Glossary
Adhesions: Scarring that binds together the surfaces of tissues.
Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.
Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.
Fibroids: Benign growths that form in the muscle of the uterus.
Hormone Therapy: Treatment in which estrogen, and often progestin, are given to help relieve some of the symptoms caused by low levels of these hormones.
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
Laparoscope: An instrument that is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a small incision to view internal organs or to perform surgery.
Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the pelvic cavity through a small incision. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery.
Menopause: The time in a woman’s life when menstruation stops, defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 1 year.
Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both of the ovaries.
Osteoporosis: A condition in which the bones become so fragile that they break more easily.
Ovaries: The paired organs in the female reproductive system that contain the eggs released at ovulation and produce hormones.
Salpingectomy: Removal of one or both of the fallopian tubes.
Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovary and fallopian tube; a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Uterine Prolapse: A condition in which the uterus drops down into or out of the vagina.
Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.
Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.