Dilate
Widening of the opening of an orifice.
Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
Procedure done in which the opening of the cervix is widened and instruments are passed into the cervix to scrape or suction the lining of the uterus.
Distal
Away from the origin or center of the body.
Distention
State of being distended or enlarged.
Dribbling after urination
Passing a small amount of urine after the completion of urination.
Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)
Abnormal uterine bleeding usually resulting from hormone inbalance as compared to the presence of pathology.
Dysmenorrhea
Difficult or painful menstrual flow.
Ectopic Pregnancy
A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus; also called a tubal pregnancy.
Endometrial basal layer
Base layer of the endometrium that marks end of endometrium and start of myometrium.
Endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium.
Endometrium
"The inner most wall of the uterus that is shed each month during menstruation. It forms a lining of mucous membrane that is composed of three layers of tissue: a compact internal surface layer (mucosa), a spongy middle layer (sub-mucosa) and an outer layer that attaches the endometrium to the myometrium (basalis). The thickness changes during the different uterine phases of the menstrual cycle."
Epidural
A method used to decrease or eliminate discomfort during surgery. A small needle or catheter is placed in the epidural canal along the spine and anesthetic is delivered to induce localized numbing.
Erosion
Erosion is when the tissue next to any part of an implanted device is worn away.
Estrogen
A female hormone produced mainly by the ovaries. Estrogen is largely responsible for stimulating the endometrium to thicken during the first half of the menstrual cycle. The level of estrogen present directly effects the amount of endometrium.
Eumenorrhea
Normal menstrual flow.
External os
Opening of cervix that extends into the vagina.
External urinary sphincter
A muscle around the urine canal that opens and closes to allow the flow of urine.
Fallopian tubes
The tubes or duct through which the ovum travel to the uterus from the ovary.
False passage
Cavity created, usually by uterine sound or dilator, that creates the appearance of a false uterine cavity.
Fertility
The ability to produce offspring.
Fluid overload
Serious or fatal condition created when patient absorbs too much distention fluid during hysteroscopy.
Forceps
An instrument resembling tweezers that is used to grasp objects within the urine canal or other parts of the body.
Frequency
A need to urinate often.
Fundus of the uterus
Upper third of the uterus.
