Womens Health

ABSTINENCE: No penis-in-vagina intercourse. Couples may substitute oral sex or mutual masturbation without fear of pregnancy.

ACUTE DISEASES: Diseases that are characterized by being severe and of relatively short duration.

ACUTE PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISORDER (also known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID): Collective term for any extensive bacterial infection of the pelvic organs, especially the uterus, uterine (Fallopian) tubes, and ovaries.

ACUPUNCTURE: The insertion of a needle into a tissue for the purpose of drawing fluid or relieving pain. It is also an ancient Chinese practice employed to cure illnesses by inserting needles into specific locations of the skin.

ADENOCARCINOMA: A cancer that originates from cells of the endocrine glands.

ADJUVANT THERAPY: Methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy that enhance surgical effectiveness in cancer treatments.

ADRENAL GLAND: A triangular-shaped gland attached to the top of each kidney. It secretes various substances that influence every body system. Among the hormones secreted are the steroid hormones: androgens, estrogens and progestogens.

AEROBIC EXERCISE: Any activity in which the amount of oxygen taken into the body is slightly more than, or equal to, the amount of oxygen used by the body. Aerobic exercise is considered an important aspect of preventive medicine and wellness.

ANALGESIC: Medication that relieves pain without inducing loss of consciousness.

ANDROGENS: A group of steroid hormones which promote the growth and development of muscles, hair and bones.

ANTEVERTED: The medical term used to describe a uterus that is tipped forward in the pelvis; a normal position.

ARGININE: An amino acid: Eating foods containing arginine -- such as cereals, seeds, nuts and chocolates - may promote the growth of herpes.

ATRETIC FOLLICLE: A follicle which never fully developed and shrinks back into the ovary.

BENIGN TUMOR: A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.

BETA-CAROTENE: A substance found in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables which is believed to provide some level of protection against cancer by "mopping up" free radicals.

BIO-MEDICAL MODEL: Format in which most government related (women’s) health studies focus on chronic diseases, as opposed to viewing the social and economic factors which influence long term health, and almost completely ignoring preventive measures against illness and disease.

BIOPSY: The removal of a small amount of tissue or fluid from the body for diagnostic examination.

BROAD LIGAMENT: Broad folds of connective tissue attached to the sides of the uterus and extending to the pelvic wall.

CARBOHYDRATES: Provides the human body with its main source of energy.

CANCER: A general term for more than 100 diseases that are characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other part of the body.

CAUTERIZATION: Destruction of tissue in a localized area by use of electricity, chemicals, freezing or burning; the use of heat to destroy abnormal cells.

CERVICAL CANAL: A narrow passageway, approximately one inch long, within the cervix between the vagina and the uterus. Opening onto the canal are numerous smallpassageways, which provide a refuge for sperm; also called the endocervical canal.

CERVICAL CAP: Contraceptive device made of plastic and individually fitted to fit snugly over the cervix.

CERVICITIS: The chronic inflammation or irritation of the cervix.

CERVIX: The small end of the uterus, located at the back and extending into, the vagina.

CERVICAL CANCER: Cancer of the cervix, which can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, among other factors. An annual Pap smear is recommended for early detection of cervical cancer (Pap smears only find abnormal tissues, they do not diagnose the etiology of the abnormality; further testing is required.) Quest Diagnostics explains that cervical cancer has well defined stages, and chances of a cure are much higher when it is detected before it has spread from the cervix to other parts of the body. Several factors increase a woman’s risk or developing cervical cell changes that can lead to cancer of the cervix. These risk factors include: a personal history of cell changes in the cervix or cervical cancer, having Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), having Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), having a previous abnormal Pap smear, starting sexual intercourse before the age of 18, having three or more sexual partners in a lifetime, having a weakened immune system, smoking, and the use of birth control pills for more than five years. Note - Not all sources list the same risk factors as Quest Diagnostic. Some professionals feel that healthy adults who do not smoke and who practice safe sex are not at risk by engaging in intercourse with one or more partners.

