Women’s Health Vocabulary for Men

For many people, especially young men, anything related to women’s health is a confusing. What is a hysterectomy? What are the symptoms of menopause?

Regardless of your gender, everyone needs a basic understanding of women’s health terminology. These terms will often come up when discussing news stories like the Zika virusorrobotic surgery. It is equally important for men to know these terms if and when they decide to start a family.

This simple vocabulary guide will give a quick rundown of the terms everyone should know when your loved ones are having a serious conversation about setting up a meeting with a gynecologist.

Gynecology

Gynecology is the study of the female reproductive systems and any related injuries, illnesses or diseases.

Gynecologist

A gynecologist is a physician that specializes in women’s health, particularly in the diseases of the female genital tract, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Obstetrics

Obstetrics is the study of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period which involves the care of women during and after pregnancy.

OB-GYN

OB-GYN is an abbreviation used to describe a medical specialty that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, or womb. The doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth in the breasts cells that develops into a malignant tumor. This disease mostly occurs in women, but has a 1-6% chance of occurring in men.

Menopause

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life in which there is a permanent cessation of menstruation. This is a natural biological process that usually develops between ages 40 through 50. It may occur earlier if a woman has a hysterectomy. Such cases are referred to as “surgical menopause.”

Cystocele

A cystocele, or anterior prolapse, is also known as a prolapsed or dropped bladder and occurs when the wall between a woman’s bladder and her vagina is torn during childbirth.

If your family is located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to the definitions above, click here.

Three Types Of Hysterectomies

Surgery is a frightening prospect. However, women cannot afford to ignore health issues when they arise. If your gynecologist recommends a hysterectomy, you need to consider her advice seriously.

Hysterectomies are a common surgery where the uterus is removed. If you hear your doctor mention an oophorectomy, that is a separate procedure to remove the ovaries. Both can be completed together but they are not necessarily a package deal.

While every hysterectomy involves removing the uterus, how extensive the surgery is can vary widely. Depending on why you need a hysterectomy, your surgeon may decide to take different amounts of tissue. 

There are three types of hysterectomies.

PARTIAL/SUBTOTAL HYSTERECTOMY

A partial or subtotal hysterectomy only removes the upper portion of the uterus. The cervix is left intact. Women who receive a partial hysterectomy are still at risk for cervical and ovarian cancer. Decreased blood flow to the ovaries will impact hormone levels, which can impact bone density and may result in emotional problems. In some cases, the change in hormone levels can cause the symptoms of menopause.

TOTAL/COMPLETE HYSTERECTOMY

A total or complete hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix entirely. This is the most common type of hysterectomy. The risk of cervical cancer is removed, but ovarian cancer is still possible.

RADICAL HYSTERECTOMY

A radical hysterectomy, as the name implies, is the most extensive, removing the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, upper vagina, lymph nodes, and some surrounding tissue. The risk of cervical and ovarian cancer is completely removed with this procedure.

You may also hear about a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. This procedure is when the surgeon takes the whole uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

If you are high risk for ovarian cancer, this procedure is incredibly helpful for avoiding developing this disease.However, if you are not high risk, an oophorectomy is not recommended. A hysterectomy obviously impacts your ability to get pregnant but removing ovaries also removes alterative reproductive options, like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. The change in your body’s hormones without ovaries causes surgical menopause to begin. Women without ovaries are also at higher risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.

With or without an oophorectomy, a hysterectomy can be overwhelming, as the changes impact every aspect of a woman’s health and life. Don’t feel alone! The medical professionals at the Institute for Women’s Health in San Antonio can help you make informed decisions about which hysterectomy may be the best option for you.