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Adenomyosis

A condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy and painful periods. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation, which can be caused by pregnancy, stress, excessive exercise, or medical conditions like PCOS. (Source: NHS)

Anovulation

The absence of ovulation, often linked to PCOS or hormonal imbalances. (Source: ACOG)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria. (Source: NHS)

Birth Control

Methods used to prevent pregnancy, including hormonal contraceptives, IUDs, barrier methods, and fertility awareness methods such as cycle tracking apps. Some of these apps, like Natural Cycles and Clue Birth Control, have received FDA clearance for contraceptive use. (Sources: World Health Organization; U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Birth Trauma

Psychological distress following childbirth due to a difficult or traumatic experience. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Cervical Screening

A test to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, helping prevent cervical cancer. (Source: NHS)

Cesarean Section (C-Section)

A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when vaginal birth is not possible or safe. (Source: ACOG)

Clomid

A medication used to induce ovulation in women experiencing fertility issues. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Colostrum

The first form of breast milk produced after childbirth, rich in antibodies. (Source: WHO)

Diastasis Recti

The separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy or postpartum, affecting core strength. (Source: NHS)

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

A procedure to remove tissue from the uterus, often after a miscarriage. It is also used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the uterus, such as abnormal bleeding. (Source: ACOG)

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstrual cramps that can interfere with daily activities. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, requiring urgent medical attention. (Source: NHS)

Egg Freezing

A procedure to collect and preserve a woman's eggs for future use, allowing for the possibility of pregnancy at a later time. It involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and freezing them for storage. (Source: Cleveland Clinic)

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often leading to severe menstrual pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Endometriosis can cause symptoms similar to PMS but is a separate medical condition. (Source: NHS)

Episiotomy

A surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to facilitate delivery. (Source: ACOG)

Estrogen

A primary female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. It also plays a key role in bone health, heart health, and maintaining healthy skin and tissues. (Source: WHO)

Fertility Preservation

Techniques such as egg freezing used to maintain reproductive options for the future. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Fibroids

Noncancerous tumors that develop in or around the uterus. They can cause heavy periods, pain, and other symptoms, but some people have no symptoms. (Source: NHS)

Follicular Phase

The first phase of the menstrual cycle, starting on the first day of menstruation and ending with ovulation. (Source: ACOG)

Gestational Diabetes

A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth but may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. (Source: WHO)

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection that can affect reproductive health if untreated. (Source: CDC)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

A common bacterium found in the intestines and genital tract of both men and women. It often causes no symptoms, but can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth, potentially leading to infections in newborns, which can be treated with antibiotics. Pregnant women are tested for GBS, and antibiotics are given during labor if necessary to reduce the risk of transmission. (Source: NHS)

Hirsutism

Excessive hair growth in women, often caused by hormonal imbalances like PCOS. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT replaces the hormones that your body produces less of as you go through menopause, helping to manage symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, and may also support bone health. (Source: NHS)

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, sometimes requiring hospitalization. (Source: ACOG)

Hysterectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, sometimes including the ovaries and fallopian tubes. (Source: NHS)

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

A small device inserted into the uterus for long-term birth control. Can be hormonal or non-hormonal (copper). (Source: WHO)

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized outside the body and implanted in the uterus. (Source: WHO)

Infertility

A medical condition characterized by the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. In women over 35, an evaluation is recommended after six months of trying. Infertility can result from various factors affecting either partner, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or health conditions. It can also be treated in different ways depending on the underlying cause. (Source: ACOG)

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A common condition in women due to heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to fatigue and weakness. (Source: NHS)

Jaundice in Newborns

A common condition in newborns where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to high bilirubin levels. (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)

Jelly-like Discharge

A normal part of the menstrual cycle, usually occurring around ovulation. (Source: NHS)

Karyotyping

A genetic test used in fertility assessments to detect chromosomal abnormalities. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Ketosis in Pregnancy

A state of increased ketone production that can occur with extreme dieting or gestational diabetes. (Source: NHS)

Laparoscopy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis. (Source: ACOG)

Libido

Sexual desire, which can be affected by hormonal changes, stress, or medical conditions. (Source: NHS)

Lochia

The vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It progresses through three stages: bright red (lochia rubra), pinkish-brown (lochia serosa), and yellowish-white (lochia alba). The total duration lasts up to six weeks, with breastfeeding potentially increasing bleeding. (Source: Verywell Health)

Luteal Phase

The second phase of the menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and lasting until the start of menstruation. During this phase, the ruptured follicle (now called the corpus luteum) produces progesterone, which helps prepare the endometrium for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels drop, and menstruation begins. (Source: NHS)

Mastitis

Inflammation of the breast tissue, often due to a blocked milk duct during breastfeeding. (Source: NHS)

Menopause

The natural end of menstrual cycles, diagnosed after 12 months without a period, usually occurring between ages 45-55. (Source: WHO)

Miscarriage

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. (Source: ACOG)

