Obstetrics and Gynecology terminology 

 Introduction:

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) is a medical specialty focusing on the health of the female reproductive system and the management of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It encompasses a wide range of conditions, from menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances to complex pregnancies and infertility. Understanding OB-GYN terminology is essential for effective communication and care in this field. These terms provide insight into diagnostic procedures, treatments, and conditions related to women's health. This guide serves as a comprehensive reference to familiarize you with key OB-GYN concepts.

General Terms

1. Obstetrics: Branch of medicine dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.

2. Gynecology: Branch of medicine focusing on the female reproductive system.

3. Menarche: Onset of the first menstrual period.

4. Menopause: Permanent cessation of menstruation.

5. Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.

6. Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.

7. Oligomenorrhea: Infrequent menstrual periods.

8. Polymenorrhea: Frequent menstrual cycles.

9. Hypermenorrhea (Menorrhagia): Heavy menstrual bleeding.

10. Hypomenorrhea: Light menstrual bleeding.

Pregnancy Terms

11. Gestation: Duration of pregnancy.

12. Trimester: Three stages of pregnancy (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).

13. Gravida: Number of pregnancies a woman has had.

14. Parity: Number of pregnancies reaching viable gestational age.

15. Nulligravida: A woman who has never been pregnant.

16. Primigravida: A woman pregnant for the first time.

17. Multigravida: A woman who has been pregnant multiple times.

18. Primipara: A woman who has given birth once.

19. Multipara: A woman who has given birth multiple times.

20. Abortus: Number of pregnancies lost before 20 weeks.

Childbirth Terms

21. Labor: Process of childbirth.

22. Parturition: Act of giving birth.

23. Eutocia: Normal labor and delivery.

24. Dystocia: Difficult labor or childbirth.

25. Episiotomy: Surgical incision of the perineum during childbirth.

26. Cesarean Section (C-Section): Surgical delivery of a baby.

27. Postpartum: Period after childbirth.

28. Lochia: Vaginal discharge after delivery.

29. Puerperium: Six-week postpartum period.

30. Neonatal: Pertaining to the first 28 days after birth.

Reproductive Anatomy

31. Uterus: Organ where the fetus develops.

32. Endometrium: Inner lining of the uterus.

33. Myometrium: Muscular layer of the uterus.

34. Cervix: Lower part of the uterus opening into the vagina.

35. Ovary: Organ producing eggs and hormones.

36. Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which eggs travel to the uterus.

37. Vagina: Canal connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.

38. Labia: Folds of skin around the vaginal opening.

39. Clitoris: Erectile organ of the female genitalia.

40. Perineum: Area between the vagina and anus.

Common Gynecological Conditions

41. Endometriosis: Presence of uterine lining tissue outside the uterus.

42. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with cysts.

43. Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus.

44. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection of female reproductive organs.

45. Cystocele: Bulging of the bladder into the vagina.

46. Rectocele: Bulging of the rectum into the vagina.

47. Ovarian Cyst: Fluid-filled sac in or on an ovary.

48. Prolapse: Dropping of the uterus or vagina.

49. Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina.

50. Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

51. Pap Smear: Test for cervical cancer.

52. Colposcopy: Examination of the cervix and vagina using a scope.

53. Hysteroscopy: Examination of the uterine cavity using a scope.

54. Ultrasound: Imaging technique to visualize reproductive organs or fetus.

55. Amniocentesis: Sampling of amniotic fluid for testing.

56. Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS): Early genetic testing in pregnancy.

57. Biopsy: Tissue sampling for diagnosis.

58. Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery using a camera.

59. Hysterosalpingography (HSG): X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

60. Endometrial Biopsy: Sampling of the uterine lining.

Hormones and Reproductive Cycle

61. Estrogen: Hormone regulating the female reproductive system.

62. Progesterone: Hormone supporting pregnancy.

63. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Stimulates egg development in ovaries.

64. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation.

65. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Hormone indicating pregnancy.

66. Prolactin: Hormone stimulating milk production.

67. Oxytocin: Hormone causing uterine contractions and milk ejection.

68. Androgens: Male hormones present in females in smaller amounts.

69. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH): Regulates FSH and LH release.

