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Gynaecological Glossary
Clear, accessible definitions of medical terms used in gynaecology and gynaecological surgery
60 terms · Updated by Dr. Yasmine Maazouzi
A
Adenomyosis
Condition in which endometrial tissue invades the uterine muscle (myometrium). It causes painful, heavy periods, chronic pelvic pain and may lead to uterine enlargement. Diagnosed by MRI or ultrasound, it can be treated medically or surgically.
AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
Hormone produced by ovarian follicles, measured by blood test to assess ovarian reserve. A low level may indicate a diminished reserve. This test is essential in a fertility assessment and before assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Anastomosis
Surgical connection between two anatomical structures (vessels, intestines) performed during complex gynaecological surgical procedures.
Anaesthesia (general / regional)
Two types of anaesthesia used in gynaecological surgery. General anaesthesia puts the patient fully to sleep. Regional anaesthesia (epidural, spinal) numbs only the lower part of the body. The choice depends on the procedure and your health status.
B
Biopsy
Removal of a small tissue sample (cervix, endometrium, ovary) for histological analysis. In gynaecology, an endometrial biopsy is performed in cases of abnormal bleeding to rule out endometrial cancer. The procedure is quick and minimally painful.
Pre-operative assessment
Set of tests performed before surgery: blood tests, coagulation screen, ECG, anaesthetic consultation. It evaluates general health and anticipates operative risks.
C
Cervical cancer
Cancer caused in 99% of cases by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Largely preventable by HPV vaccination and regular screening (smear, HPV test). Treated surgically at an early stage; advanced stages may require chemoradiotherapy.
Colposcopy
Examination of the cervix using a colposcope (binocular microscope) after application of staining reagents. Recommended after an abnormal smear or positive HPV test, it allows localisation of pre-cancerous lesions and targeted biopsies.
Conisation
Surgical procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of the cervix. Indicated for pre-cancerous lesions (CIN 2 or 3) detected on colposcopy, it is performed under anaesthesia as day surgery and allows complete histological analysis.
Contraception
Range of methods to prevent pregnancy: pill, IUD (copper or hormonal), subcutaneous implant, vaginal ring, patch, condom. The choice is personalised according to your age, medical history and lifestyle preferences.
View dedicated page →Cytoreduction
Surgical procedure to remove as much tumour tissue as possible during advanced gynaecological cancer (especially ovarian). The aim is to leave no visible tumour residue (optimal cytoreduction), improving the efficacy of complementary chemotherapy.
D
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
Also called a coil, two types exist: the copper IUD (non-hormonal, effective for 5–10 years) and the hormonal IUD (releases levonorgestrel locally, effective for 5–8 years). Both are highly reliable, reversible contraceptives, fitted during a gynaecological consultation.
View dedicated page →Dysmenorrhoea
Pelvic pain occurring during menstruation. Primary dysmenorrhoea is often functional. Secondary dysmenorrhoea may indicate endometriosis, adenomyosis or uterine fibroids and requires further investigation (ultrasound, MRI).
View dedicated page →Dyspareunia
Pain felt during sexual intercourse, either superficial or deep. It may be linked to vaginal dryness (menopause), deep endometriosis, prolapse, infection or vaginismus. A gynaecological examination identifies the cause and guides treatment.
Pouch of Douglas
Space between the uterus and rectum. In deep endometriosis, the pouch of Douglas is often invaded by endometriotic nodules, causing deep pain during intercourse or defaecation. Its exploration is key during an endometriosis assessment.
View dedicated page →E
Ultrasound
Imaging examination using ultrasound waves to visualise pelvic organs. Transvaginal ultrasound is the reference examination for exploring the uterus, endometrium and ovaries. It is painless and does not require X-rays. It diagnoses fibroids, cysts, endometriosis and cancers.
Endometriosis
Chronic disease in which tissue similar to the endometrium grows outside the uterus (ovaries, tubes, peritoneum, pouch of Douglas). It affects approximately 10% of women and causes pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and sometimes infertility. Treatment combines medical (hormones) and surgical (laparoscopy) approaches.
View dedicated page →Endometrium
Lining of the inside of the uterus. Its thickness varies during the menstrual cycle. An abnormally thick endometrium (endometrial hyperplasia) may be a precursor to endometrial cancer and requires biopsy.
Gynaecological endoscopy
Generic term for exploration and intervention techniques using an endoscope in gynaecology: laparoscopy (abdominal approach), hysteroscopy (vaginal approach). These minimally invasive techniques allow visualisation and treatment with minimal scarring.
F
Fibroid (uterine myoma)
Benign tumour developing in the uterine muscular wall. Very common (20–50% of women), fibroids may be asymptomatic or cause heavy periods, anaemia, pelvic pain or urinary problems. Treatment depends on size, location and symptoms.
