Abdomen The part of the body between the lower ribs and the pelvis (tummy area) . Abdominal Of the abdomen . Abortion A way of ending a pregnancy using either medicines ( medical abortion ) or a surgical operation ( surgical abortion ). Acute Sudden and severe. Adenomyosis Pockets of endometrium within the muscle wall of the uterus . See endometruim. Adhesions Scar tissue that connects two or more body structures together. Amniocentesis A procedure to take a sample of the fluid surrounding a baby in the womb. It can be carried out after the 15th week of pregnancy, by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the womb. It can be used to detect the presence of conditions such as Down syndrome. Anaemia Less than normal number of red blood cells, low-haemoglobin level. Anaesthesia A form of pain relief. Antenatal Before birth. Antenatal care Care before birth. Antibiotics Medicines to combat a bacterial infection. Antibody A protein in the blood which acts against an antigen in a response of the immune system . Anti-D See RhD antigen . Antigen A substance in the blood that stimulates a response of the immune system . See blood group . Antiretroviral drugs/therapy/ ART Medicines used to block the action of retroviruses (such as the HIV / AIDS virus) and the progress of infection. See also HAART , HIV and retrovirus . Antispasmodic drugs Drugs which relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder and womb ( uterus ). Assisted conception/ assisted reproductive techniques (ART) Treatments that enable people to conceive by means other than sexual intercourse. See also: intrauterine insemination , in vitro fertilisation , intracytoplasmic sperm injection , donor insemination . Autoimmune response A response that produces antibodies which reacts against the body's own tissues. Return to top B Bacteria Organisms (so small that they are can only be seen through a microscope) that may cause certain kinds of infection. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) A very common vaginal infection which is caused by an imbalance in the types of bacteria in the vagina. It causes discharge and soreness. BV is not sexually transmitted. It does not affect men. Bias Any aspect of the way the clinical study is conducted which may adversely influence the results, independently of the treatments or procedures being studied. Biopsy A procedure to take a small sample of tissue from some part of the body for examination. Bladder The organ in the pelvis which expands to store urine and contracts to pass it out through the urethra . Blood group Your blood group is determined by the presence of chemical markers (known as antigens or proteins), on the surface of your red blood cells. Group A blood has A antigens , Group B blood has B antigens, Group AB blood has both A and B antigens and Group O blood has no antigens on the red blood cells. Body mass index (BMI) The measurement used to define the range of healthy weight in relation to height. The BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres squared - that is, your height in metres multiplied by itself). The healthy range of BMI is between 19 and 25. Breech position When the baby is lying bottom first in the womb . Return to top C Caesarean section An operation to deliver a baby by cutting through the wall of the abdomen and the womb. It may be done as a planned or emergency procedure. Candida albicans See vaginal thrush . Catheter A small tube that can be passed through a part of the body; for example, through the urethra (to empty the bladder). Cervix The entrance or neck of the womb , at the top of the vagina . Chickenpox A viral infection (also called ( herpes zoster), varicella or varicella-zoster). If a pregnant woman catches chickenpox, it may cause problems for her baby. Chlamydia trachomatis A sexually transmitted bacterial infection which can damage a man or woman's reproductive system if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Both partners require treatment. Chromosomes The genetic structures within cells which contain our DNA (the material that carries genetic information). A normal cell contains 46 chromosomes. See also gene . Chronic Something that persists or continues for at least six months. Clitoris A small organ under a fold of skin at the top of the vulva . The external part is about the size of a pea. When a woman is sexually aroused it swells with blood and produces feelings of sexual pleasure when stimulated. Complications Problems that develop after an operation, treatment or illness. Conception A process which begins with fertilisation of an egg by sperm and ends with successful implantation of the embryo. Continence Having full control of the bladder and/or bowel. See also stress incontinence . Corticosteroids A group of hormones which may be used to suppress the body's immune response or to reduce inflammation. See also steroids . Contraception Prevention of pregnancy. Return to top D D&C (dilatation and curettage) A small operation which opens the entrance of the womb (the cervix ) in order to remove tissue from the lining of the womb (the endometrium ). D&E (dilatation and evacuation) A type of surgical abortion using surgical instruments to end the pregnancy. Delivery Birth of a baby and its afterbirth (see placenta ). A baby may be delivered through the vagina or by Caesarean section . Diabetes A condition caused by high levels of glucose (a form of sugar) in the blood. The amount of