Menstrual & Gynecological Health Glossary

A condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. It may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and painful periods.

The absence of menstrual periods.

A condition in which the blood does not carry sufficient oxygen, commonly because of low haemoglobin. Heavy menstrual bleeding may cause iron-deficiency anaemia.

Hormones present in all sexes but usually found at higher levels in males. Increased androgen activity may contribute to acne, excess facial hair, or scalp-hair thinning in PCOS.

A menstrual cycle in which an egg is not released.

The body’s resting temperature measured immediately after waking. A sustained rise may suggest that ovulation has already occurred.

Non-cancerous. A benign condition can still cause significant symptoms and require treatment.

A pelvic examination in which a clinician uses gloved fingers inside the vagina and the other hand on the abdomen to assess pelvic organs.

Fluid produced by the cervix. It may become clear, slippery, and stretchy around ovulation.

Testing used to identify high-risk HPV and/or abnormal cervical cells before cervical cancer develops.

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

A magnified examination of the cervix, vagina, or vulva, often performed after an abnormal cervical-screening result.

The process leading to pregnancy, involving fertilisation and successful implantation.

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

Painful menstruation.

Pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse.

A pregnancy developing outside the main uterine cavity, commonly in a fallopian tube. It can become life-threatening.

A procedure that destroys or removes much of the uterine lining to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

Removal of a small sample of the uterine lining for laboratory analysis.

The inner lining of the uterus.

A condition in which tissue resembling the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, potentially causing pain, inflammation, and fertility difficulties.

A group of hormones involved in reproductive development, menstrual cycles, vaginal tissue, bones, and other body systems.

Tubes connecting the uterus and ovaries. Fertilisation commonly occurs inside a fallopian tube.

The joining of a sperm and egg.

The days during which intercourse may result in pregnancy, generally including the days before ovulation and the ovulation period.

Non-cancerous growths arising from the muscular tissue of the uterus.

A fluid-filled structure in an ovary that contains an immature egg.

A hormone involved in follicle development and reproductive function.

Vaginal, vulvar, sexual, and urinary symptoms associated with lower estrogen levels after menopause.

A doctor specialising in reproductive and pelvic health.

The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

A small device placed in the uterus that releases progestin. It provides contraception and may reduce bleeding and cramps.

A common group of viruses. Persistent infection with certain high-risk types may lead to cervical-cell changes.

Surgical removal of the uterus.

Examination of the inside of the uterus using a thin camera passed through the cervix.

Attachment of a developing embryo to the uterine lining.

Failure to achieve pregnancy after a defined period of regular unprotected intercourse. WHO commonly uses 12 months as the general definition, though earlier evaluation may be appropriate in some circumstances.

A condition in which the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.

A small contraceptive device placed in the uterus. It may release hormones or contain copper.

A temporary contraceptive method based on breastfeeding-related suppression of ovulation. It is dependable only when all required criteria are met.

Keyhole surgery used to view or treat organs inside the abdomen and pelvis.

The portion of the menstrual cycle after ovulation and before the next period.

A hormone whose surge usually occurs shortly before ovulation.

The first menstrual period.

The point confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation when no other cause explains the absence of periods.

The hormonal and physical sequence occurring from the first day of one period to the first day of the next.

Shedding of blood and uterine-lining tissue through the vagina.

Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.

British spelling of estrogen.

Surgical removal of one or both ovaries.

A fluid-filled or solid structure developing in or on an ovary.

Release of an egg from an ovary.

A test examining cervical cells for abnormal changes.

A hormonal and metabolic condition that may involve irregular ovulation, increased androgen activity, acne, excess hair growth, and fertility concerns.

Muscles and connective tissues supporting the bladder, bowel, uterus, and other pelvic structures.

Infection and inflammation of the upper female reproductive tract.

The hormonal transition leading to menopause.

A severe cyclical premenstrual condition involving substantial emotional symptoms and functional impairment.

Physical and emotional symptoms occurring before menstruation and improving after the period begins.

The stage of life following menopause.

The period after childbirth.

A hormone produced after ovulation that supports the uterine lining and pregnancy.

A hormone supporting breast-milk production.

An instrument used to gently separate the vaginal walls so the vagina and cervix can be examined.

Light vaginal bleeding that is less than a normal menstrual flow.

An infection that may be transmitted through sexual contact.

A rare but serious illness caused by bacterial toxins. It can occur with or without menstrual-product use.

A medicine that may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by slowing the breakdown of blood clots.

An ultrasound performed using a narrow probe placed inside the vagina to obtain detailed pelvic images.

A procedure that reduces the blood supply to fibroids so they shrink.

The muscular reproductive organ in which pregnancy develops.

The muscular canal connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.

Fluid leaving the vagina. Some discharge is normal, while changes accompanied by pain, odour, itching, or fever may require assessment.

The external genital structures, including the labia and clitoris.