Glossary

Abnormal uterine bleeding:
This defines any change in the regularity or volume of the periods. This could be due to hormonal or anatomic factors. It is important that patients presenting with this symptom are further evaluated to rule out endometrial pathology.

Amenorrhea:
Lack of periods for at least 3 months in a woman who has previously menstruated. The cause could be physiological or pathological like in hypothyroidism (decreased levels of thyroid hormone) or hyperprolactinemia (increased levels of hormone of lactation)

Amniocentesis:
This is a procedure typically performed in the second trimester, that involves removal of a small amount of fluid from around the baby which is then submitted for a variety of biochemical and genetic tests.

Chronic pelvic pain:
Pain present for 3 or more months it could be gynecological or non-gynecological in origin. Diagnosis and treatment could be challenging and often entails a multidisciplinary approach.

Contraception:
70% of females and males of reproductive age group use one form of birth control or the other. Newer techniques, like the patch, and the Nuva ring have been widely accepted and the options keep increasing.

Fibroids:
These are smooth muscle tumors of the uterus which are benign in nature. They tend to occur mainly towards the end of the reproductive life and usually present with heavy periods. They are more common in black females.

GCT:
The glucose challenge test is offered between 24-28 week of gestation and screens mum for gestational diabetes.

Incontinence:
Involuntary loss of urine which has become a social or hygienic problem. There are usually 4 types: stress, urge, mixed, and overflow (neurogenic) incontinence.

Menopause:
The permanent cessation of periods usually occurring between 40-55 years of age. This is a normal physiological process that heralds decrease in ovarian function and reduction in hormones (Estrogen and progesterone.

NST:
This stands for Non Stress Test, which is a graphic recording of the fetal heart rate. More like an EKG in an adult.

Osteoporosis:
This is characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. 40% of women ages 50 yrs and above will suffer from osteoporosis related fracture.

STD’s:
Sexually transmitted diseases have posed a major public health concern particularly since HIV was discovered. The ease of transmission and spread of these STD’s in the younger age group have become the challenge of our health care systems.

Triple Screen:
This is a simple maternal blood test that screens the baby for chromosomal anomalies and open neural tube defects (spinabifida).

Vaginal Discharge:
This constitutes one of the most common presenting symptoms in a gynecological practice. Vaginal discharge could be physiological or pathological. Further microscopic or laboratory examination is often needed to clarify its nature.

Common Office Procedures

Colposcopy is a detailed examination of your cervix and vagina as viewed through a magnifying glass similar to a set of binoculars. Most colposcopies are performed for abnormal pap smears. Just because a pap smear is read as abnormal, though, does not mean that cancer is present.

A colposcopic examination takes ten to fifteen minutes. It is performed in the same manner as a routine gynecologic examination. When performing a Colopscopy, I am looking to see why your pap smear came back abnormal. If I see areas that may be the cause of your abnormal pap smear, I may take a small sample so that the tissue can be evaluated more specifically.
Almost all patients are able to return to their routine activities immediately following the colposcope.

Cryosurgery is a technique that uses freezing to destroy abnormal epithelium.

Endometrial Biopsy entails putting a small flexible tube through your cervix and using suction to derive a piece of endometrial lining.

The major indication for an Endometrial Biopsy is abnormal or irregular uterine bleeding. If you have irregular menstrual periods or if you are menopausal and have started bleeding, the Endometrial Biopsy helps the doctor evaluate the lining (endometrium) of your uterus. The tissue will be sent to a pathologist who will look at it under a microscope.
There is no need for any preparations for an Endometrial Biopsy. It can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle. If you would like, you may take a mild pain reliever before and after the biopsy to relieve cramps that may occur.

LEEP is a procedure that uses a hot wire to excise areas of abnormalities on the cervix