Tissues or structures in the body that are next to or near another. As in the uterus, the adnexa consists of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments of the uterus.

(add-NEK-sah) 

The darker pigmented, circular area surrounding the nipple of each breast; also known as the areola mammae or the areola papillaris. 

Plural: areolae (ah-REE-oh-lee)

(ah-REE-oh-lah)

Two small, mucus-secreting glands located on the posterior and lateral aspects of the entrance to the vagina. 

(BAR-toh-linz glands)

The part of the uterus that protrudes into teh cavity of the vagina; the neck of the uterus. 

(SER-viks)

The cessation of menstruation; see menopause

(kly-MAK-ter-ik)

The vaginal erectile tissue (structure) corresponding to the male penis. 

(KLIT-oh-ris)

The sexual union of two poeple of the opposite sex in which the penis is introduced into the vagina; also known as sexual intercourse or copulation

(KOH-ih-tus)

A yellowish mass that forms within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation, containing high levels of progesterone and some estrogen. It functions as a temporary endocrine gland for the purpose of secreting estrogen and large amounts of progesterone, which will sustain pregnancy until the placenta forms. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate approximately three days prior to the beginning of menstruation. 

(KOR-pus LOO-tee-um)

A pouch loacted between the uterus and rectum within the peritoneal cavity. This pouch is formed by one of the ligaments that serves as support to the uterus. Because it is the lowest part of the abdominal cavity, blood, pus, and other drainage collect in the cul-de-sac. 

(kull-dih-SAK)

A term used in gynecology to represent a form of contraception. 

(DYE-ah-fram)

The inner lining of the uterus. 

(en-doh-MEE-tree-um)

One of the female hormones that promotes the development of the female secondary sex characteristics. 

(ESS-troh-jen)

One of a pair of tubes opening at one end into the uterus and at the other end into the peritoneal cavity, over teh ovary. 

(fah-LOH-pee-an TOOBS)

The fringelike end of the fallopian tube

(FIM-bree-ay)

A tense band of mucous membranes at the posterior rim of the vaginal opening: the point at which the labia minora connect. 

(foor-SHET) 

The dome-shaped central, upper portion of the uterus between the points of insertion of the fallopian tubes. 

(FUN-dus)

A mature sperm or ovum. 

(GAM-eet)

A gamete-producing gland such as an ovary or a testis

(GOH-nads)

A mautre, fully developed ovarian cyst containing the ripe ovum. 

(GRF-ee-an FALL-ik-kls) 

A physician who specializes in the medical speciality that deals with diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. 

(gigh-neh-KOL-oh-jist)

The branch of medicine that deals with the study of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. 

(gigh-neh-KOL-oh-jee)

A thin layer of elastic, connective tissue membrane that forms a border around the outer opening of the vagina and may partially cover the vaginal opening. 

(HIGH-men)

Two folds of skin containing fatty tissue and covered with hair that lie on either side of the vaginal opening, extending from the mons pubis to the perineum. The outer surface of the labia majora is covered by pub hair; the inner surface is smooth and moist. 

(LAY-bee-ah mah-JOR-ah)

Two folds of hairless skin located within the folds of the labia majora. The labia minora extend from the clitoris downward toward the perineum. 

(LAY-bee-ah mih-NOR-ah)

Surgical removal of only the tumor and the immediate adjacent breat tissue; a method of treatment for breast cancer when detected in the early stage of the disease. 

(lum-PEK-toh-mee)

Surgical removal of the breast as a treatment method for breast cancer;

can be simple (breat only),

modified (breast plus lymph nodes in axilla)

or radical (break, lymph nodes, and chest muscles on affected side)

(mass-TEK-toh-mee)

Inflammation of the breast

(mass-TYE-tis)

An opening or tunnel through any part of the body

(mee-AY-tus)

Onset of menstruation;

the first menstural period

(men-AR-kee)

Menstrual flow; menstruation. 

(men-oh-REE-ah)

Another name for menstruation or menstrual flow

(MEN-seez)

The periodic shedding of the lining of the nonpregnant uterus through a bloody discharge that psses through the vagina to the outside of the body. It occurs at monthly intervals and lasts for 3 to 5 days. 

(men-stroo-AY-shun)

The muscular layer of the uterine wall. 

(my-oh-MEE-tree-um)

The entrance or outlet of any body cavity; as in teh vaginal orifice. 

(OR-ih-fis)

One of a pair of female gonads responsible for producing mature ova (eggs) and releasing them at monthly intervals (ovulation); 

also responsible for producing the  female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. 

(OH-vah-ree)

The release of the mature ovum from the ovary, occurring approximately 14 days prior to the beginning of menses. 

(ov-you-LAY-shun)

The female reproductive cell; female sex cell or egg. 

