Antibiotics

Drugs that treat infections.

 

Benign

The opposite of cancerous; does not spread to other parts of the body.

 

Cystocele

Bulging of the bladder into the vagina.

 

Cystourethrocele

Bulging of the bladder neck into the vagina.

 

Diuretic

Drugs given to increase the production of urine.

 

Endometriosis

A condition in which tissue similar to that normally lining the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually in 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.

 

Fibroids

Benign (noncancerous) growths that form on the inside of the uterus, on the outer surface, or within the uterine wall itself.

 

General Anesthesia

The use of drugs that produce a sleeplike state to prevent pain during surgery.

 

Hormones

Substances produced by the body to control the functions of various organs.

 

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus.

 

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A procedure in which an egg is removed from a woman's ovary, fertilized in a dish in a laboratory with a man's sperm, and then reintroduced into the woman's uterus to achieve a pregnancy.

 

Kegel Exercises

Pelvic muscle exercises that assist in bladder and bowel control.

 

Laparoscopy

A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting instrument, the laparoscope, is used to view the pelvic organs.

 

Lymph

A nearly colorless fluid that moves through a system of lymph vessels and nodes in the body. A part of the immune system.

 

Menopause

The time in a woman's life when ovaries stop functioning and menstruation stops.

 

Pelvic Exam

A manual examination of a woman's internal and external 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.

 

Progesterone

A female hormone that is produced in the ovaries and matures the lining of the uterus. When its level falls, menstruation occurs.

 

Polyps

Benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from membrane tissue, such as that lining in the inside of the uterus.

 

Rectocele

Bulging of the rectum into the vaginal wall.

 

Resectoscope

A slender telescope with an electrical wire or loop or roller-ball tip used to remove or destroy tissue inside the uterus.

 

Uterine Prolapse

Falling of the uterus into the vagina.

 

Vaginal Prolapse

Bulging of the top of the vagina into the lower vagina or outside the opening of the vagina.

 

 

©Mooney, 1997

Homepage designed by: Process Project, Inc.