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Women's Healthcare Associates

Topics & Terminology

Women’s health terms, explained

Medical terms can make things harder to understand, especially when you’re already dealing with a health question or concern.

This glossary brings together commonly used reproductive health terms and explains them in plain language. Whether you’ve seen a word in your chart, heard it during a visit or come across it while researching, this is a place to look it up and get a clearer understanding.

A

Abnormal bleeding

Abnormal menstrual bleeding refers to menstrual cycles that are heavier, longer or more irregular than expected. This can mean soaking a pad or tampon every one to two hours, bleeding for more than seven days or having cycles that are too short (less than 21 days) or too long (more than 35 days). Spotting between periods or after sex can also be a sign of irregular bleeding. Understanding your bleeding patterns can help you recognize when to seek care.

B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y

A straightforward reference for women’s health language

Understanding the words used in your care can make a real difference. It can help you follow conversations more easily, ask better questions and feel more confident about what’s happening with your body.

This glossary is designed to be simple to use and easy to come back to. Terms are written with input from WHA clinicians and reflect how they’re used in real care settings.

By using this glossary, you can:

  • Look up common women’s health terms in one place
  • Better understand language used during appointments
  • Clarify what you’ve read in test results or educational materials
  • Feel more prepared to talk with your provider

Whether you’re here to define a single term or browse and learn, this resource is here to make things clearer.

FAQs

What kinds of terms are included here?

This glossary includes terms related to gynecology, pregnancy, reproductive health and general wellness.

Are these definitions medical advice?

No. These definitions are for general understanding and don’t replace guidance from your provider.

Who develops these definitions?

Terms are reviewed with input from WHA clinicians to reflect how they’re used in patient care.

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If you’re pregnant and want to begin care at WHA–or need to schedule an appointment during your pregnancy, call us! Find a provider and location here.

Please have your insurance information handy before you begin scheduling.

This will allow our teams to check whether your plan may require a referral for the care you need or to prepare benefits information to share with you at your visit. If you do not enter insurance information when scheduling, you may be asked to pay a $200-$500 deposit before receiving service.

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