CHEMOTHERAPY: Treatment of a disease by chemicals which are usually synthetic. The drugs poison microbes and tissue cells or interfere with their division.

CHLAMYDIA: A sexually transmitted disease characterized by burning on urination, frequent and painful urination, and low back pain; may spread to the fallopian tubes in women.

CHRONIC DISEASES: Diseases which are not of a short duration or acute nature; maybe lifelong conditions and usually result in impairment or disability.

CILIA: Hair-like structures lining some mucous membranes which move rhythmically to propel secretions and small particles. The cilia that line the egg tubes help move the egg toward the uterus.

CLITORIS: The organ of female orgasm. A complex structure which includes the inner lips, hood, glans, shaft and legs, muscles, urethral sponge, bulbs, networks of nerves and blood vessels, the suspensory ligaments and pelvic diaphragm.

COITUS: A term which specifically describes sex with the penis and vagina; also called copulation.

COLPOSCOPE: A magnifying instrument used to examine the vagina and cervix.

COLPOSCOPY: Planned Parenthood describes a colposcopy as a special method of examining the cervix and surrounding tissue. An instrument called a colposcope magnifies the cervix about 15 times, allowing the clinician to check carefully for abnormalities. When an abnormality is found, a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken, improving the accuracy of diagnosis. There are a number of reasons that colposcopy may be recommended, including an abnormal Pap smear, an unusual appearing area on your cervix, or the presence of certain medical conditions

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE: The integration of traditional Western medicine with natural and/or Eastern practices including naturopathic medicine, herbology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), chiropractor, meditation and massage (among others).

CONDOM: A sheath of rubber or animal skin placed on the penis prior to coitus, which catches seminal fluid and prevents sperm from entering the vagina. It also may act as a barrier to bacteria, preventing some infections from passing between partners.

CONIZATION: The surgical removal of a cone-shaped core of tissue from the center of the cervix which is then studies for cancerous cells and growth; also called a cone biopsy.

CONTRACEPTION: The prevention of conception or impregnation without destroying fertility. Some examples are condoms, birth control pills, diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponges, contraceptive films, and contraceptive suppositories.

CORPEUS LUTEUM: A small yellow body which develops from the ruptured ovarian follicle after an egg has popped out. It secretes progesterone. If a woman is not pregnant, the corpus luteum shrinks after a few days. If she is pregnant, it keeps on producing hormones.

CRYOSURGERY: The destruction of a localized area of tissue by freezing or extreme cold; a procedure that freezes and destroys abnormal tissue.

CROTHERAPY: Surgical freezing of an infected area.

CYSTS: Pockets or sacs within a tissue or organ usually filled with fluid or semi-soft material. Cysts are almost never cancerous.

CYSTITIS: Bladder infection.

CYSTOSCOPE: An instrument used to examine the inside of the urinary bladder.

DE HUMANI CORPORIS FABRICA: First medical text to introduce female internal genitalia. The 1543 text is considered the “Foundation of Modern Anatomy”.

DIAPHRAGM: A barrier method of birth control which consists of a rubber dome on a flexible rim which covers the cervix and fits behind the pubic bone. It is believed by some that women who use diaphragms have fewer vaginal infections, particularly gonhorrhea.

DIETHYLSTILBESTROL (DES): A synthetic estrogen that was administered to an estimated 4.8 million American women between 1938 and 1971 in the mistaken belief that it would prevent miscarriage. It was taken off the market in 1971 when it was found to be linked to a rare form of vaginal cancer. DES was manufactured under more than 200 brand names, and was most popular in the United States, where it was used in pills, injections, and suppositories. Children of women who used DES are at a much higher risk for cancer, endometriosis, and other problems of the reproductive system. It is believe that these problems may carry over into third and fourth generation. In 1992 Congress passed the DES Research and Education Amendment, and only now are long term DES effects being studied.