Cervical smear
Collection of cells from the cervix during a gynaecological examination. Recommended every 3 years between ages 25–29, then replaced by HPV test every 5 years between 30–65. It screens for cellular abnormalities before they become cancerous.
FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
Pituitary hormone stimulating ovarian follicle development. Its measurement assesses ovarian reserve and diagnoses premature ovarian insufficiency or menopause. A high FSH level indicates reduced ovarian response.
G
Sentinel lymph node
First lymph node draining a tumour. Its biopsy during surgery for cervical or endometrial cancer assesses lymph node spread without removing all pelvic nodes, reducing the risk of postoperative lymphoedema.
Endocrine gynaecology
Branch of gynaecology treating hormonal disorders in women: PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, cycle disorders, hirsutism, amenorrhoea. Assessment includes hormone levels, ovarian ultrasound and sometimes pituitary MRI.
View dedicated page →Gynaecological surgeon
Specialist in gynaecological health who also performs surgical procedures: hysterectomy, endometriosis treatment, prolapse surgery. Different from a medical gynaecologist who focuses on follow-up and medical treatment.
H
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Family of very common viruses transmitted by sexual contact. Some high-risk types (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33) cause pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Vaccination is recommended from age 11. Screening relies on the HPV test from age 30.
Hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus. Can be total (uterus + cervix) or subtotal (uterus without cervix). Performed for fibroids, cancers, prolapse or severe endometriosis. The laparoscopic approach (laparoscopy or vNOTES) is preferred for faster recovery.
Hysteroscopy
Endoscopic procedure introducing a mini-camera into the uterine cavity via the cervix. Diagnostic hysteroscopy explores the cavity without anaesthesia. Operative hysteroscopy (under anaesthesia) treats uterine polyps, submucosal fibroids and adhesions. Performed as day surgery.
View dedicated page →I
ICOGM (Institute of Oncological and Gynaecological Surgery of Marseille)
Specialised unit of the Private Hospital Beauregard where Dr. Maazouzi practises, a centre of expertise in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery in Marseille.
Pelvic MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis, the reference examination for deep endometriosis assessment, staging of gynaecological cancers and fibroid exploration. Without ionising radiation, it provides precise images of pelvic organs and ligamentous structures.
Contraceptive implant
Small flexible rod (4 cm) inserted under the skin of the arm, releasing etonogestrel (progestogen). Highly effective contraceptive (>99%), active for 3 years and reversible. Insertion and removal are performed in consultation under local anaesthesia.
View dedicated page →Stress urinary incontinence
Involuntary urine leakage during physical effort (coughing, laughing, sport). Related to weakness of the urethral sphincter or pelvic floor. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is offered first-line. If unsuccessful, a suburethral sling (TVT) can be placed surgically.
View dedicated page →K
Cystectomy (ovarian)
Surgical removal of an ovarian cyst by laparoscopy, preserving the ovary. Performed for a symptomatic, persistent or suspicious cyst. The minimally invasive technique preserves healthy ovarian tissue and fertility, particularly for endometriomas.
View dedicated page →Ovarian cyst
Fluid-filled sac forming on or within an ovary. Most are functional (resolve spontaneously) but some require monitoring or surgical treatment. Endometriomas and dermoid cysts are the most common types requiring surgery.
View dedicated page →L
Laparoscopy
Synonym of cœlioscopie. Minimally invasive surgical technique with CO₂ insufflation into the abdomen and introduction of a camera and instruments through small incisions. Allows virtually all gynaecological procedures with lighter postoperative recovery.
View dedicated page →Leiomyoma
Medical synonym for uterine fibroid. Benign tumour of the uterine muscle. Leiomyomas can be submucosal (in the uterine cavity), intramural (within the wall) or subserosal (on the surface of the uterus). Their location determines symptoms and treatment options.
LH (Luteinising hormone)
Pituitary hormone triggering ovulation. The LH surge occurs 24–36 hours before the egg is released. Its measurement is used in the hormonal assessment of PCOS and to monitor ovulation in infertility.
Lymphadenectomy
Lymph node dissection performed during gynaecological cancer surgery to assess tumour spread. Pelvic (and sometimes para-aortic) lymphadenectomy is a key step in staging endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancers.
M
Menopause
Permanent cessation of menstruation, occurring on average around age 51, confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause precedes this phase with irregular cycles. Symptoms (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbance) can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or alternatives.
View dedicated page →Myomectomy
Conservative surgery to remove only the uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus. Indicated for women wishing to retain their fertility. Can be performed by hysteroscopy (submucosal fibroids), laparoscopy or vaginally (vNOTES).
N
Endometriotic nodule
Deep sub-peritoneal endometriosis lesion infiltrating the uterosacral ligaments, rectum, bladder or ureters. These nodules cause intense pain (deep dyspareunia, pain on defaecation). Surgical removal by laparoscopy is the reference treatment.
