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Glossary And FAQ

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Glossary And FAQ

Demystify medical jargon and empower yourself with knowledge.

General

  • Fertility: The biological ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
  • Infertility: The inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if the woman is 35 or older).
  • Tubal Factor Infertility: Blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
  • Secondary Infertility: Inability to conceive after previously having a child.
  • Fertility Window: The period during your menstrual cycle when you are most likely to conceive (around ovulation).
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections that can be spread through sexual contact. Some STIs can damage the female reproductive system and make it difficult to get pregnant.
  • Fertility Specialist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility problems.
  • Miscarriage: The loss of a pregnancy before reaching 20 weeks.
  • Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the uterine lining (period).
  • Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation for three or more cycles in a row (excluding pregnancy and breastfeeding).
  • Female Reproductive System: The organs involved in sexual function and reproduction (ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina).
  • Clitoris: A small, highly sensitive erectile tissue at the front of the vulva.
  • Labia Majora: The outer folds of skin that protect the vulva.
  • Labia Minora: The inner folds of skin that surround the vaginal and clitoral openings.
  • Mons Pubis: The fatty mound of tissue covered with pubic hair located above the vulva.
  • Vulva: The external genitalia of the female reproductive system.
  • Hymen: A thin membrane that partially or completely covers the opening of the vagina. It can be broken during sexual intercourse, but it can also break through other activities.
  • Perineum: The area of tissue between the vagina and anus.
  • Vestibule: The area between the labia minora where the opening of the vagina and urethra (urinary opening) are located.
  • Pelvic Floor Muscles: A group of muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Strong pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder control and sexual function.
  • Endometriosis: A condition characterized by the growth of tissue resembling the uterine lining outside of the uterus.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods and ovulation problems.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can damage fertility.

Adolescence

  • Adolescence: The period of development between childhood and adulthood, typically occurring from around 10-11 years old to the late teens (around 19 years old). This is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social changes.
  • Puberty: The biological process during adolescence when the body matures sexually and reproductive capabilities develop.
  • Menarche: A girl's first menstrual period.
  • Spermarche: A boy's first ejaculation.
  • Teenager: Another term for adolescents, typically referring to someone between 13 and 19 years old.
  • Juvenile: A legal term referring to a person below the age of adulthood, which can vary by jurisdiction.
  • Growth Spurt: A rapid increase in height and weight that typically occurs during early adolescence.
  • Secondary Sex Characteristics: Development of physical features that distinguish males and females, such as breast development in females and facial hair growth in males.
  • Self-Esteem: A person's overall sense of worth and value.
  • Body Image: How a person perceives their physical appearance.
  • Resilience: The ability to adapt and recover from challenges.
  • Mental Health: Emotional and psychological well-being.
  • Emerging Adulthood: A period between late adolescence and young adulthood (roughly 18-25 years old) characterized by further exploration of identity, independence, and life goals.

Hormones

  • Estrogen: A female sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes egg development.
  • Progesterone: A female sex hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
  • FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): A hormone that stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries.
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone): A hormone that triggers ovulation.
  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): A hormone produced by ovarian follicles that indicates a woman's egg reserve.
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone produced by the hypothalamus to prompt the pituitary gland to secrete FSH and LH.

Reproductive Health

  • Gametes: Reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) needed for conception.
  • Oocyte: Another term for an egg.
  • Follicle: A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains a developing egg.
  • Ovarian Reserve: The number of remaining eggs in the ovaries.
  • Cervical Mucus: Mucus produced by the cervix that changes consistency throughout the menstrual cycle, becoming thin and slippery around ovulation to facilitate sperm movement.
  • Cervix: The lower narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
  • Fallopian Tubes: Two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization typically occurs.
  • Ovaries: The organs in the female reproductive system that are responsible for the production of eggs and hormones.
  • Corpus Luteum: A temporary gland in the ovary that produces progesterone after ovulation.
  • Ovulation: The biological process wherein a fully developed egg is discharged from the ovary.
  • Ovulatory Cycle: The menstrual cycle, including all hormonal changes and physical processes leading to ovulation and menstruation.
  • Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your body temperature at rest, typically taken first thing in the morning. BBT can be used to help track ovulation.
  • Menstrual Cycle: The monthly cycle of hormonal changes that prepare the body for pregnancy. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) and the development of an egg.
  • Vagina: The muscular canal leading from the cervix to the outside of the body.
  • Uterus: The muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy.
  • Endometrium: The lining of the uterus that thickens in preparation for pregnancy and sheds during menstruation if no pregnancy occurs.
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted in the uterus.
  • Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A fertility treatment involving the process of washing sperm and inserting it directly into the uterus.
  • Ovulation Induction: Medications used to stimulate ovulation in women who do not ovulate regularly.

Menopause

  • Menopause: The permanent end of menstruation, confirmed when a woman has not had a period for twelve consecutive months.
  • Premature Menopause: Menopause occurring before the age of 40.
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A condition where the ovaries stop functioning prematurely, leading to menopause symptoms before age 40.
  • Perimenopause: The transitional period leading up to menopause, lasting several years. It's characterized by hormonal changes and irregular periods.
  • Postmenopause: The time after menopause.
  • Estrogen: A female sex hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and other bodily functions. Levels decline during menopause.
  • Progesterone: Another female sex hormone involved in preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Levels also decline during menopause.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Treatment using hormones to address symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels.
  • Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth and sweating, a common symptom of menopause.
  • Night Sweats: Hot flashes occurring at night, disrupting sleep.
  • Vaginal Dryness: Thinning and dryness of vaginal tissues due to decreased estrogen.
  • Vaginal Atrophy: Thinning and loss of elasticity of vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort and pain during sex.
  • Decreased Libido: Reduced sex drive.
  • Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse.
  • Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.
  • Mood Swings: Irritability, anxiety, and depression are common emotional concerns during menopause.
  • Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and forgetfulness.
  • Osteoporosis: A bone disease causing bones to become weak and brittle, more common after menopause due to decreased estrogen levels.
  • DXA Scan: A bone density scan used to assess the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Complementary Therapies: Non-traditional therapies like acupuncture, yoga, or massage therapy that may help manage some menopause symptoms.
  • Phytoestrogens: Plant-based compounds with weak estrogen-like effects.
  • Mental Health: Menopause can affect mood and emotional well-being. Addressing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns is crucial during this transition.
  • Sexual Health: Changes in sexual function and libido are common during menopause. Open communication with your partner and exploring options to maintain intimacy are important.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What confirms menopause?
When a woman goes 12 months in a row without having her period, menopause is diagnosed. As the ovaries begin to shut down the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) become erratic and start to rise. As the estrogen levels fall, menopausal symptoms s
What are the 3 stages of menopause?
Perimenopause, Menopause, Postmenopause are the 3 stages of menopause. During perimenopause the hormones begin to decline resulting in irregular periods. This leads to menopause when your final period happens. Postmenopause begins 12 months after the last
Can a blood test confirm menopause?
As the ovaries start to slow down during menopause, the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) can become unpredictable and begin to increase.

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment recommendations.

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