DILATION AND CURETTAGE (D & C): The Boston Women’s Health Collective defines a D&C as a procedure often used to find the cause of uterine bleeding or treat it, especially in emergencies. It is also used to diagnose uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, and uterine cancer. In addition it may be part of a diagnostic work-up for cervical cancer. It is often performed to prevent infection following an incomplete abortion or after delivery, if part of the placenta is left in the uterus. The diagnostic D&C is rapidly being replaced by vacuum (Vabra) aspiration or endometrial biopsy.

DORSAL LITHOTOMY POSITION: A position for a gynecological exam where the woman lies on her back with her bottom at the very end of the examining table and her legs are supported by stirrups.

DYSMENORRHEA: Painful menstruation.

DYSPAREUNIA: Painful intercourse.

DYSPLASIA: A unusual development or change in the size, shape or pattern of cells. Some medical professionals think dysplasia is simply a non-cancerous growth of a new type of cell. Classification is mild, moderate or severe.

ELECTROCAUTERY: Electrical burning of an infected area.

ELECTRODESSICATION: Tissue destruction by heat.

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: Includes the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary glands, and also ovaries in women and testes in men. These are all ductless glands which secrete hormones and other substances that affect other selected organs of the body directly into the blood stream.

ENDOCRINOLOGISTS: People who study the endocrine system.

ENDOGENOUS ESTROGEN: Naturally-occurring estrogen.

ENDOMETRIOSIS: The condition on which tissue normally found in the uterus is found in other nearby parts of the body. This conditios is sometimes accompanied by irregular and painful menstruation or pain during coitus.

ESTROGENS: A group of steroid hormones produced in the ovaries and testes and in the adrenal glands of both men and women, and possible in other tissues, such as body fat. Among their many functions, estrogens are crucial for the healthy growth of skin and mucous membranes. They play a key role in the menstrual cycle by triggering ovulation and by stimulating the growth of the uterine lining.

FALLOPIAN TUBES: The tubes or passageways through which the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

FATS: Fats have numerous benefits such as providing the human body with concentrated sources of energy; carry fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, and E, along with essential fatty acids; provide insulation and protection for important organs and body structures; store calories to provide for pregnancy and nursing. The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective lists whole milk, most cheeses, butter, margarine, oils, nuts, and meats as important sources of fats.

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE: General term for the ovarian and uterine cycles, the hormonal changes that accompany them, and cyclic changes in the breast and cervix.

FIBER: Plant parts which cannot be digested in the human digestive tract; high fiber diets have been shows to protect against certain cancers and heart disease.

FIBROADEINA: A non-malignant form of breast tumor.

FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE: Also known as cystic mastitis; the most common breast disorder in women resulting in tender and lumpy breast tissue.

FIBROIDS: Fibrous, non-cancerous growths, most commonly found in the uterus.

FOLLICLE: A small, round sac. Each egg is contained within a follicle.

FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE (FSH): A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It is thought that when the level of this hormone rises in the bloodstream after menstruation, it stimulated a number of follicles in the ovary to grow and mature.

FREE RADICAL: Toxic substances which are short-lived forms of compounds that exist with an unpaired electron in their outer shell. This causes it to have an electron-seeking nature, which can be very destructive to electron-dense areas of a cell, such as DNA or RNA.

FUNDUS: The upper, rounded portion of the uterus.

GENERAL ANESTHETIC: Any drug that blocks sensations in the body by producing paralysis or unconsciousness. Bodily process such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and bowel activity are slowed down.

GENITAL WARTS: Small, rough bumps on, in, or near the genitals caused by a virus. Warts are generally painless, but can cause irritation. When warts travel inside of the vaginal canal or lodge onto the cervix, they can cause secondary conditions that can result in infection and sterility. See HPV.

GENITALS: The sexual and reproductive organs. In women they include the clitoris, vulva, uterus, urethra, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In men they include the testes, their excretory ducts, the penis, urethra and prostate gland.

