Medical Glossary

Clear and accessible definitions of the most common terms in gynaecology and gynaecological surgery.

A

Adenomyosis

A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). It causes heavy and painful periods and can be associated with endometriosis. Diagnosis is based on ultrasound or pelvic MRI.

B

Biopsy

Removal of a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. In gynaecology, the most common biopsies involve the cervix (cervical biopsy), the endometrium (endometrial biopsy) and the vulva. This test helps detect abnormal or cancerous cells.

C

Colposcopy

Examination of the cervix using a magnifying optical device (colposcope). Performed when a smear test is abnormal or an HPV test is positive, it allows visualisation of suspicious areas and guides potential biopsies. The examination is painless and lasts about 10 to 15 minutes.

Conisation (Cone biopsy)

A surgical procedure to remove a cone-shaped fragment of the cervix. It is performed when colposcopy has revealed high-grade precancerous lesions (CIN 2 or CIN 3). The procedure is performed under anaesthesia and allows both precise diagnosis and treatment.

E

Endometriosis

A chronic condition in which tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus (ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, bladder, bowel). It affects approximately 1 in 10 women and causes chronic pelvic pain, very painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) and sometimes infertility. Definitive diagnosis relies on MRI and/or laparoscopy.

F

Fibroid (Uterine myoma)

A benign tumour that develops from the uterine muscle. Very common (20 to 50% of women over 30), fibroids can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain and compression of neighbouring organs. Treatment depends on size, location and symptoms: monitoring, medical treatment, myomectomy or hysterectomy.

H

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus. It can be total (body + cervix) or subtotal (preserving the cervix). Performed via abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic or vNOTES (no visible scar technique) approach. Indicated for fibroids, severe endometriosis, prolapse or gynaecological cancers.

Hysteroscopy

A procedure that allows visualisation of the inside of the uterus using a small camera introduced through the natural passages. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed in the office without anaesthesia. Operative hysteroscopy allows treatment of polyps, intracavitary fibroids or uterine septa under anaesthesia in the operating room.

I

IUD (Intrauterine device)

A small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus for contraception. There are two types: the copper IUD (hormone-free, effective for 5 to 10 years) and the hormonal IUD (releases levonorgestrel, effective for 3 to 8 years). It is one of the most reliable contraceptive methods (> 99%).

L

Laparoscopy (Coelioscopy)

A minimally invasive surgical technique that allows operating through small incisions (5 to 10 mm) using a camera and miniaturised instruments. In gynaecology, it is used to treat endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, or perform a hysterectomy. It offers faster recovery than open surgery.

M

Menopause

The permanent cessation of menstruation, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. It occurs on average around age 50-51. Symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances and mood changes. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may be offered after individual assessment.

O

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled sac that forms on or in an ovary. Most cysts are functional (related to the menstrual cycle) and resolve spontaneously within 2 to 3 months. Organic cysts (endometrioma, dermoid, cystadenoma) require monitoring and sometimes surgery. Diagnosis is based on pelvic ultrasound.

P

PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)

A common hormonal disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. It presents with irregular cycles, hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism) and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. PCOS is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Management is based on lifestyle measures, myo-inositol and, if needed, assisted reproduction.

Prolapse (Pelvic organ prolapse)

Abnormal descent of one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) into the vagina, due to weakening of the pelvic floor. Main risk factors include pregnancies, menopause, obesity and chronic constipation. Treatments range from pelvic floor rehabilitation to pessary, up to surgery in severe cases.

S

Salpingectomy

Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. It may be indicated for ectopic pregnancy, hydrosalpinx (dilated tube) or as a preventive measure to reduce ovarian cancer risk in high-risk patients. It is usually performed by laparoscopy.

V

vNOTES (Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery)

An innovative surgical technique that combines the advantages of the vaginal approach and laparoscopy. The procedure is performed entirely through the vaginal route with endoscopic assistance, leaving no visible scars on the abdomen. This approach is used for hysterectomies, adnexectomies and endometriosis treatment, with faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

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