Molar Pregnancy

A rare complication where abnormal tissue grows instead of a fetus. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Commonly known as morning sickness, affects many pregnant women, especially in the first trimester. (Source: ACOG)

Neonatal Care

Medical care given to newborns, particularly premature or ill babies. (Source: NHS)

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep, often associated with menopause or hormonal changes. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Contraceptive methods that do not involve hormones, such as copper IUDs, barrier methods (like condoms), and fertility awareness methods. These methods rely on tracking the menstrual cycle to predict fertile days and avoid pregnancy. (Source: WHO)

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones become weak and brittle, commonly affecting postmenopausal women. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Ovarian Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, often harmless but sometimes causing pain or complications. (Source: NHS)

Ovarian Follicle

A fluid-filled sac in the ovary that contains an immature egg. Each month, one follicle will mature and release an egg during ovulation. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Ovary

The organ where eggs (ova) are stored and mature. It is also responsible for producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. (Source: NHS)

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurring mid-cycle and crucial for conception. (Source: ACOG)

Oxytocin

A hormone that plays a crucial role in labor by stimulating uterine contractions, in bonding by promoting emotional connections, and in breastfeeding by aiding milk ejection. Oxytocin is often called the "love hormone" because of its involvement in social bonding, trust, and relationships. While it is most commonly associated with women, it is also present in men and plays a role in reproductive and emotional processes. (Source: WHO)

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

A hormonal disorder causing irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and cysts on the ovaries. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

A severe form of PMS, marked by intense mood disturbances, irritability, and depression that significantly affect daily functioning. PMDD is linked to hormonal fluctuations and typically occurs in the two weeks before menstruation. (Source: NHS)

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

A collection of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically in the 1–2 weeks before menstruation. Symptoms may include bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and irritability. (Source: NHS)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated STIs. (Source: CDC)

Perimenopause

The transition period before menopause, typically occurring in women in their 40s, marked by hormonal fluctuations and symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, and mood changes. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years, with the average duration being around 4 years. Perimenopause ends when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period, signaling the start of menopause. (Source: NHS)

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver, usually occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy; formerly known as toxemia. (Source: ACOG)

Prenatal Depression

Depression occurring during pregnancy, impacting maternal and fetal well-being. (Source: ACOG)

Quadriceps Weakness in Pregnancy

A condition caused by hormonal changes and weight gain affecting the leg muscles. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Quickening

The first movements of a fetus felt by the mother, usually occurring between 16-25 weeks of pregnancy. (Source: ACOG)

RH Incompatibility

A condition where an Rh-negative mother’s immune system reacts against an Rh-positive baby. (Source: ACOG)

Rectocele

A condition where the rectum bulges into the vaginal wall, often due to childbirth trauma or aging. (Source: NHS)

Round Ligament Pain

A sharp or jabbing pain in the lower belly or groin area, commonly experienced during pregnancy as the uterus expands. (Source: ACOG)

Stillbirth

The loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. (Source: WHO)

Stress Urinary Incontinence

The unintentional loss of urine during physical activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising, often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles. (Source: NHS)

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)

Pelvic pain caused by pregnancy-related changes in the pubic joint. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Third-Degree Tear

A severe tear in the perineum extending to the anal sphincter during childbirth. (Source: ACOG)

Thyroid Disorders

Conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism that affect hormone production and can impact menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy. (Source: NHS)

Tubal Ligation

A permanent method of birth control involving the surgical sealing of the fallopian tubes. (Source: NHS)

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

A rare but serious childbirth complication where the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby. (Source: ACOG)

Urinary Incontinence

Loss of bladder control, commonly affecting postpartum and menopausal women. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Uterine Prolapse

When the uterus descends into or outside the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and supporting tissues. (Source: NHS)

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

A vaginal delivery after a previous C-section, often requiring medical evaluation. (Source: ACOG)

Vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina due to infections, hormonal changes, or irritants. (Source: NHS)

Vulvodynia

Chronic pain or discomfort in the vulvar area without an identifiable cause, which can affect daily activities and intimacy. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and can be triggered by touch, pressure, or certain activities. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Water Birth

A method of childbirth involving laboring and/or delivering in a pool of warm water. (Source: WHO)

Weaning

The process of transitioning an infant from breastfeeding to other food sources. (Source: La Leche League International)

Womb Health

Encompasses issues related to the uterus, such as fibroids, endometriosis, and menstrual health. (Source: NHS)

X-Linked Genetic Disorders

Genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, that are linked to the X chromosome and affect reproductive health. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

Xenoestrogens

Synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen and may affect hormonal balance. (Source: WHO)

Yeast Infection

A common fungal infection in the vagina, causing itching and discharge. (Source: NHS)

Yolk Sac

A structure providing nutrients to an embryo in early pregnancy. (Source: ACOG)

Zika Virus and Pregnancy

A virus that can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. (Source: WHO)

Zygote

A fertilized egg cell, marking the beginning of embryonic development. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

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