GONADOTROPHIN: Pituitary hormones that stimulate activity in the testes or ovaries.

GONADOTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE (GRH): Hormone responsible for reproductive hormone control.

GONHORRHEA: A sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonhorrhea. It is transmitted by a person carrying the bacteria when one mucous membrane comes into contact with another, or when any warm, moist part of the body comes together with another. If not treated, this disease can cause severe infection and sterility. Symptoms include painful urination, discolored discharge, genital inflammation.

GYNECOLOGY: The branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system. (Note - Is there a branch of holistic or asian medicine that deals with preventive care and health maintenance of reproductive and sexual health, as opposed to the treatment of disorders?)

HEPATITIS: Inflammation and destruction of liver cells. There are various strains of hepatitis, one of which can be caused from practicing unsafe anal sex.

HERPES: A viral disease that causes the skin to erupt in recurring blisters, most commonly on the genitals and mouth. Herpes is spread when a blister comes into contact with mucous membranes, an open sore, or a cut.

HORMONES: Minute substances manufactured in organs, glands or tissues which are transported in the bloodstream to distant parts of the body to stimulate specific activity or production of other hormones. These naturally occurring chemicals affect every part of the body and are directly affected by environmental influences such as nutrition, exercise, stress, temperature and light.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV). The virus that causes AIDS.

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV): Viral infections that cause genital warts. In women, certain strains of HPV are known to cause cervical cancer.

HYSTERECTOMY: The surgical removal of the uterus. A radical hysterectomy includes the removal of the uterus, the cervix, the fallopian tubes, ovaries and sometimes the lymph nodes; results in surgically induced menopause.

HYSTEROSCOPY: The insertion of a telescope-like instrument into the uterus, enabling a physician to examine the uterus directly or on a video screen.

IATROGENESIS: Occurs when illness, impairment, or death results from medical treatment or environment. Some examples: cancers caused by diethylstilbestrol (DES), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or hysterectomy caused by IUD or untreated STD, sepsis after surgery, death or disability due to anesthesia accident, electrocution or burns from hospital equipment, medication errors, infection from respirators, etc.

INFORMED CONSENT: Ensuring that a patient has full information about examinations, tests, procedures or drugs before treatment is given, including possible risks and complications of any kind and whether a drug or treatment is experimental.

INTROITUS: The opening of the vagina.

IRON: Makes up an important part of hemoglobin, the compound in blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body cells. Women need to take extra iron during their menstrual cycle.

LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS: A class of “friendly” bacteria found in yogurt and other milk products. It is also found in both the intestines and the vagina, where it keeps the growth of yeast down.

LAETRILE THERAPY: A controversial anticancer treatment in which a form of amygdalin (Vitamin B-17) is taken along with other nutritional therapies.

LAPAROSCOPY: Examination of the interior of the abdomen by means of a laparoscope; also the closing of the fallopian tubes via electrocautery with a laparoscope which has been inserted through an incision beneath the naval. A procedure in which a laparoscope is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall to view abdominal and pelvic viscera, remove fluids and tissue for biopsy, drain ovarian cysts, cut adhesions, stop bleeding, and perform tubal ligation.

EndoNurse shares a bit of history regarding laparoscopic procedure: The laparoscope was created in 1929 by German gastroenterologist Heinz Kalk to diagnose diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Kalk could view organs without exposing them to bacteria when a 135-degree lens system was placed into the abdomen through a small incision. In America, the precursors to the modern laparpscope were primarily employed for gynecological and gastroenterological purposes. Laparoscopes were used for diagnosis until the 1970s, when operative laparoscopy became possible with the development of sophisticated tools and video equipment. EndoNurse also discusses the limitations of laparoscopy technique, which are due to a two dimensional picture on a video screen, as opposed to a complete three dimensional image of the area being viewed.

LAPAROTOMY: Any surgery done through an abdominal incision.

LOCAL ANESTHETIC: An application of pain-killer to the part of the body where a procedure is to be done.

