Women’s Health Vocabulary for Men
For many people, especially young men, anything related to women’s health is a confusing. What is a hysterectomy? What are the symptoms of menopause?
Regardless of your gender, everyone needs a basic understanding of women’s health terminology. These terms will often come up when discussing news stories like the Zika virusorrobotic surgery. It is equally important for men to know these terms if and when they decide to start a family.
This simple vocabulary guide will give a quick rundown of the terms everyone should know when your loved ones are having a serious conversation about setting up a meeting with a gynecologist.
Gynecology
Gynecology is the study of the female reproductive systems and any related injuries, illnesses or diseases.
Gynecologist
A gynecologist is a physician that specializes in women’s health, particularly in the diseases of the female genital tract, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is the study of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period which involves the care of women during and after pregnancy.
Regardless of your gender, everyone needs a basic understanding of women’s health terminology. These terms will often come up when discussing news stories like the Zika virusorrobotic surgery. It is equally important for men to know these terms if and when they decide to start a family.
This simple vocabulary guide will give a quick rundown of the terms everyone should know when your loved ones are having a serious conversation about setting up a meeting with a gynecologist.
Gynecology
Gynecology is the study of the female reproductive systems and any related injuries, illnesses or diseases.
Gynecologist
A gynecologist is a physician that specializes in women’s health, particularly in the diseases of the female genital tract, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is the study of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period which involves the care of women during and after pregnancy.
OB-GYN
OB-GYN is an abbreviation used to describe a medical specialty that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, or womb. The doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth in the breasts cells that develops into a malignant tumor. This disease mostly occurs in women, but has a 1-6% chance of occurring in men.
Menopause
Menopause is the period in a woman’s life in which there is a permanent cessation of menstruation. This is a natural biological process that usually develops between ages 40 through 50. It may occur earlier if a woman has a hysterectomy. Such cases are referred to as “surgical menopause.”
Cystocele
A cystocele, or anterior prolapse, is also known as a prolapsed or dropped bladder and occurs when the wall between a woman’s bladder and her vagina is torn during childbirth.
If your family is located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to the definitions above, click here.
OB-GYN is an abbreviation used to describe a medical specialty that focuses on obstetrics and gynecology.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, or womb. The doctor may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth in the breasts cells that develops into a malignant tumor. This disease mostly occurs in women, but has a 1-6% chance of occurring in men.
Menopause
Menopause is the period in a woman’s life in which there is a permanent cessation of menstruation. This is a natural biological process that usually develops between ages 40 through 50. It may occur earlier if a woman has a hysterectomy. Such cases are referred to as “surgical menopause.”
Cystocele
A cystocele, or anterior prolapse, is also known as a prolapsed or dropped bladder and occurs when the wall between a woman’s bladder and her vagina is torn during childbirth.
If your family is located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to the definitions above, click here.
Navigating The Symptoms Of Menopause
Menopause impacts all women eventually! While it is not comfortable, it is completely normal. This natural decline in reproductive hormones usually occurs between ages 40 and 50. However, certain medical conditions or surgeries can cause it to appear in women of all ages.
In this transitional time when a woman stops having menstrual periods, she can experience symptoms that range from simple period changes to problems sleeping for an extended amount of time. You may not experience every single symptom listed below and the severity of symptoms varies from woman to woman. Luckily, woman do not need to simply grit and bear the pain and discomfort!There are ways to overcome the symptoms associated with this transition.
So, without further ado, here are the common symptoms associated with menopause and a few pointers that will help make dealing with them more comfortable.
Insomnia or Problems Sleeping
During menopause, it may be challenging to get the recommended eight hours of sleep. Take part in activities that will make you exhausted by the end of the day, such as exercising or working out. Avoid tasks that may induce problems, like checking your phone before going to sleep and eating right before.
Frequent Urination
It is not uncommon for women to have a dire need to urinate even without a full bladder. Keep away from alcoholic drinks and stay hydrated. If problems persist or worsen, seek medical treatment options from your doctor.
Decreased Libido, Vaginal Dryness and Pain during Intercourse
Being less interested in sex is a typical symptom in the months or years leading up to menopause. Additionally, the decreased production of estrogen and progesterone can be very unsatisfying. Many over-the-counter and prescriptive treatments and lubricants are available to assist in sexual arousal.
Hot Flashes
Many women experience sudden feelings of heat in the body which can range from mild to intense. According to the National Institute on Aging, a typical hot flash lasts between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. While hot flashes are perhaps the best well-known symptom of menopause, it is not one that you simply have to accept as part of the process. Speak with your doctor to find proper options that offer relief from hot flash symptoms
Hot Flashes
Many women experience sudden feelings of heat in the body which can range from mild to intense. According to the National Institute on Aging, a typical hot flash lasts between 30 seconds to 10 minutes. While hot flashes are perhaps the best well-known symptom of menopause, it is not one that you simply have to accept as part of the process. Speak with your doctor to find proper options that offer relief from hot flash symptoms
Depression and Mood Swings
You aren’t crazy! Irritability, depression, and quick transitions between mood swings are common with changes in hormone production. As long as you are self-aware of these symptoms, you can overcome them. If your moods are not too extreme, then simply being honest with your friends and family is enough. They’ll understand! But, if your moods are extreme enough that it is impacting your daily life, speak to your doctor about options for helping you find your balance again.
Irregular Periods
Periods don’t simply start or stop. For some time before stopping, your menstrual cycle may unpredictable. Ironically, heavier or prolonged periods are common at the start of menopause. Spotting may also continue for some time after normal menstrual cycles stop. It’s not fun but it is normal! However, please reach out to a doctor if your periods are very close together, last more than a week, have extreme bleeding, or experience severe pain.
Weight Gain/Slowed Metabolism
Throughout the menopause, it is extremelyimportant to keep up with your health. Your body is your most important asset. Get a fitbit, exercise often, track your diet, and download apps that will help you do all of these things. Sudden weight gain or loss is a typical symptom of menopause, so it’s important to remain in control of your body.
If you feel that your symptoms are more severe than they should be, seeking medical attention is very important. If you’re located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to menopause management, symptoms and treatment options above, click here.
You aren’t crazy! Irritability, depression, and quick transitions between mood swings are common with changes in hormone production. As long as you are self-aware of these symptoms, you can overcome them. If your moods are not too extreme, then simply being honest with your friends and family is enough. They’ll understand! But, if your moods are extreme enough that it is impacting your daily life, speak to your doctor about options for helping you find your balance again.
Irregular Periods
Periods don’t simply start or stop. For some time before stopping, your menstrual cycle may unpredictable. Ironically, heavier or prolonged periods are common at the start of menopause. Spotting may also continue for some time after normal menstrual cycles stop. It’s not fun but it is normal! However, please reach out to a doctor if your periods are very close together, last more than a week, have extreme bleeding, or experience severe pain.
Weight Gain/Slowed Metabolism
Throughout the menopause, it is extremelyimportant to keep up with your health. Your body is your most important asset. Get a fitbit, exercise often, track your diet, and download apps that will help you do all of these things. Sudden weight gain or loss is a typical symptom of menopause, so it’s important to remain in control of your body.
If you feel that your symptoms are more severe than they should be, seeking medical attention is very important. If you’re located in San Antonio and you would like to schedule an appointment at the Institute for Women’s Health for services related to menopause management, symptoms and treatment options above, click here.