Glossary

An X-ray of the breast used for breast cancer screening.

Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing one or both breasts, partially or completely, to treat or prevent breast cancer.

The first occurrence of menstruation in a girl, marking the onset of her reproductive years.

The physical and emotional symptoms that can occur during the transition to menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation.

The monthly cycle of changes in the female reproductive system, including menstruation.

A range of conditions that can cause abnormal menstrual bleeding or irregular periods.

The monthly shedding of the uterine lining in women of reproductive age.

Nephropathy is a medical term that means kidney disease or damage. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood and excrete them in urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production.

A childbirth injury that can cause urinary or fecal incontinence, often in areas with limited access to healthcare.

A medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Osteoporosis means "porous bones". It is a disease that reduces the density and quality of your bones, making them more fragile and likely to break.

A type of cancer that originates in the ovaries.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary. Often they cause no symptoms. Occasionally they may produce bloating, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain.

An ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries.

Ovarian hyperandrogenism is a condition in which the ovaries produce too much of the male sex hormones, called androgens.

A complication of fertility treatments, which can lead to abdominal discomfort and swelling.

Ovarian teratomas are a rare type of tumour that develop from germ cells, which are the cells that give rise to the male and female reproductive systems.

Abnormal growths in the ovaries, which can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

The paired female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.

The release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.

A screening test to detect cervical cancer and abnormal cervical cells.

A screening test for cervical cancer, also known as a Pap smear.

A physical examination of a woman's pelvic organs, including the cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

A group of conditions that affect the pelvic muscles and connective tissues, including pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

An infection that can affect the female reproductive organs.

A hormonal disorder affecting women's reproductive health.

Portal hypertension is a condition that affects the blood flow to the liver. It occurs when there is increased pressure in the portal vein, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. 

Any vaginal bleeding that occurs after a woman has gone through menopause, which can be a sign of underlying health issues.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that affects some women after giving birth.

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.

A test to determine whether a woman is pregnant by detecting the presence of the hormone hCG.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition that affects women before the age of 40 when their ovaries stop functioning normally.

A severe form of PMS that can cause significant mood disturbances.

A combination of physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than just your joints.

Silent thyroiditis, also known as painless thyroiditis or lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a mild form of autoimmune thyroiditis that causes a brief phase of hyperthyroidism that may or may not be followed by a phase of hypothyroidism. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues in the body. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, causing inflammation and damage. SLE can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and other parts of the body.

Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can affect both men and women, but it is more prevalent in women.

A surgical method of permanent contraception, commonly known as "getting one's tubes tied."

A genetic disorder in which a woman is born with partially or completely missing X chromosomes.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium.

Uterine didelphys is a congenital abnormality that affects the development of the female reproductive system. It occurs when the two tubes that normally fuse together to form the uterus fail to do so, resulting in two separate uteruses.

Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause various symptoms.

Uterine prolapse is a condition that affects many women, especially after menopause or childbirth. It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the uterus weaken and stretch, causing the uterus to slip down into or out of the vagina.

A rare but serious complication during childbirth where the uterine wall tears.

A rare form of cancer that develops in the uterine muscle or connective tissue.

Uterine septum is a congenital condition that affects the shape and size of the uterus. It occurs when the two tubes that form the uterus in the embryo do not fuse properly, leaving a wall of tissue that divides the uterine cavity into two parts.