Key Terms

abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)
common gynecologic condition characterized by atypical bleeding patterns that deviate from a person’s normal menstrual cycle
Bartholin’s cyst
fluid-filled sac created when the Bartholin gland becomes blocked
cervical cancer
slow-growing cancer found in the cervix
congenital malformation
abnormality of a structure that develops during formation of the embryo and presents with a wide variety of symptoms
cystocele
prolapse of the bladder into the anterior vaginal wall
endometriosis
chronic and often painfully debilitating gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus
fistula
abnormal connection between two surfaces in the body that are not meant to be connected
hypermenorrhea
prolonged menstrual bleeding
hysterectomy
surgical removal of the uterus
leiomyoma
(also, fibroid) benign tumor that develops from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus
menorrhagia
heavy menstrual bleeding
metrorrhagia
irregular menstrual cycles
ovarian cyst
blood- or fluid-filled sac found on or near the ovary
pelvic floor disorders
any condition that decreases the integrity of the pelvic muscular structures
perimenopause
phase of menstrual irregularities that is attributed to fluctuating hormone levels lasting for months up to several years and that ends when menses has ceased for 12 months
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
similar to PMS but has a more extreme presentation, causing extreme depression and anxiety in the luteal phase of the cycle
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
common and cyclic disorder that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in people who menstruate; characterized by mood swings, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns
primary amenorrhea
absence of menarche by the age of 16 years
primary dysmenorrhea
typical menstrual pain that occurs before or during a period
rectocele
prolapse of the rectum into the posterior vaginal wall
secondary amenorrhea
absence of menstruation for a duration of three or more cycles
secondary dysmenorrhea
menstrual pain caused by an underlying condition
uterine malformation
congenital malformation that includes changes to the shape of the uterus
uterine polyp
benign growth that develops in the cervix or uterus
uterine prolapse
occurs when the pelvic floor weakens and the uterus descends into the vagina
vaginal fistula
opening between the vagina to another anatomical structure
vasomotor symptoms
cardinal symptoms of perimenopause and menopause known as hot flashes and night sweats