glucose in your blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. Diathermy A surgical procedure which heats and destroys body tissue or stops bleeding. Also known as electrocoagulation. Donor insemination The placing of donor sperm into a woman's vagina , cervix or womb in order to get pregnant . Doppler A method for measuring the flow of blood; for example, through the umbilical cord during pregnancy. Return to top E Ectopic pregnancy A pregnancy where a fertilised egg ( embryo ) implants outside the womb (usually in one of the fallopian tubes ). Electrocoagulation See diathermy . Embryo A fertilised egg. Endometriosis A condition where cells of the lining of the womb (the endometrium ) are found elsewhere, usually around the pelvis and near the womb. Endometritis Inflammation of the lining of the womb, causing discomfort or pain. Endometrium The tissue that lines the womb (uterus). Estrogen A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle . It encourages an egg to mature and stimulates thickening of the lining of the womb in preparation for pregnancy. Levels vary during the menstrual cycle. Evidence-based medicine A way of using reliable, objective, up-to-date evidence about how well different treatments or interventions work and/or how best to diagnose or predict the course of specific conditions. Evidence-based medicine looks at the best available research information in order to help identify the most appropriate option. Return to top F Fallopian tubes The pair of hollow tubular organs that extend from the womb and end in fimbriae near the ovaries . Each month one ovary releases an egg which moves down the fallopian tube into the womb. The fallopian tube is where the egg is fertilised by sperm in the natural conception process. Female genital mutilation The partial or total removal of a woman's external genitals or other injury to her genital organs. It is illegal in the UK and should be discontinued elsewhere. Fecundity The state of being fertile. Fetus An unborn baby. Fertilisation When a sperm penetrates an egg and forms an embryo . Natural fertilisation takes place in a woman's fallopian tubes , but can be achieved outside the body by assisted conception techniques such as IVF. See IVF and ART. Fertility The ability to conceive a baby and, for a woman, to become pregnant. Fertility problem When you have not been able to conceive a baby. Fertility problems can affect men and women. Fimbriae The fern-like ends of the fallopian tubes , nearest the ovaries. Follicle A small sac in the ovary , in which the egg develops. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) A gonadotrophin hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the development of follicles in a woman's menstrual cycle and regulates sperm and hormone function in men. Return to top G Gamma globulin (IgG) A natural substance in the blood that protects against disease and infection. Used as a drug to boost immunity. Gastroenteritis Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually resulting in diarrhoea or vomiting. Gastrointestinal Relating to the stomach and intestine. Gene The basic biological unit of information through which features or characteristics are passed from parent to child. It determines, among other things, how the body functions and how well it fights infection. Genetic Relating to, caused or controlled by genes . Genetic counselling Information and discussion with a qualified specialist to help you decide what to do if you, your partner or a close relative is found to carry an inheritable disease . Genitals The sexual organs: in a woman, the vagina and vulva and in a man, the penis and testicles. Genital herpes An infection caused by the virus Herpes simplex (the virus that also causes cold sores). It is passed from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact. See also herpes . Gestation The period between conception and birth, when the fetus grows and develops inside the mother's womb. Gestational age The age of the baby in the womb, measured in weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A normal pregnancy lasts between 37 and 41 completed weeks, so a baby's gestation is usually around 40 weeks. Gestational diabetes A form of diabetes triggered during pregnancy. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist A synthetic hormone-like drug which suppresses ovulation . Gonadotrophins Hormones, produced by the pituitary gland and other organs, that stimulate ovulation in women and the production of sperm in men. See also follicle stimulating hormone , human chorionic gonadotrophin and luteinising hormone . Group B streptococcus (GBS) A bacterium that can cause a serious infection in a baby. It can be present on healthy skin. Often causes no infection in the mother, it can cause infection (cystitis), womb infection (endometritis) and infection in the skin (cellulites). Guideline Recommendations for good medical practice that exist to help patients and their healthcare teams make shared decisions about care. Guidelines (such as those produced by the RCOG ) are developed by teams of healthcare professionals, patients and scientists who look at the best research evidence available about care or treatment for a particular condition. Gynaecologist A doctor who specialises in women's health care. Return to top H Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) or (ART) Short for highly active antiretroviral therapy, a combination of three or more types of antiretroviral drugs. Used to treat people with HIV , it works by blocking the action of the virus and the progress of the infection. Haemorrhage Serious loss of blood. Herpes A family of viruses which cause a range of infections including chickenpox (Herpes zoster, or varicella), cold sores and genital herpes (Herpes simplex). