The Facts of Life: Examining Reproductive Health

Glossary for Facts of Life:
Examining Reproductive Health

Adenocarcinoma. A cancer that develops in the glandular lining of an organ. More than 95 percent of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Androgen. A hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

Areola. The area of dark-colored skin that surrounds the nipple.

Aspiration. Removal of fluid from a lump, often a cyst, with a needle.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Techniques and procedures which are available to help infertile couples achieve pregnancy after other surgical and hormonal methods have failed. These include such procedures as IVF, GIFT and ZIFT/PROST.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT). The temperature of a woman, taken orally upon waking in the morning before any activity. Used to help determine ovulation.

Benign tumor. A noncancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy. The removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination. The term also refers to the tissue removed.

Bone scan. An image of the bones that can show signs of cancer. To create these pictures, a radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream. The substance collects in any areas of rapid growth. A scanner can pinpoint these areas.

Cancer. A general term for more than 100 diseases in which there is an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells may spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Carcinoma. Cancer that begins in the lining or covering of an organ.

Catheter. A flexible tube that is placed in a body cavity to insert or withdraw fluids.

Cervical Mucus. Mucus produced by the cervix which permits passage of sperm to the uterus and fallopian tubes. This mucus changes volume and quality at the time of ovulation.

Cervix. The lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the vagina and dilates during labor to allow the passage of an infant.

Chemotherapy. Treatment with anticancer drugs.

Chlamydia. A common sexually transmitted disease that may cause pelvic inflammatory disease, impaired fertility or sterility, and problems during pregnancy.

Computed tomography. An x-ray procedure that uses a computer to produce a detailed Picture of a cross-section of the body; also called CT scan or CAT scan.

Conception. The fertilization of a woman's egg by a man's sperm resulting in a new life.

Contraception. The prevention of pregnancy by any means of birth control.

Corpus Luteum. A glandular body in the ovary that forms from a follicle which has matured, ruptured, and released its egg. The corpus luteum produces progesterone during the second half of a normal menstrual cycle.

CT (or CAT) scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computed tomography or computed axial tomography.

Culdoscopy. Direct visualization of the ovaries, the exterior of the fallopian tubes, and the uterus by means of an instrument inserted through a small incision in the vagina. A diagnostic study in the infertility workup.

Cyst. A closed sac or capsule filled with fluid.

Cystoscope. A lighted instrument used to look at the inside of the bladder.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES). A synthetic estrogen used occasionally as a "morning-after pill." Formerly thought to prevent miscarriage, it may have caused fertility problems in the offspring of women who took it.

Dilatation and curettage. A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette (curettage). This procedure also is called D and C.

Duct. A tube in the breast through which milk passes from the lobules to the nipple. Cancer that begins in a duct is called ductal carcinoma.

Ectopic Pregnancy. A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants anywhere but in the uterine cavity (usually in the fallopian tube, the ovary or the abdominal cavity).

Egg (Oocyte) Donation. Surgical removal of an egg from one woman for transfer into the fallopian tube or uterus of another woman.

Ejaculation. The male orgasm during which approximately two to five milliliters of semen (seminal fluid and sperm) are ejected from the penis.

Embryo. The term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer. Introduction of an embryo into a woman's uterus after in vitro (or in vivo) fertilization.

Endocrine System. System of glands including the thymus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, testicles or ovaries.

Endometrium. The mucus membrane lining the uterus.

Endometriosis. The presence of endometrial tissue (the normal uterine lining) in abnormal locations such as the tubes, ovaries and peritoneal cavity, often causing painful menstruation and infertility.

Epithelial carcinoma. Cancer that begins in the cells that line an organ.

Estrogen. A class of female hormones, produced mainly by the ovaries from the onset of puberty and continuing until menopause, which are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Fallopian tubes. A pair of organs attached to the uterus. The egg travels from the ovary to the uterus through narrow passageways in the middle of these tubes.

Fertilization. The penetration of the egg by the sperm and fusion of genetic materials to result in the development of an embryo.

Fetus. The unborn child developing in the uterus.

Fibroid. A benign uterine tumor.

Follicle. A small, round structure just under the surface of the ovary. It consists of the egg, the surrounding layer of cells and fluid, which increases in amount during the menstrual cycle. At ovulation the mature follicle ruptures, releasing the egg.

Gamete. The male or female reproductive cells-the sperm or the ovum (egg).

Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer (GIFT). Procedure performed after ovulation. The egg is removed via laparoscopy and immediately mixed with washed sperm, usually from the husband. This sperm-egg mixture is then transferred by laparoscopy into the fallopian tubes where fertilization my then take place.

Genetic Abnormality. A disorder arising from an anomaly in the chromosomal structure which may or may not be hereditary.

Genes. Substances that convey hereditary characteristics, consisting primarily of DNA and proteins and occurring at specific points on the chromosomes.