(OH-vum)

The area between the vaginal orifice and the anus that consists of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support for the pelvic structures.

(pair-ih-NEE-um)  

The period of intrauterine development of the fetus from conception through birth. The average pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks; also known as the gestational period. 

One of the female hormones secreted by the corpus luteum and the placenta. It is primarily responsible for the changes that occur in the endometrium in anticipation of a fertilized ovum and for development of the maternal placenta after implantation of a fertilized ovum. 

(proh-JESS-ter-own)

The hollow, pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system that houses the fertilized implanted ovum as it develops throughout pregnancy; 

also the source of the monthly menstrual flow from the nonpregnant uterus. 

(YOO-ter-us)

The muscular tube that connects the uterus and the vulva. It is approximately 3 inches long and rests between the bladder (anteriorly) and the rectum (posteriorly) 

(vah-JEYE-nah)

The external genitalia that consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, clitoris, labia minora, vestibule, urinary meatus, vaginal orifice, Bartholin's glands, and the perineum; 

also known as the pudendum. 

(VULL-vah)

Painful menstrual flow 

normal for short periods of time

in about 10% of woman it may be severe enough to disable them temporarily 

(dis-men-oh-REE-ah)

Abnormally long or very heavy menstural periods. 

(men-oh-RAY-jee-ah)

Uterine bleeding at times other than the menstrual period. 

may be due to thyroid gland diseases, diabetes mellitus, cervial polyps, fibroid tumors of the uterus, excessive building up and endometrial cancer 

(met-roh-RAY-jee-ah)

is abnormally light or infrequent menstruation

symptom of possible female reproductive system disorders 

Birth control pills

contain synthetic forms of the estrogen and progesterone hormones and are taken by mouth. 

prevents ovulation 

is a form of contraception administered intramuscularly, approximately once every 12 weeks 

(DEP-oh proh-VAIR-ah)

Intrauterine Device 

(IUD) 

is a small, plastic T-shaped object with strings attached to the leg of the T. It is inserted into the uterus, through the vagina, and remains in place in the uterus. 

acts by preventing implantation of the ovum into the uterus 

disadvantage: can increase risk of tubal pregnancy and for Pelvic inflammatory disease 

(in-trah-YOO-ter-in)

a flexible contraceptive ring (placed into the vagina) that slowly releases a low does of hormones that prevent pregnancy. 

placed into the vagina once a month (3 weeks on 1 week off) 

Methods of birth control that palce physical barriers between the cervix and the sperm so that the sperm cannot pass teh cervix and enter the uterus, and, thus, the fallopian tubes. 

spermicidal jellies and creams (increase acidity of the vaginal secretions) 

Condoms 

An alternative to tubal ligation that provides bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes by inserting a soft, flexible micro-insert into each fallopian tubes 

does not block sperm completely until 3 months later 

Also known as a male sterilization, vasectomy is surgically cutting and tying the vas deferens to prevent teh passage of sperm, consequently prevening pregnancy. 

(vas-EK-toh-mee)

A malignant tumor of the breast tissue. The most common type (ductal carcinoma) originates in the mammary ducts. This tumorhas the ability to invade surrounding tissue if not detected early enough. Once the cnacer cells penetrate the duct, they will metastasize (spread) through the surrounding breast tissue, eventually reaching the axillary lymph nodes. Trhough the lymph vessels, the cancer cells can spread to distant parts of the body. 

Second most common malignancy in women in the US

A malignant tumor of the cervix. Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the female reproductive tract. Symptoms include an abnormal Pap smear and bleeding between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause. 

Strong correlation between it and the presence of HPV (human papilloma virus) 

An acute or chronic inflammation fo the uterine cervix. 

Symptoms may include a thick , foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pressure or pain, scant bleeding after sexual intercourse, and itching or burning of the external genitalia. 

Usually caused by: Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, Haemophilus vaginalis, or Chlamydia trachomatis. 

Symptoms can include leukorrhea. 

Each procedure involves freezing the eroded tissue. Antibiotic theraphy may follow. 

(ser-vih-SIGH-tis) 

Herniation or downward protrusion of the urinary bladder through the wall of the vagina. 

this can make it hard to empty the bladder 

(SIS-toh-seel)

Malignant tumor of the inner lining of the uterus; also known as adenocarcinoma of the uterus. 

Treatment invovles a total abdominal hysterectomy, followed by radiation.

(en-doh-MEE-tree-al car-sin-OH-mah) 

The presence of growth of endometrial tissues in areas outside the endometrium (lining of the uterus). 

Generally found within the abdominal cavity 

The pain and discomfort are due to the buildup of scar tissue and adhesions resulting from the endometrial tissue thickening and bleeding in unnatural places. 

No known cure. 