70. Testosterone: Androgen influencing libido in females.

Fetal Development

71. Embryo: Developing baby from conception to 8 weeks.

72. Fetus: Developing baby from 9 weeks until birth.

73. Placenta: Organ providing nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

74. Umbilical Cord: Connects fetus to placenta.

75. Amniotic Fluid: Fluid surrounding the fetus in the amniotic sac.

76. Meconium: First stool of the newborn.

77. Lanugo: Fine hair covering the fetus.

78. Vernix Caseosa: Waxy coating on newborn skin.

79. Quickening: First fetal movements felt by the mother.

80. Crowning: Baby’s head appearing during delivery.

Contraception

81. Contraceptive: Method or device to prevent pregnancy.

82. Oral Contraceptives: Pills containing hormones to prevent ovulation.

83. Intrauterine Device (IUD): Device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

84. Barrier Methods: Contraceptives like condoms or diaphragms.

85. Tubal Ligation: Surgical sterilization procedure for women.

86. Emergency Contraception: Pills taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

87. Natural Family Planning: Tracking ovulation to prevent pregnancy.

88. Implants: Hormonal devices placed under the skin.

89. Injectables: Hormonal shots to prevent ovulation.

90. Contraceptive Patch: Skin patch releasing hormones.

Gynecological Surgeries

91. Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.

92. Oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries.

93. Salpingectomy: Removal of one or both fallopian tubes.

94. Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids from the uterus.

95. Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Removal of uterine tissue.

96. Endometrial Ablation: Destruction of the uterine lining to stop heavy bleeding.

97. Tuboplasty: Surgery to restore fallopian tube function.

98. Pelvic Exenteration: Removal of reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum.

99. Vaginoplasty: Surgical reconstruction of the vagina.

100. Labiaplasty: Surgical modification of the labia.

Infertility Terms

101. Infertility: Inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

102. Anovulation: Lack of ovulation.

103. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Fertilization outside the body.

104. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Injection of sperm into an egg.

105. Artificial Insemination (AI): Introduction of sperm into the uterus artificially.

106. Ovulation Induction: Stimulation of ovulation using medication.

107. Surrogacy: Another woman carrying a pregnancy for the intended parents.

108. Donor Egg: Egg donated for use in assisted reproduction.

109. Donor Sperm: Sperm donated for fertility treatments.

110. Cryopreservation: Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use.

Gynecological Disorders

111. Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix.

112. Uterine Prolapse: Descent of the uterus into the vaginal canal.

113. Adenomyosis: Endometrial tissue grows into the uterine wall.

114. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Drooping of pelvic organs.

115. Bartholin’s Cyst: Blockage in Bartholin’s gland.

116. Vulvodynia: Chronic pain around the vulva.

117. Molar Pregnancy: Abnormal pregnancy with a non-viable fertilized egg.

118. Tubo-Ovarian Abscess (TOA): Infection involving fallopian tubes and ovaries.

119. Uterine Cancer: Malignancy in the uterus.

120. Cervical Dysplasia: Precancerous changes in cervical cells.

Pregnancy Complications

121. Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

122. Placenta Previa: Placenta covers the cervix.

123. Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta.

124. Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy.