LOOP ELECTROSURGICAL EXCISION PROCEDURE (LEEP): A procedure used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix involving the use of a low-voltage, high-frequency radio wave run through a wire loop. This procedure has almost completely replaced conization, cauterization, cryotherapy, and carbon dioxide laser treatment.

LUMPECTOMY: The surgical removal of a breast tumor and sometimes other breast tissue without removing the entire breast.

LEUTENIZING HORMONE (LH): A hormone manufactured in the pituitary gland which is believed to stimulate the ovary to secrete steroid hormones and to stimulate the formation of the corpus luteum.

LICE (CRABS): Phithirus pubis, or public lice, is a mite which is passed from direct intimate or physical contact, or exposure to clothing, bedding or towels used by a person with lice. Lice live by sucking the blood of a host, and can carry with them serious diseases, such as typhus. Medical supervision is suggested, though there are over the counter (OTC) remedies available.

LUPUS: Chronic inflammatory disorder in which the immune system forms antibodies that target healthy tissues and organs; forms of the disease include discoid lupus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is primarily seen in women. Toxic Shock Syndrome left many women suffering from Lupus in the 1980s.

LYMPH NODES: Enclosed masses of tissue that vary from the size of a tiny dot to the size of the marble. Lymph nodes filter out foreign particles, such as bacteria, preventing them from entering the blood stream.

LYMPHOMA: A cancer that originates from lymph tissue which iws part of the body's immune system.

LYSINE: An essential amino acid found in dairy products, meat, potatoes, yeast and other foods. (These foods also contain arginine in smaller quantities.) It is believed the a high intake of Lysine may shorten the duration of an outbreak of herpes.

MAMMOGRAPHY: An X-ray procedure involving photographing the breasts to see if they contain lumps that may be cancerous.

MASTECTOMY: The surgical removal of breast tissue, which ranges from the removal a small part of the breast to the removal of the entire breast, lymph nodes, fat, muscles and surrounding skin.

MENARCHE: The inital onset of menstural periods in a young woman.

MENOPAUSE: When a woman’s menstrual cycle ends, usually in her late 40s or early 50s.

METABOLISM: The sum of chemical changes, the building up or the destruction of cells, which takes place in the body.

MYOMECTOMY: Surgical removal of a uterine fibroid.

MYOMETRIUM: The smooth muscle layer of the uterine wall.

NON SPECIFIC VAGINITIS: A medical term for a bacterial infection of the vagina. It is “nonspecific” when several different types of bacteria be present or when the type of bacteria is unknown.

NUTRITION: The science studying the need for and the effects of food on an organism

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS: Infections that seldom cause disease in people with normal immune function, but which "take the opportunity" to cause disease when the immune system is compromised, such as with AIDS.

OPPOSED ESTROGEN: Estrogen replacement therapy that is taking with the opposing effects of progestin.

OS: The mouth of the uterus. The opening at either end of the cervical canal. The opening into the uterus is the inner os; opening into the vagina is the outer os.

OSTEOPOROSIS: A debilitating disorder characterized by a decrease in bone mass.

OVARIES: Two white endocrine glands about the size of unselled almonds, located on either side of the pelvic cavity near the opening of the fallopian tubes. From birth through old age, they produce hormones - estrogens, progestogens and andogens. During a woman’s reproductive years, they release ripe eggs.

OVULATION: The point in a woman’s menstrual cycle when an egg ripens and breaks through the wall of the ovary.

PALPATE: To examine by touch or feel.

PAP SMEAR (Also called a Pap Test): A screening for cancer of the cervix. Samples of cells from the face of the cervix, the os and the vagina are smeared on a slide for examination to determine whether they have any unusual characteristics which might indicate cancer. The Pap test for early cancer detection was developed by Dr. George Papanicolaous. He began writing about techniques for vaginal smears in 1928, and in 1943 created a monograph, which became the basis for the annual test procedure.

