Menstrual cycle: The 4-week period each month when an egg develops in the ovary, the lining of the uterus thickens, and the egg is released. If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle is completed when the lining of the uterus is shed through menstruation (a woman's "period").
Menstruation: The shedding of the lining of the uterus that occurs each month when a woman does not become pregnant. A woman's "period."
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): An imaging technique that allows the soft tissues of the body to be seen.
Myomectomy: An operation to remove fibroid tumors.
Oophorectomy: Surgical removal of an ovary.
Ovaries: Small organs that produce hormones, such as estrogen, and eggs. One ovary is located on each side of the uterus.
PAP test: A painless procedure in which cells are removed from the cervix during a vaginal exam, placed on a slide, and examined through a microscope to look for cancer or precancerous conditions.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection caused by bacteria, usually from a sexually transmitted disease (see "Sexually transmitted disease," below). PID can affect the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes. PID can cause persistent pelvic pain and, if not treated, can lead to infertility (the inability to become pregnant). Sometimes, the infection that causes PID is spread through use of an intrauterine device (see IUD, above) or during childbirth or abortion.
Progesterone: The hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive a fertilized egg. The man-made form of this hormone may be used to treat very heavy menstrual bleeding and other conditions.
Prolapse: To fall or tilt, as a uterus or bladder might if the ligaments holding it in place become stretched.
Rectum: The bottom portion of the large intestine.
Reproductive system: The organs of the body that allow a woman to become pregnant and carry and give birth to a child. These include the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina.
Sexually transmitted disease (STD): A disease that can be given from one person to another during sexual contact; for example, syphilis, gonorrhea, or AIDS.
Sonogram: An imaging procedure in which echoes from sound waves passing through tissues create pictures of structures deep within the body.
Speculum: A metal or plastic instrument the doctor inserts into the vagina to help examine the vagina and cervix.
Uterus: The organ where babies grow; the womb.
Vagina: The tube-like opening leading away from the uterus to the outside of the body.
von Willebrand Disease: A bleeding disorder that runs in families. Call the National Hemophilia Foundation 1-800-424-2634 for more information.
Watchful waiting: The doctor sees the patient regularly to keep track of the condition, talk about any changes in the condition, and make sure symptoms are being relieved.
Womb: Another name for the uterus.
Return to Common Uterine Conditions & Treatment Options
Reprinted from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR)