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a viral infection which attacks the body's immune system , making it hard to fight off other infections. HIV is passed through contact with body fluids (blood, semen, breast milk). Hormones Naturally occurring substances, made by specialised cells in the body, which affect the metabolism and other body functions. They can also be used as drug treatment. Naturally occurring hormones include: follicle stimulating hormone , gonadotrophins , human chorionic gonadotrophin , luteinising hormone , oestrogen , progesterone , prostaglandin . Synthetic hormones include some corticosteroids , progestogen . Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) A hormone, made by the placenta , which shows up in a woman's blood or urine if she is pregnant. May be used as part of assisted conception to help eggs to mature and to help an embryo attach to the womb . Hyperprolac-tinaemia A disorder of the pituitary gland which produces higher levels than usual of the hormone prolactin. It can cause irregular periods and fertility problems . Hypothalamus A small structure at the base of the brain which regulates functions such as body temperature and appetite. Hysterectomy An operation to remove the cervix and womb , carried out through a cut on the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy) or the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) . The ovaries can be removed at the same time, if necessary. Hysteroscopy A procedure to examine the womb through a small telescopic microscope (called a hysteroscope) which is passed through the vagina and cervix . Hysterosalpin-gogram (HSG) An x-ray of the fallopian tubes or the womb , using fluid injected through the cervix (the entrance of the womb) . Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography An ultrasound test of the fallopian tubes or the womb , using fluid injected through the cervix (the entrance of the womb ). Return to top I Immune system The system in the body that defends against infection, disease and outside substances. Immunity Protection against infectious diseases through the action of the immune system . You can become immune to a disease through previous infection or by being vaccinated against it. Immunotherapy Treatment to prevent or change the response of the immune system. Implantation The process through which an embryo attaches to the lining of the womb . Incontinence When an individual does not have full control over the bladder and/or bowel. Problems with incontinence can range from slight to severe. See also stress incontinence . Infectious Infectious conditions are those which can be passed from person to person by micro-organisms such as viruses or bacteria. Infusion A method of delivering a drug or fluid into the bloodstream through a needle, at a steady rate over a period of time. Interstitial cystitis Inflammation of the bladder wall. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) A form of assisted conception in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) A small contraceptive device that is fitted into the womb . Made of plastic and copper, it has one or two soft threads at the end which hang through the cervix into the top of the vagina . Intrauterine insemination (IUI) A form of assisted conception which places sperm into a woman's womb through the cervix . Intrauterine system (IUS) A small T-shaped contraceptive device that is fitted into the womb. Made of plastic, it slowly releases the hormone progestogen . Invasive Used to describe a procedure which involves entry into the body (through a cut, for example, or by inserting an instrument). In vitro fertilisation (IVF) A technique by which eggs are collected from a woman and fertilised with a man's sperm outside the body. Usually one or two resulting embryos are then transferred to the womb. If one or more of them implants successfully in the womb it results in a pregnancy. Irritable bowel syndrome A condition that results when the bowel is over-stimulated or over-active. Return to top K Karyotype A record of the complete set of your chromosomes. Karyotyping A procedure to produce a karyotype using a blood or tissue sample. It is used to check for abnormalities in the number, form or structure of the chromosomes. These abnormalities may cause disease or dysfunction. Return to top L Laparoscopic ovarian drilling/ diathermy A treatment used to regulate irregular periods in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A surgical procedure where the surgeon makes small cuts in the abdomen to reach a woman's ovaries, and then applies an electrical current (a process known as diathermy ) to heat and destroy a tiny part of the ovaries. Laparoscopy A procedure in which a surgeon uses a small telescopic microscope (called a laparoscope) to look at or operate on part of the abdomen or pelvis . Laparotomy A surgical procedure through an opening (which is larger than that used for laparoscopy ) into the abdomen . Luteinising hormone (LH) A gonadotrophin hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is released as part of the menstrual