PAPILLOMAS: Wart-like growths generally located on the skin or mucous membranes. Papillomas can grow on any part pf the body and are occasionally found on the breast.

PATIENT ADVOCATE: Someone who accompanies a person through an examination or medical procedure to give emotional support and to try to ensure that the person is treated respectfully, that questions are answered and that all necessary tests are done; the advocate also helps to ensure that the person being examined has complete information about which procedures are being done, the reasons for doing them and the options of requesting or refusing any drugs or procedures.

PELVIC FLOOR: The muscles which provide the basis of support for a woman's uterus, bladder and rectum.

PELVIC RELAXATION / UTERINE PROLAPSE: According to the Boston Women’s Health Collective, pelvic relaxation is a condition in which the muscles of the pelvic floor become slack and no longer adequately support the pelvic organs. In severe cases, the ligaments and tissues that hold the uterus in place may also weaken enough to allow the uterus to “fall” or “prolapse” into the vagina. Prolapse is not as common as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is believed to be caused by excessive childbearing and genetics.

PERIMETRIUM: The thin membrane covering the outside of the uterus.

PERINEUM: The area of flesh between the vagina and the anus.

PITUITARY GLAND: A kidney-bean-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain wich is responsible for the production of a wide variety of hormones -- particularly follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) - which appear to be responsible for stimulating the formation of the corpus luteum after ovulation and the secretion of steroid hormones in both the ovaries and testes.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS): A syndrome caused by a hormone imbalance in which the ovaries develop numerous follicle cysts; often treated with surgery and estrogen replacement therapy in the form of contraceptive/birth control pills.

POLYPS: Soft red growths with stems that most commonly occur in organs such as the uterus band rectum, which have a rich supply of blood. Polyps are usually noncancerous, but can cause a discharge or can bleed when irritated.

PRECANCEROUS: A term describing a condition which has the potential for becoming cancerous later. Most so-called precancerous conditions do not become cancer, but watching for changes and frequent tests are important.

PRODROME: Period of infectiousness before the first signs of infection become present.

PROGESTERONE: A steroid hormone manufactured in the corpus luteum and adrenal glands which promotes the growth of the uterine lining prior to menstruation and, in pregnancy, the growth stage of the placenta.

PROGESTOGENS: A group of steroid hormones which include progesterone and other hormones which have similar effects.

PROGESTIN: A synthetic progesterone used in conjunction with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy.

PROSTAGLADINS: A family of hormones present in many body tissues. The release of prostagladins as uterine living cells shed is believed to the cause of menstrual cramping.

PROTEIN: A substance that is basically a compound of amino acids; one of the essential nutrients. The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective adds that the chief function of protein is that it provides nitrogen and amino acids for body proteins (in skin tissues, muscles, brain, hair, etc.), for hormones (substances the control body processes), for antibodies (which fight infections), and for enzymes (which control the rates of chemical reactions in our bodies). Important sources of protein are milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fish, poultry, meat, beans, tofu, certain vegetable combinations, seafood, soy products (tempeh and textured vegetable proteins)

RADIATION THERAPY: The treatment of cancer with radioactive elements to destroy cancerous cells.

RECTOVAGINAL EXAM: An examination of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries which is done by inserting the gloved middle finger into the rectum and the index finger into the vagina, while the other hand is used to press down on the abdomen. The exam is done if the uterus is difficult to feel vaginally.

RECTUM: The lower part of the large intestine that extends to the anus.

REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTION (RTI): In an article written for the Communicable Disease Program/Pan American Health Organization, Gabriel A. Schumunis intricately defines RTI: “The etiology of reproductive tract infections involves bacteria, virus, or protozoa that localize in the lower or upper genital tract. Infection could originate from sexual intercourse, dirty menstrual cloths, unsafe abortion, childbirth practices, or female genital mutilation; often they are sexually transmitted diseases.

