User:Barbara (WVS)/sandbox/glossary

Glossary

Abscess: A contained, collection of pus located in a tissue or organ.

Antibiotics: Drugs that treat certain types of infections.

Bacterial Vaginosis: Vaginal infection caused by a organisms normally found in the vagina.

Cervix: Lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Chlamydia: Sexually transmitted infection to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic region that has lasted for at least 6 months.

Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg begins to grow in a place other than inside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes.

Endometrial Biopsy: A test in which a small piece of the lining of the uterus is removed and examined under a microscope.

Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

Gonorrhea: Sexually transmitted infection that may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and arthritis.

Infertility: The inability to become pregnant after six months without the use of any form of birth control.

Intravenous Line: A tube inserted into a vein that is used to deliver medication or fluids.

Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a small incision. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery.

Ovaries: The paired organs in the female reproductive system that contain the eggs released at ovulation and produce hormones.

Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): An infection that is spread by sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus infection, herpes, syphilis, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]).

Ultrasonography: A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures. During pregnancy, it can be used to examine the fetus.

Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.