cycle and helps to stimulate ovulation . Return to top M Major placenta praevia A low lying placenta covering the entrance to the womb ( cervix ) entirely. See also placenta praevia . Medical abortion A way of ending a pregnancy by using medicines. See also abortion and surgical abortion . Menopause The time when a woman's periods cease, usually around 50 years of age. See also menstrual cycle . Menstrual cycle The process by which an egg develops each month and the lining of the womb is prepared for possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, it is reabsorbed back into the body and the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is shed (this is what is known as a period or menstruation) and the cycle begins again. The cycle is controlled by hormones . On average a cycle lasts 28 days. Some women have shorter cycles, some have longer ones. Meta-analysis A method of analysis which provides a statistical summary of the results of a number of studies in order to investigate a common underlying process. Miscarriage Loss of a pregnancy before 23 completed weeks. Midtrimester The middle stage of pregnancy, between 13 and 26 weeks. Multiple pregnancy When a woman is pregnant with more than one baby at a time eg twins, triplets. Musculoskeletal The supporting structures of the body, made up of bones, ligaments, joints and muscles. Return to top O Obstetrician A doctor who specialises in the care of pregnant women. Oestrogen A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle . It encourages an egg to mature and stimulates thickening of the lining of the womb in preparation for pregnancy. Levels vary during the menstrual cycle. Ovaries A pair of organs (each about the size of an almond) in a woman's pelvis . They produce follicles from which eggs develop. Ovulation The process by which the ovaries produce and release an egg each month. Ovulation usually takes place around 10-16 days before a period. Oxytocics Drugs that stimulate the womb to contract. Return to top P Peer review An assessment of the content and quality of a report or body of research by a group of individuals who possess a range of expertise in a particular field. Pelvic Of the pelvis. Pelvic congestion Swollen pelvic veins. Pelvic examination Bimanual/Internal A check to feel the size and position of the womb and other reproductive organs to exclude any abnormality or problem. Pelvic floor muscles Layers of muscle which support the bladder and other organs in the pelvis . Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) An infection in the womb, fallopian tubes and/or pelvis caused by infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea . It can cause scarring or blockage of the fallopian tubes and fertility problems. Pelvic pain Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Pelvis The area within the bony structure that includes the hip bones, in the lower part of the abdomen . Perineum The area of skin between the vagina and the anus. Period See menstrual cycle. Physiotherapy Special exercises and physical activities to improve body function. Pituitary gland A gland in the brain that produces hormones . Placenta An organ which develops from the embryo in the womb during pregnancy. It links the baby with the mother's system and provides it with nourishment. It is delivered after the baby, when it is also known as the afterbirth. Placenta acreta When the placenta lies low in the womb in the second half of pregnancy and is abnormally adherent to the womb. Placenta praevia A condition in pregnancy where the placenta is too low in the womb and covers all or part of the entrance (the cervix ). In most women, the placenta usually moves out of the way, as the womb stretches around the growing baby, and does not cause a problem. See also major placenta praevia . Polycystic ovaries Ovaries which have at least twice as many developing follicles as normal ovaries in the early part of the menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) When a woman has polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound scan and at least one relevant symptom. Postpartum After childbirth. Pre-eclampsia (also known as toxaemia) A condition that may occur in the second half of pregnancy, usually associated with high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preterm labour Labour that happens more than two weeks before the baby is due to be born. Usually only a serious problem if it happens before 33 completed weeks of pregnancy. Progesterone A hormone produced as a result of ovulation . It prepares the lining of the womb to enable a fertilised egg to implant there. Progestogen A synthetic hormone , similar to progesterone . It thickens the mucus around the cervix , making it difficult for sperm to get into the womb or for a fertilised egg to implant in the womb. Prolactin A hormone , produced by the pituitary gland, which enables a woman to produce breast milk. Prolapse A hernia where the bladder , womb or bowel pushes through the wall of the vagina . Prostaglandin A hormone that stimulates the contraction of the womb during labour. Synthetic prostaglandins can be used to induce labour or in medical abortion to end a pregnancy. Pubic, pubis The area around the bone at the front of the pelvis . Return to top R Randomised controlled trial (RCT) A study which tests the effectiveness and safety of healthcare interventions (that is, treatments or procedures) as fairly and objectively as possible. RCTs ensure that, as far as possible, the results of tests or trials are not due to bias. To do this, participants are randomly assigned to one of two, or more, treatment groups. In other words, it is a matter of chance which treatment group a participant is in. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - the professional body which oversees medical education, training and examination of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the UK. It produces guidelines for healthcare professionals on treatment and care in this area. Recurrent miscarriage When a woman loses three or more pregnancies before 23 completed weeks. Retrovirus A type of virus. HIV is a retrovirus. See also HAART and antiretroviral therapy . RhD antigen A protein found on the red blood cells of 85 out of every 100 people in the UK. These people are known as RhD positive. If you have no rhesus factor in the blood, you are what is known as RhD negative. See also blood group . Rupture of membranes The medical term for the breaking of waters in pregnancy. Return to top S Screening A test or set of tests to check for a condition in a person who shows no symptoms, but who may be at risk (perhaps because of their age or sexual behaviour, for example). Semen The fluid that contains sperm . Sperm The male reproductive cell which fertilises a woman's eggs. Men usually have millions of sperm in their semen. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) An infection that is passed on through the close physical contact during sex. With some STIs you have no symptoms, so it is important to be tested if you think you have been at risk. See also chlamydia , genital herpes and HIV . Speculum A plastic or metal instrument used to separate the walls of the vagina to show or reach the cervix. Sterilisation A term for methods of permanent contraception for women (see tubal occlusion ) and men (see vasectomy ). Steroids A group of natural or synthetic hormones. See also corticosteroids . Stillbirth When a baby is born dead after the 23 rd completed week of pregnancy. Stress incontinence A condition which means you leak urine during normal everyday activities (for instance if you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise or change position). Usually happens because the muscles that support the bladder are too weak. Surgical abortion A type of abortion using suction instruments or D&E to remove a pregnancy. See also abortion and medical abortion . Syndrome A collection of different signs and symptoms that are all part of the same underlying medical condition. Systematic review A review of evidence from a number of studies on a particular topic or question. The review uses standardised and predefined methods to find all relevant studies, analyse the results and assessing the conclusions. Return to top T Thrombophilia A blood clotting abnormality which tends to run in families, whereby the blood is more likely to clot than usual. Thrush See vaginal thrush . Toxaemia See pre-eclampsia . Transabdominal scan A scan. The scan probe is moved across the abdomen . Transvaginal scan An ultrasound scan where the probe is placed inside the vagina . Transverse position When the baby is lying across the womb . Trimester A three-month period of time. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: First trimester – up to around 13 weeks Second trimester – to around 13 to 26 weeks Third trimester – around 27 to 40 weeks. Tubal occlusion A permanent method of contraception for women through an operation which blocks, seals or cuts the fallopian tubes . Also known as sterilisation . Return to top U Ultrasound High frequency sound waves used to provide images of the body, tissues and internal organs. Umbilical cord (umbilicus) The cord that connects a mother's blood system with a baby's (through its navel) and is cut after the birth. Urethra The tube through which urine empties out of the bladder . Urodynamics Tests to assess how the bladder is working. Uterus The medical name for the womb . Return to top V Vagina The canal leading from the vulva to the cervix . Vaginal examination - Internal A check to feel the size, position of the vagina and cervix to exclude any abnormality or problem. This may be carried out by use a speculum . Vaginal thrush An infection caused by a yeast known as Candida albicans . Symptoms include redness and itching around the genital area and unusual vaginal discharge. Varicella The medical name for chickenpox. See chickenpox . Vas deferens The tube which carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Vasectomy A permanent method of contraception for men. It blocks, seals or cuts the tube (the vas deferens ) which carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Also known as sterilisation. Virus A micro-organism which invades living cells in order to grow or reproduce. Viruses cause many infections, from the common cold, chickenpox and measles to HIV . Vulva The area surrounding the opening of the vagina. It includes the inner and outer vaginal lips (the labia) and the clitoris . Return to top W Weak cervix When the cervix (the neck of the womb) opens too early in pregnancy, in the second trimester , and without contractions. Used to be known as ‘incompetent cervix'. Womb The organ where a baby develops during pregnancy. Made of muscle, it is hollow, stretchy and about the size and shape of an upside-down pear. It sits between the bladder and the rectum in a woman's pelvis .