She also writes: “Reproductive tract infections may affect women of different socio-economic status from rural or urban areas. Complications may occur in non-pregnant or pregnant women when these infections go untreated or are improperly treated. In pregnant women it may affect the mother and/or the newborn. Complications occur mainly in women from the lowest socio-economic levels.”

RETROVERTED: The medical term used to descriptive a uterus which is tipped backward in the body toward the tail bone; a normal position.

SCABIES: Parasitic mites that burrow under the superficial layers of the skin, depositing eggs and feces. Symptoms include severe itching, red skin, raised bumps or ridges. Bacteria from broken skin while itching can cause infection. Though not a sexually transmitted disease, scabies can be passed from person to person, and also from dirty clothing, towels, or sheets to a person. A prescription is necessary to kill the mites and complete disinfection of the environment in which they were passed is necessary to prevent continued contamination.

SEMINAL FLUID: Thick, white secretion produced by a man’s reproductive organs which passes through the urethra of the penis during orgasm. The seminal fluid contains the sperm, as well as secretions from various glands.

SIGMOIDOSCOPY: Procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to exam the rectum and lower colon.

SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATE: A sugar; provides the body with glucose.

SPECULUM: An instrument, usually metal or plastic, which is inserted into a body opening in order to look at the cavity wall and its contents. Vaginal speculums are used to see the vagina and cervix.

SPERM: Microscopic tad-pole shaped cells produced in a man’s body, which are passed out through the urethra in the seminal fluid. When a sperm is united with an egg, it develops within the uterus first into an embryo and then into a fetus.

SQUAMOCOLUMNAR JUNCTION: The rim where the lining of the cervical canal (made up of column-shaped cells) meets the flat cells of the face of the cervix.

STEROID HORMONES: A class of hormones formed from cholesterol, namely estrogens, progestogens and androgens, as well as a group of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.

STERILIZATION: Any process that removes the organs of reproduction or makes them incapable of functioning effectively.

TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY / BILATERAL SALPINGO OOPHERECTOMY: Hysterectomy performed in conjunction with the removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes.

THERMOGRAPHY: A method pf detecting the presence of cysts by measuring temperature differences among tissues. Cysts grow faster than the surrounding tissue and therefore give off more heat can be detected by this method.

TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME (TSS): A life-threatening disease caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and sometimes also Staphylococcus pyrogenes. TSS was a concern in the 1980s, when many women died from the disease as a result of prolonged tampon use. New industry regulations have been created to provide higher standards in the manufacture of tampons.

TRACHELECTOMY: The removal of the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, together with a cuff of surrounding tissue which includes some of the nearby lymph nodes. The body of the womb and the ovaries are left intact, so it is still possible to have children (though many women are left sterile as a result of the procedure).

TRANSDERMAL THERAPY: A skin patch for estrogen replacement therapy. By feeding estrogen directly into the blood stream via the skin, the liver is bypassed.

TRANSILLUMINATION: A method used in confirming the presence and size of breast lumps by shining a very strong light the breast.

TRICHOMONAS: An infection caused by microscopic, single-celled parasites which live in the vaginal tissue, Trichomonas vaginalis. Typically the major symptom is a greenish or yellowish discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor, which has been variously described as “fishy”, “acrid” or “swampy.”

TUBAL LIGATION: Surgically blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent the union of sperm and egg.

UNOPPOSED ESTROGEN: Estrogen replacement therapy that is taken without the opposing effects of progestin.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI): An inflammation or infection in the bladder which can sometimes spread to the kidneys. The cause can be stress, sexual activity or improper wiping after a bowel movement. Most women contract UTI’s at least once or twice.

UTERUS: A muscular, hollow, pear-shaped organ with an inner mucous membrane lining, the endometrium. It lies in the middle of the pelvis, supported by several ligaments. Its three parts are the cervix, the main body and the fundus.

VAGINA: The very elastic canal with a mucous membrane lining which extends from the cervix to the vulva. The vaginal walls usually touch each other, but can be greatly expanded especially during childbirth. Also called the vaginal canal.

