Abdominal exam - An abdominal exam is when a doctor checks your abdominal area to see if everything is okay. They may press gently or listen with a stethoscope.
Adenomyosis - A condition where the cells of the lining of the womb (endometrium) are found in the muscle wall of the womb (myometrium).
Advocacy - When someone speaks up for another person or group of people to help them get what they need or deserve. It involves supporting and promoting the rights and interests of others. This can include advocating for better healthcare, education, or legal rights. Advocacy can be done by individuals or organisations, and it often involves communicating with lawmakers or other decision-makers to bring about positive change.
Advocate - Someone who speaks up for others and works to support their rights and needs. They can be individuals or groups who are dedicated to helping those who may not have a voice or may be marginalised in society. Advocates may work in areas such as healthcare, education, or social justice to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.
Chocolate cysts - Another word for 'endometriomas', which are blood-filled ovarian cysts in which the blood has become thickened and dark.
Chronic - A word that describes long-term health conditions.
Diagnostic laparoscopy - A surgical procedure that uses an instrument called a laparoscope to diagnose endometriosis. It's a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that requires only small incisions.
Dysmenorrhea - A medical term that means painful periods. It is when a person experiences cramping or pain in their lower abdomen during their menstrual cycle.
Endometriomas - Blood-filled ovarian cysts in which the blood has become thickened and dark.
Endometriosis nurse - A nurse who specialises in the treatment of endometriosis. They are often, but not always, linked to a BSGE-accredited Endometriosis Centre.
Fertility - The ability to become pregnant and have children.
Gynaecologist - A doctor who specialises in the treatment of the female reproductive system (vagina, uterus, and ovaries).
Gynaecology - A medical field that focuses on the health of the female reproductive system. This includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and breasts. Gynaecologists help women with issues related to menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. They also diagnose and treat conditions such as cervical and ovarian cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and pelvic pain.
Health Board - The organisation in charge of providing NHS healthcare services for its local population. There are currently 7 Health Boards in Wales.
Hormones - Chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body.
Hysterectomy - A surgical procedure to remove the womb. This can be done with or without removing the ovaries.
Incontinence - Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements (peeing or pooing).
Infertility - Infertility is when your ability to become pregnant and have children is reduced.
Laparoscopic - A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses an instrument called a laparoscope to diagnose endometriosis. It's a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that requires only small incisions.
Lesions - Areas of damage or abnormal tissue growth in the body. They can occur for a variety of reasons, including injury, infection, or disease. Lesions can be found anywhere in the body, and their severity can vary widely.
Menopause - When a woman's ovaries stop functioning and her periods stop. This either happens naturally or when induced artificially through drugs or an oophorectomy.
Menstrual cycle - The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus where an egg is prepared for fertilisation and ovulation occurs. If the egg is not fertilised, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the endometrium, which is menstruation.
Oestrogen - The female sex hormone, which is produced in the ovary. It controls the female sex characteristics.
Ovaries - Organs that produce eggs in the female body.
Pelvic - Having to do with the pelvis. The pelvis is the area of the body below the abdomen that is located between the hip bones and contains the bladder and rectum. In females, it also contains the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In males, it also contains the prostate and seminal vesicles.
Pelvic exam - A medical test to check a person's reproductive organs and other organs in their pelvis. During the exam, a healthcare provider will examine the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum.
Postnatal - The period of time after someone gives birth.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - A severe form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS but are much more intense and can have a much greater negative impact on daily activities and quality of life.
Primary care - Primary care refers to the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention. It is typically provided by general practitioners or family doctors and includes basic preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and injuries, and management of chronic conditions.
Reproductive organs - The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, accessory glands, and external genital organs.
Secondary care - Medical services that are provided by medical specialists and hospitals. These services are often provided after a patient has been referred by a primary care provider, such as a family doctor. Secondary care services can include specialised medical treatments, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. These services are typically more complex and specialised than those provided in primary care settings.
Severe - Difficult or extreme.
Side-effects - The unwanted secondary effects of medical treatment.
Tertiary endometriosis centres - Specialised medical centres that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of severe endometriosis cases. These centres offer advanced medical care and surgical procedures to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those with this condition.
Tissue - A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function in the body. They can make up many different parts of the body, like your skin, muscles, and organs
Ultrasound - A medical test that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. It is a safe and painless procedure that can help doctors diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Unilateral oophorectomy - The removal of one ovary.
Urogynaecology - A medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the female urinary system and reproductive organs. This includes issues such as incontinence, bladder problems, and pelvic floor disorders.
Uterus - Part of the female reproductive system. It is also called the womb.
Vulvodynia - A condition where someone experiences pain in the vulva area, which is the external part of the female genitals. It can be a long-lasting problem and can make sex and other activities difficult.