Genital Herpes. A sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus that can cause painful, highly infectious sores on or arund the sex organs.

Gestation. The period of fetal development in the uterus from conception to birth, usually considered to be 40 weeks in humans.

Gonadotropin. A hormone capable of stimulating the testicles or the ovaries to produce sperm or an egg, respectively.

Gonads. The glands that make the gametes (the testicles in the male and the ovaries in the female).

Gonorrhea. A sexually transmitted disease that may produce no symptoms in women but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and arthritis.

Gynecologist. A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.

Hormone. A chemical substance that is formed in one part of the body, travels through the blood, and affects the function of cells elsewhere in the body.

Hormone receptor test. A test to measure the amount of certain proteins, called hormone receptors, in breast cancer tissue. Hormones can attach to these proteins. A high level of hormone receptors means hormones probably help the cancer grow.

Hormone therapy. Treatment that prevents cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer keeps the cancer cells from getting male hormones. Treatment may involve removing the testicles or giving female hormones or other drugs to prevent the production of male hormones or to block their effect on cancer cells.

Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). A virus that attacks certain cells of the body's immune system and causes acquired immune defficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Human Papillomavirus (HPV). A sexually transmitted virus that causes small growths, called condylomas or genital warts, on or around the genitals.

Hyperplasia. A precancerous condition in which there is an increase in the number of normal cells lining the uterus.

Hysterectomy. An operation that removes the uterus and cervix.

Idiopathic (Unexplained) Infertility. The term used to describe when no reason can be found to explain the cause of a couple's infertility.

Implantation. The embedding of the fertilized egg in the endometrium of the uterus.

Impotence. The inability of the male to achieve or maintain an erection for intercourse due to physical or emotional problems or to a combination of factors.

Incompetent Cervix. A weakened cervix that is incapable of holding the fetus within the uterus for the full nine months. Sometimes a cause of late miscarriage or stillbirth.

Incontinence. Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder.

Infertility. The inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of regular unprotected sexual relations, or the inability of the woman to carry a pregnancy to live birth.

Intrauterine Device (IUD). A device inserted into the uterus by a physician for the purpose of birth control and is about 90% effective.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). A procedure in which an egg is removed from a ripe follicle and fertilized by a sperm cell outside the human body. The fertilized egg is allowed to divide in a protected environment for about two days and then is inserted back into the uterus of the woman who produced the egg. Also called "test tube baby" and "test tube fertilization."

In Vivo Fertilization. The fertilization of an egg by a sperm within the woman's body. In normal pregnancy, the woman in whom the egg is fertilized carries the pregnancy to term. In artificial embryonation or embryo adoption, the embryo is transferred from the woman in whom the fertilization took place to another woman.

Laparoscopy. A diagnostic procedure in which a surgeon inserts a laparoscope through a small incision below the navel; he or she then visually inspects the uterus, uterine ligaments, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and abdominal organs. One or two other incisions may be made for inserting additional instruments.

Laparotomy. An operation to open the abdomen.

Lobe. A part of the breast; each breast contains 15-20 lobes.

Lobule. A subdivision of the lobes of the breast. Cancer that begins in a lobule is called lobular carcinoma.

Lumpectomy. Surgery to remove only the cancerous breast lump; usually followed by radiation therapy.

Lymphatic system. The tissues and organs-including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes-that produce and store cells that fight infection and the network of channels that carry lymph.

Malignant. Cancerous.

Mammogram. An x-ray of the breast.

Mastectomy. Surgery to remove the breast.

Menopause. The cessation of menstruation due to aging or failure of the ovaries. In the United States, menopause generally occurs between the ages of 48 and 55 with the median age being 51.4 (Speroff, 1983). Surgical menopause is the abrupt cessation of menstruation caused by the removal of the ovaries (hysterectomy).

Menstrual cycle. The hormone changes that lead up to a woman's having a period. For most women, one cycle takes 28 days.

Metastasize. To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and cause secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original cancer.

Microcalcifications. Tiny deposits of calcium in the breast that cannot be felt but can be detected on a mammogram. A cluster of these very small specks of calcium may indicate that cancer is present.

Miscarriage. A spontaneous abortion of a fetus up to the age of viability.

MRI. A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create pictures of areas inside the body. Also called magnetic resonance imaging.

Oncologist. A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. A gynecologic oncologist specializes in cancer of the female reproductive organs.

Oocyte Retrieval. A surgical procedure, usually under general anesthesia, to collect the eggs contained within the ovarian follicles. A needle is inserted into the follicle. The fluid and egg are aspirated into the needle, and then placed into a culture medium-filled dish.

Orchiectomy. Surgery to remove a testicle.

Ovaries. Female sex glands that produce eggs, estrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation. The discharge of a ripened egg, usually at about the midpoint of the menstrual cycle.

Ovum. The egg (reproductive) cell produced in the ovaries each month. (The plural of ovum is ova).