125. Preeclampsia: High blood pressure and organ damage in pregnancy.

126. Eclampsia: Seizures during pregnancy due to severe preeclampsia.

127. Oligohydramnios: Low amniotic fluid levels.

128. Polyhydramnios: Excessive amniotic fluid.

129. Miscarriage: Spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before viability.

130. Preterm Labor: Labor occurring before 37 weeks of gestation.

Labor and Delivery Terms

131. Induction: Initiating labor artificially.

132. Augmentation: Enhancing labor contractions.

133. Breech Presentation: Baby positioned feet or buttocks first.

134. Cephalic Presentation: Baby positioned head first.

135. Forceps Delivery: Assisted delivery using forceps.

136. Vacuum Extraction: Assisted delivery using suction device.

137. Station: Position of the baby’s head in the pelvis.

138. Effacement: Thinning of the cervix during labor.

139. Dilatation: Opening of the cervix during labor.

140. Shoulder Dystocia: Difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulders.

Breast and Lactation

141. Mastitis: Breast inflammation.

142. Galactorrhea: Abnormal milk secretion.

143. Engorgement: Swelling of the breasts due to milk accumulation.

144. Colostrum: First milk produced after childbirth.

145. Lactation: Milk production and secretion.

146. Fibroadenoma: Benign breast tumor.

147. Breast Cancer: Malignancy in breast tissue.

148. Mammography: X-ray imaging of the breast.

149. Breast Ultrasound: Imaging test to examine breast tissues.

150. Breast Biopsy: Tissue sampling from the breast for diagnosis.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

151. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI): Infections transmitted through sexual contact.

152. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Virus causing genital warts and cervical cancer.

153. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Virus causing genital herpes.

154. Chlamydia: Bacterial STI affecting reproductive organs.

155. Gonorrhea: Bacterial STI causing pelvic pain.

156. Syphilis: Bacterial STI causing systemic symptoms.

157. Trichomoniasis: Parasitic STI.

158. HIV/AIDS: Virus compromising the immune system.

159. Pelvic Exam: Examination of female reproductive organs.

160. HPV Vaccine: Prevents HPV infections.

Medications

161. Clomiphene: Medication to induce ovulation.

162. Letrozole: Used for ovulation induction in infertility.

163. Metformin: Treats insulin resistance in PCOS.

164. Progestin: Synthetic form of progesterone.

165. Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT): Hormone therapy for menopause.

166. Tocolytics: Medications to delay preterm labor.

167. Oxytocin: Used to induce or augment labor.

168. Magnesium Sulfate: Prevents seizures in preeclampsia.

169. Misoprostol: Used for labor induction or miscarriage management.

170. Antibiotics: Treat infections like PID or STIs.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

171. MRI: Imaging for complex gynecological conditions.

172. CT Scan: Imaging to detect abnormalities in reproductive organs.

173. Genetic Testing: Tests for chromosomal or genetic conditions in the fetus.

174. Non-Stress Test (NST): Fetal heart rate monitoring.

175. Contraction Stress Test (CST): Monitors fetal response to uterine contractions.

176. Biophysical Profile (BPP): Assesses fetal well-being via ultrasound.

177. Karyotype Analysis: Evaluates chromosomes for genetic conditions.

178. Hysterosonography: Ultrasound with saline to evaluate the uterine cavity.

179. Pelvic MRI: Detailed imaging of pelvic structures.

180. Sonohysterography: Ultrasound of the uterus with saline infusion.

Menopause and Aging

181. Perimenopause: Transitional phase before menopause.

182. Post menopause: Period after menopause.

183. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Treats menopausal symptoms.

184. Osteoporosis: Bone thinning, often postmenopausal.

185. Vaginal Atrophy: Thinning and drying of vaginal tissues.

186. Hot Flashes: Sudden feeling of heat during menopause.

187. Night Sweats: Excessive sweating at night during menopause.

188. Mood Swings: Emotional changes during menopause.

189. Bioidentical Hormones: Alternative hormone therapy.

190. Bone Density Test: Measures bone strength in postmenopausal women.

Miscellaneous Terms

191. Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth in women.

192. Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.

193. Anemia in Pregnancy: Low hemoglobin levels during pregnancy.

194. Lichen Sclerosus: Chronic skin condition affecting the vulva.

195. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Weakness or injury of pelvic muscles.

196. Fertility Preservation: Techniques to retain reproductive ability.

197. Uterine Septum: Congenital anomaly in the uterus.

198. Adhesions: Scar tissue causing organs to stick together.

199. Hydrosalpinx: Fluid accumulation in the fallopian tube.

200. Asherman’s Syndrome: Uterine scarring causing infertility.

Conclusion:

Obstetrics and Gynecology is a vital medical specialty addressing the diverse and complex needs of women’s reproductive health. Familiarity with OB-GYN terminology enhances understanding, communication, and patient care in this field. From routine health management to high-risk pregnancies, these terms provide clarity in diagnosis and treatment. A solid grasp of this vocabulary empowers both healthcare providers and patients to navigate women's health with confidence and precision.