adnexa
the fallopian tubes and ovaries
amenorrhea
abscence of menstrual flow
androgens
hormones produced by the ovaries and adrenals that affect many aspects of female health, including follicle development, libido, oiliness of hair and skin, and hair growth
cervix
bottom (inferior) part of the uterus that is located in the vagina
chandelier sign
pain on gentle movement of cervix; associated with pelvic infection
corpus luteum
site of a follicle that changes after ovulation to produce progesterone
cystocele
weakness of the anterior vaginal wall that allows the bladder to protrude into the vagina
dysmenorrhea
painful menstruation
dyspareunia
difficult or painful sexual intercourse
endometrial ablation
procedure performed through a hysteroscope in which the lining of the uterus is burned away or ablated to treat abnormal uterine bleeding
endometriosis
condition in which endometrial tissue implants in other areas of the pelvis; may produce dysmenorrhea or infertility
endometrium
lining of the uterus
estrogen
hormone that develops and maintains the female reproductive system
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
hormone released by the pituitary gland to stimulate estrogen production and ovulation
fornix
upper part of the vagina
fundus
body of the uterus
graafian follicle
cystic structure that develops on the ovary as ovulation begins
hymen
tissue that covers the vaginal opening partially or completely before vaginal penetration
hysteroscopy
a procedure performed using a long telescope like instrument inserted through the cervix to diagnose uterine problems
introitus
perineal opening to the vagina
luteal phase
stage in the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium becomes thicker and more vascular
luteinizing hormone (LH)
hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates progesterone production
menarche
beginning menstrual function
menopause
permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from the loss of ovarian follicular activity
menstruation
sloughing and discharge of the lining of the uterus if conception does not take place
ovaries
almond-shaped reproductive organs that produce eggs at ovulation and play a major role in hormone production
ovulation
discharge of a mature ovum from the ovary
perimenopause
the period immediately prior to menopause and first year after menopause
polyp (cervcial or endometrial)
growth of tissue on the cervix or endometrial lining; usually benign
progesterone
hormone produced by corpus luteum
proliferative phase
stage in thh menstrual cycle before ovulation when the endometrium proliferates
rectocele
weakness of the posterior vaginal wall that allows the rectal cavity to protrude into the submucosa of the vagina
secretory phase
stage of menstrual cycle in which the endometrium becomes thickened, more vascular, and edematous
uterine prolapse
relaxation of pelvic tone that allows the cervix and uterus to descend into the lower vagina