Palpation. A simple technique in which a doctor presses on the surface of the body to feel the organs or tissues underneath.

Pap smear. Microscopic examination of a sample of cells collected from the cervix.

Pathologist. A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of disease by studying cells and tissues removed from the body.

Pelvic. Referring to the area of the body located below the waist and surrounded by the hip and pubic bones.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). An infection that involves the fallopian tubes and nearby pelvic structures.

Premature Menopause. The permanent cession of menses at an age which this event would not normally be expected (refer to menopause).

Progesterone. A female hormone, produced by the ovary, that is secreted by the corpus luteum during the second half of the menstrual cycle.

Progestins. Synthetic chemicals that have an action similar to progesterone.

Prognosis. The probable outcome of a disease; the prospect of recovery.

Pronuclear Stage Embryo Transfer (PROST). Transfer of an embryo into a fallopian tube (usually done by laparoscopy). This procedure is also known as Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT).

Prostaglandins. Hormonelike chemicals produced by many cells. Prostaglandins are made by endometrial cells in large amounts; they stimulate the uterine muscles to contract and are largely responsible for menstrual cramps.

Prostate. A male sex gland; it produces a fluid that forms part of semen.

Prostatectomy. An operation to remove part or all of the prostate.

Prostate-specific antigen. A protein whose level in the blood goes up in some men who have prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia. Also called PSA.

Prosthesis. An artificial replacement for a missing body part.

Radiation therapy. Treatment with high-energy rays from x-rays or other sources to damage cancer cells. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation therapy) or from radioactive materials placed inside the body as close as possible to the cancer (internal radiation therapy).

Rectal exam. A procedure in which a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the wall of the rectum to check the prostate for hard or lumpy areas.

Remission. Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. When this happens, the disease is said to be "in remission." Remission can be temporary or permanent.

Scrotum. The external pouch of skin that contains the testicles.

Semen. The fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate and other sex glands.

Semen Analysis (S/A). The study of fresh ejaculate under the microscope to count the number of million sperm per milliliter or cubic centimeter, to check the shape and size of the sperm, and to note their ability to move (motility).

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). A disease that is spread by sexual contact.

Speculum. An instrument used to widen the opening of the vagina so that the cervix is more easily visible.

Sperm (Spermatozoa). The male reproductive cell that has measurable characteristics such as: Mobility: Refers to percent of sperm demonstrating any type of movement. Count (or Density): Refers to the number of sperm present. Morphology: Refers to form or shape of the sperm. Viability: Refers to whether or not the sperm are alive.

Sperm Bank. Place in which sperm (by donor or by husband) is stored frozen for future use in artificial insemination.

Sterile. Unable to father children because of a reduced sperm count.

Syphilis. A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by an organism called Treponema pallidum;it may cause major health problems or death in its later stages.

Testicles. The two egg-shaped glands that produce sperm and male hormones.

Testosterone. A male sex hormone.

Test-Tube Baby. A child born through in vitro fertilization.

Tuboplasty. Surgical repair of fallopian tubes.

Tumor. An abnormal mass of tissue.

Tumor marker. A substance detectable in the blood or urine that suggests the presence of cancer. Examples are alphafetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Ultrasonography. A diagnostic technique in which high-frequency sound waves are bounced off tissues inside the body and converts the echoes into pictures. Tissues of different densities reflect sound waves differently.

Unexplained Infertility. See idiopathic infertility.

Urethra. The tube that carries urine or semen to the outside of the body.

Urologist. A doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary organs in females and the urinary and sex organs in males.

Uterus. Often called the womb, this is the organ in which a fetus develops. During pregnancy, the uterus expands. But when a woman is not pregnant, the uterus is small, hollow, and shaped like a flattened pear.

Vagina. The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body.

Vasectomy. An operation to cut or tie off the two tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles.

Venereal Disease (VD). An infection pertaining to or transmitted by sexual intercourse. Most common types of gonorrhea and syphilis. VD is readily treatable if medical help is sought early. It is a major cause of infertility in both men and women if allowed to go untreated.

Viscosity. Thickness of the semen.

Xeroradiography. A type of mammography in which a picture of the breast is recorded on paper rather than on film.

X-ray. High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose cancer and in high doses to treat the disease.

Zygote. An embryo in early developmental stage.

Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer (ZIFT). Transfer of a zygote into a fallopian tube (usually done by laparoscopy). This procedure is also known as Pronuclear Stage Embryo Transfer (PROST).

Sources:
Endometriosis: A Guide for Patients. The American Fertility Society, 1988....Infertility: Over 35.... Serono Symposia, USA, 1994....What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute, 1993....What You Need to Know About Cancer of the Uterus. National Cancer Institute, 1992....What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer. National Cancer Institute, 1993....What You Need to Know About Testicular Cancer. National Cancer Institute, 1992....What You Need to Know About Ovarian Cancer. National Cancer Institute, 1993....How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases. ACOG, 1991.