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.
