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Glossary of gynecological terms
The border between the vagina and the uterus. It is a round, indented object that you may be able to feel at the back of your vagina. It is where pap smears are taken and can occasionally be the site of cancers (rare in young women). Diagram.
We use this term to include Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and physicians.
An examination of the female genital area including the vagina
and cervix using a magnifying glass. More
information.
Any manner of birth control. This includes methods requiring prescriptions (e.g. birth control pills, depo-provera) and those that are available over the counter (e.g. condoms). More information.
Treating skin or cervical lesions (e.g. warts) by freezing them - usually using liquid nitrogen. This is a common office based procedure which usually (depending somewhat on what is being frozen) causes little discomfort past an initial burning sensation..
The tube by which the egg travels from the ovary and where sperm swim to meet the egg. Diagram.
Short for "gynecological". This pertains to those organs which physically differentiate women from men (e.g. vagina, uterus). Diagram.
LEEP is the second most common procedure (after cryotherapy)
to treat abnormal cervical cells. It is used when cryotherapy is not an
appropriate treatment. It is not done at Rutgers University Health
Services, but, if indicated, we will refer you to an outside specialist.
The sack in which eggs are produced and mature. Women are born with all the eggs they will every produce. In a given month, there is usually one egg which matures. Diagram.
Pap is short for "papanicolaou". This is a test where a small brush like instrument is used to gently collect some cells from the area of the cervix. RUHS recommends that all women over the age of 21 (and all who are sexually active) receive a yearly pap test. It is a test that is designed to find cancerous or pre-cancerous changes early enough that treatment is effective. It may sometimes also detect changes consistent with HPV and other STIs. More information on Pap tests and gyn exams.
This is the part of the gynecological exam where the internal female sexual organs are examined. This includes the pap test as well as testing for STIs and the placing of fingers inside the vagina to feel for the ovaries and fallopian tubes (what connects the ovaries to the uterus).
The part of the body that extends from the rectum to labia (in women).
A plastic or metal instrument which is used to help separate the vaginal walls so that the cervix may be seen and a pap and other testing done. The plastic models (most commonly used) are used once and disposed. They are usually lubricated only with water (lubricating jelly may interfere with laboratory testing). The speculums come in several sizes.
Using this instrument should not hurt, although the insertion and opening may sometimes be slightly uncomfortable (particularly if the perineal muscles are tense).
Short for "Sexually Transmitted Infection". Also known as STD ("Sexually Transmitted Infection"), VD ("Venereal Disease), the clap. These infections include: gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, syphilis, herpes, and several others.
Where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a baby. The lining of this organ prepares for possible implantation of an egg by thickening on a monthly basis. If there is no fertilization, this layer is sloughed off causing a menstrual period. Diagram.
An organ which has an amazing ability to expand (as it must to allow a baby to pass through). It also provides lubrication for sexual intercourse and acts as a barrier to help prevent disease from spreading up into the uterus and beyond. Diagram.