View dedicated page →O
Oophorectomy
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries. May be performed for cancer, a persistent endometrioma or cancer prevention in women carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation. Bilateral oophorectomy before age 50 causes surgical menopause.
P
Pelvic floor
Group of muscles between the pubis and coccyx, supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum). Pelvic floor rehabilitation is recommended for urinary incontinence or after pelvic surgery. Pelvic floor strength is essential for preventing prolapse.
View dedicated page →Genital prolapse
Descent of pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, rectum) due to relaxation of the pelvic floor. Manifests as a feeling of heaviness, vaginal bulge, urinary or bowel problems. Treatment can be surgical (sacrocolpopexy, colporrhaphy) or by pessary.
View dedicated page →Sacrocolpopexy
Laparoscopic surgery to treat genital prolapse. The uterus or vaginal vault is fixed to the sacral promontory using synthetic mesh. This technique offers excellent long-term results with fast recovery via laparoscopy.
View dedicated page →R
Tumour recurrence
Reappearance of cancer after initial treatment. Post-treatment surveillance (clinical examinations, imaging, tumour markers) aims to detect recurrence early to adapt management and offer second-line treatment.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Specialised physiotherapy programme to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Indicated for urinary incontinence, early prolapse or after pelvic surgery. Can be performed by biofeedback, electrostimulation or supervised Kegel exercises.
View dedicated page →Ovarian reserve
Stock of ovarian follicles available at a given time. It decreases with age. Assessed by AMH measurement and antral follicle count on ultrasound, it guides decisions in infertility or ovarian surgery.
S
Salpingectomy
Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Indicated for ectopic pregnancy, recurrent tubal infection or prevention of ovarian cancer (most serous ovarian cancers originate in the tubes). Performed by laparoscopy or vNOTES.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Common hormonal syndrome characterised by irregular cycles or amenorrhoea, androgen excess (acne, hirsutism, hair loss) and ovaries containing many small follicles. May affect fertility. Management combines lifestyle changes, hormonal treatment and ovulation induction if needed.
View dedicated page →Staging
Extension assessment performed at cancer diagnosis to determine its stage (I–IV per FIGO classification). Includes imaging (CT, MRI), biopsy and often surgical exploration. Staging guides therapeutic decisions (surgery alone, chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy).
T
Ovarian teratoma (dermoid cyst)
Benign ovarian tumour containing various tissue types (hair, sebum, bone, teeth). Common in young women, diagnosed by ultrasound. Surgical removal (cystectomy by laparoscopy) is recommended to prevent ovarian torsion.
View dedicated page →HPV test
Screening test for human papillomavirus performed on a cervical sample. Replaces the smear from age 30 and is performed every 5 years until age 65. A positive result does not necessarily mean cancer but requires monitoring by colposcopy.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Treatment combining oestrogens (transdermal) and progestogens to relieve menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. Modern formulations (transdermal oestradiol + micronised progesterone) offer a favourable safety profile. Prescribed case by case after evaluating benefits and risks.
View dedicated page →Ovarian torsion
Surgical emergency: rotation of the ovary on its vascular pedicle causing ischaemia. Presents with acute pelvic pain, often with nausea. An ovarian cyst increases the risk. Treatment is surgical (detorsion by laparoscopy) as an emergency.
View dedicated page →Fallopian tube
Duct connecting the ovary to the uterus, the site of fertilisation. Tubes may be blocked by infection (salpingitis), endometriosis or scarring, causing infertility. Tubal patency is assessed during infertility investigations by hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy.
U
Uterus
Hollow muscular organ in the female pelvis, designed to carry the foetus. Its body consists of myometrium (muscle) lined by the endometrium. The cervix is its lower portion in contact with the vagina. Many conditions can affect it: fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial cancer, prolapse.
V
Vaginal atrophy
Thinning and drying of the vaginal lining due to oestrogen deficiency (menopause, postpartum, progestogen contraception). Causes dryness, itching, burning and dyspareunia. Treated with local oestrogens (pessaries, cream) or systemic therapy.
View dedicated page →Vaginismus
Involuntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles making vaginal penetration difficult or impossible. Often psychological in origin but sometimes linked to organic conditions. Management is multidisciplinary: pelvic floor physiotherapy, psychological support, progressive dilators.
vNOTES
Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery — revolutionary surgical technique allowing gynaecological procedures (hysterectomy, salpingectomy, cystectomy) via the natural vaginal route, without abdominal incision. Advantages: no visible scar, reduced pain, fast recovery. Dr. Maazouzi trained at IRCAD Strasbourg, a world reference centre for this technique.
View dedicated page →A question about your health?
Dr. Maazouzi is here for you during a consultation at the Private Hospital Beauregard, Marseille