Glossary
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Bleeding from the uterus that differs in frequency, regularity, duration, or amount from normal uterine bleeding in the absence of pregnancy.
Cervix: The opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg begins to grow in a place other than inside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.
Endometrium: The lining of the uterus.
Fibroids: Benign (noncancerous) growths that form on the inside of the uterus, on its outer surface, or within the uterine wall itself.
Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists: Medical therapy used to block the effects of certain hormones.
Intrauterine device (IUD): A small device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
Menopause: The process in a woman’s life when ovaries stop functioning and menstruation stops.
Menstrual Cycle: The monthly process of changes that occur to prepare a woman’s body for possible pregnancy. A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle.
Miscarriage: The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.
Ovulation: The release of an egg from one of the ovaries.
Perimenopause: The period before menopause that usually extends from age 45 years to 55 years.
Polyps: Growths that develop from membrane tissue, such as that lining the inside of the uterus.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections that are spread by sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]).
Tranexamic Acid: A medication prescribed to treat or prevent heavy bleeding.
Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.