(en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sis) 

The presence of single or multiple fluid-filled cysts that are palpable in the breasts. 

Cysts fluctuate in size (and tenderness) with the menstrual period. 

Cysts may continue to recur until menopause. 

(figh-broh-SIS-tik) 

A benigh, smooth muscle-tumor of the uterus. Uterine leiomyomas are often mislabed as fibroid tumors, when in fact they are not. 

Have same symptoms and treatment as fibroid tumors. 

Occure only in premenopausal women. 

(ligh-oh-my-OH-mah)

A benign, fibrous tumor of the uterus. 

Occur only in premenopausal women. 

(FIGH-broyd tumor) 

A malignant tumor of the ovaries, most commonly occurring in women in their 50's. It is rarely detected in the early state and is usually far advanced when diagnosed. 

Later developments include an accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity (ascites), resulting in swelling and discomfort. 

Benign, globular sacs (cysts) that form on or near the ovaries. These cysts may be fluid filled or may contain semisolid material. 

May develop from an unruptured graafian follicle or when the corpus luteum fails to regress. 

Usually disappear by themselves. 

(oh-VAIR-ree-an SISTS) 

Pelivic Inflammatory Disease 

(PID)

Infection of the fallopian tubes; also known as salpingitis. 

predominantly in women under the age of 35 who are sexually active. 

Most frequent causative organisms: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 

The inability to hold urine when the bladder is stressed by sneezing, couhing, laughing, or lifting. 

Inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. 

A common disease that affects women when there is a distrubance in teh normal flora or pH of the vagina that allows microorganisms to flourish. 

Candidiases: caused by Candida albicans; yeast infection; most common form; 

Trichomoniasis: caused by Trichomonas vaginalis protozoan; usually introduced by sexual intercourse; 

Bacterial vaginosis (Gardnerella vaginitis): caused by Garderella vaginalis (normally inhabits the vagina)

(vaj-in-EYE-tis) 

An invasive procedure in which a needle is inserted into an area of the body, such as teh breast, to withdraw a tissue or fluid sample for microscopic examinatio nand diagnosis. 

(as-pih-RAY-shun BYE-op-see)

A procedure in which the woman examines her breasts and surrounding tissue for evidence of any changes that could indicate the possibility of malignancy. 

Should start at age 20, between 7-10 days from menstruation. 

Visual examination of the vagina and cervix with colposcope (a lighted binocular microscope for direct examination of the surfaces of the vagina and cervix) 

Advised after a Pap smear shows dysplasia (abnormal cells) 

(kol-POSS-koh-pee) 

Surgical removal of a cone-shaped segment of the cervix for diagnosis or treatment;

also known as conization. 

Usually done when a lesion is in the iner lining of the cervical canal or when a Pap smear shows abnormal cells in the cervix. 

Obtains both abnormal and healthy cells 

The surgical puncture through the posterior wall of the vagina into the cul-de-sac to withdraw intraperitoneal fluid for examindation. 

Observed then fluid is aspirated for examination. 

(kull-doh-sen-TEE-sis) 

Dilation or widening of the cervical canal with a dilator, followed by scraping of the uterine lining with a curet; 

also termed D&C

(dye-LAY-shun and koo-reh-TAHZ) 

is an invasive test for obtaining a sample of endometrial tissue (with a small curet) for examination. 

Tissue may be analyzed in cases of irregular bleeding, during infertility studies, and to examine tissue for possible endometrial cancer. 

A curet, or aspiration needle, is inserted into the fundus of the uterus and a sample of endometrial tissue es extracted. 

X-ray of the uterus and the fallopian tubes by injecting a contrast material into these structures. 

Is observed as the uterus and fallopian tubes fill with the constrast material. 

(hiss-ter-oh-sal-pin-GOG-rah-fee)

The process of viewing the abdominal cavity with a laparoscope (a thin-walled flexible tube with a telescopic lens and light). 

(lab-ar-OS-koh-pee)

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure

(LEEP) 

The process of examining with X-ray the soft tissue of the breast to detect various benign and/or malignant growths before they can be felt. 

(mam-OG-rah-fee) 

A diagnostic test for cervical cancer; that is, a microscopic examination of (Pap test) cells scraped from wihin the cervix (endocervis), from around teh cervix (extocervix), and from the posterior part of the vagina (near the cervix) to test for cervical caner; 

also called Pap smear. 

Up to 95% accurate in diagnosing early cervical cancer (if obtained correctly) 

Is reported using the Bethesda 2001 System. 

Categories: Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy and Epithelial cell abnormality. 

Liquid-based Pap

(LBP) 

A noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the abdomen and pelvis. 

The process of measuring the female pelvis, manually or by X-ray, to determine its adequacy for childbearing. 

(pell-VIM-eh-tree)