VENEREAL DISEASE (VD): Sexually transmitted diseases which include syphilis, gonhorrhea, herpes and trichomonas.

VIRUSES: Small pathogens incapable of independent metabolism; can only reproduce inside living cells.

VITAMIN: Am organic substance needed by the body in a very small amount; carries out a variety of functions in metabolism and nutrition.

The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective explains the basic vitamins and their benefits:

Vitamin A: Helps prevent infection; helps eyes adjust to changes in light (prevents night blindness.); needed for healthy skin and muscle tissue, such as inside the mouth and lungs, bones, and teeth.

Vitamin E: Helps preserve some vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids (acts as an antioxidant); helps stabilize biological membranes.

B Vitamins: Needed for steady nerves, alertness, good digestion, energy production, healthy skin and eyes, maintenance of blood, and disease resistance; also necessary for metabolizing protein, fat, and carbohydrates. B Vitamins include: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyroxidine and Folacin.

Vitamin C: Needed for healthy collagen, tendons and bones; helps wounds to heal; necessary for iron absorption; protects vitamins A, E and many B vitamins.

Calium: Needed for building strong teeth and bones; blood clotting; and also regulates nerve and muscle activity.:

WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE MOVEMENT: The Women’s Health Care Movement is composed of individuals and groups who are working to improve women’s and infant’s health care, women’s reproductive and sexual freedom and the status and power of women health workers, both paid and unpaid. Issues of special interest are: occupational health, abortion, sterilization abuse, childbirth, unsafe birth control, excessive surgery, lack of informed consent, substance abuse, patient advocacy, home health workers, lay health workers, rape and other forms of violence against women, aging, and status of nurses. Self-help is an approach to the solution of these and other problems and is based on the idea that women have been controlled through the suppression of their sexuality, and the belief that if women can learn directly about their bodies through self-examination together, they can regain sexual and reproductive control.

XERORADIOGRAPHY: A photoelectric method of X-raying a woman’s breasts to detect cysts or tumors.

YEAST: A fungus normally present in the vagina and rectum which can overgrow and cause discomfort. Also called Monilia or Candida albicans.

GLOSSARY SOURCES:

Alexander, L.; LaRosa J. (1994) New dimensions in women's health. Jones and Bartless Publishers. Boston/London.

(The) Boston Women’s Health Book Collective. (1998) Our bodies, ourselves (for the new century). Touchstone/Simon & Schuster. New York.

CANCERBACUP. (2004) http://www.cancerbacup.org/uk/Cancertype/Cervix/Aftertreatment

Dix, Kathryn. (Feb/March 2004) Discovering the possibilities: laparoscpoy in the treatment of cancer. EndoNurse. http://www.endonurse.com/articles/271feat4.html

Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers. (1995) A new view of a woman’s body. Feminist Health Press. Los Angeles.

Gale Group. (2001) Toxic shock syndrome. Gale Encyclopedia of Science. http://galenet.galegroup.com

Gomez, E. (1993) Gender, women & health in the Americas. Scientific publication #541. Pan American Health Organization. World Health Organization (WHO). Washington, D.C.

Healthwise , Inc. / Quest Diagnostics.

http://print.healthwise.net also www.questdiagnostics.com

Specific article: “Tropical Diseases and Reproductive Tract Infections” by Gabriel A. Schmunis. Communicable Disease Program. Pan American Health Organization.

Spengler, R.; Greer, D; Melnikow, J; Saway, G. (2002) Pap test.

Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. (2000) Fact sheet for colposcopy & cervical biopsy. PPNE Form 01CD 02/00 ec

Tortora, G; Grabowski, S. (1993) Principles of anatomy and physiology. (7th ed). Harpers Collins College Publishers.

Tortora, G; Grabowski, S. (1996) Principles of anatomy and physiology. (8th ed). Harpers Collins College Publisher

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