical removal of one or both fallopian
tubes.
salpingo-oophorectomy - surgery to remove the
fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Schiller test - a diagnostic test in which the cervix
is coated with an iodine solution to detect the presence of abnormal
cells.
serotonin - chemical messenger in the
brain that affects emotions, behavior, and thought.
sexually transmitted disease (STD) -
infection spread through sexual intercourse and other intimate sexual
contact.
sigmoidoscopy - examination of the
rectum and lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible
viewing tube passed through the rectum.
spinal anesthesia - injection of an
anesthetic into the area around the spinal cord to block pain sensation
during surgery.
squamous cell cancer - a slow-growing
cancer in cells in the top layer of the skin.
squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) -
like CIN, SIL is a term used to classify the degree of precancerous change
in cells of the cervix in a condition called cervical dysplasia.
stress incontinence - involuntary
leaking of urine during activities that increase pressure inside the
abdomen, such as coughing, sneezing, or jogging.
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tamoxifen - an anticancer drug used in hormone therapy
to block the effects of estrogen.
testosterone - key male sex hormone,
which stimulates bone and muscle growth and the development of male sex
characteristics.
thrombosis, deep-vein - formation of
blood clots in veins deep inside the legs.
total hysterectomy - the removal of the
uterus, including the cervix; the fallopian tubes and the ovaries remain.
total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy -the entire uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries are
surgically removed.
transvaginal ultrasound (Also called ultrasonography.) - an
ultrasound test using a small instrument, called a transducer, that is
placed in the vagina.
trichomoniasis - very common vaginitis
caused by a single-celled organism usually transmitted during sexual
contact.
tubal ligation - surgical sterilization
procedure in which the fallopian tubes are sealed or cut to prevent sperm
from reaching an egg.
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ultrasound - diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of
internal body structures on a video screen.
urge incontinence - the inability to
hold urine long enough to reach a restroom.
ureters - two tubes that carry urine
from the kidneys to the bladder.
urethra - narrow channel through which
urine passes from the bladder out of the body.
uterus - hollow, muscular organ in the
center of the female pelvis that sheds its lining each month during
menstruation and in which a fertilized egg implants and grows into a
fetus.
urethritis - infection limited to the
urethra.
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vacuum aspiration - procedure in which
a suction tube attached to a vacuum pump is inserted through the vagina
into the uterus to loosen and remove its contents.
vacuum extraction - procedure used to
ease delivery by applying a metal or plastic cup to the baby's scalp and
using suction to pull the baby gradually out of the vagina.
vaginal atrophy - often a symptom of menopause; the
drying and thinning of the tissues of the vagina and urethra. This can
lead to dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) as well as vaginitis,
cystitis, and urinary tract infections.
vaginal hysterectomy - the uterus us
removed through the vaginal opening.
vagina (Also called the "birth canal.") - the
passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual
periods. The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb, or
uterus) and the vulva (the external genitalia).
vaginitis - inflammation, redness, or swelling of the
vaginal tissues; usually resulting from a bacterial infection.
vaginitis, atrophic - a form of noninfectious vaginitis which
usually results from a decrease in hormones because of menopause, surgical
removal of the ovaries, radiation therapy, or even after childbirth -
particularly in breastfeeding women. Lack of estrogen dries and thins the
vaginal tissue, and may also cause spotting.
vaginitis, bacterial - very common vaginal infection
characterized by symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge or itching,
burning, or redness in the genital area.
vaginitis, noninfectious - a type of vaginitis that
usually refers to vaginal irritation without an infection being present.
Most often, the infection is caused by an allergic reaction to, or
irritation from, vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidal products. It may
also be caused by sensitivity to perfumed soaps, detergents, or fabric
softeners.
vaginitis, viral - very common vaginal infection,
often sexually transmitted, that is caused by one of many different types
of viruses (i.e., herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus).
varicose veins - enlarged, curving
veins just beneath the skin, usually in the legs.
vulva - external, visible part of the
female genital area.
vulvitis - an inflammation of the vulva, the soft
folds of skin outside the vagina. This is not a condition but rather a
symptom that results from a host of diseases, infections, injuries,
allergies, and other irritants.
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x-ray - electromagnetic energy used to produce images
of bones and internal organs onto film.
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yeast infection (Also called Candida.)
- one type of vaginitis caused by the Candida fungus characterized by
itching, burning, or redness of the vaginal area.
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zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) -
method of treating infertility by removing eggs from a woman's ovaries,
fertilizing them in the laboratory with sperm from her partner or a donor,
and inserting one or more of the fertilized eggs into one of her fallopian
tubes.