Skip to content
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
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
L
M
N
O
P

Pap test

A Pap test checks for abnormal cells on the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. This routine screening has reduced cervical cancer deaths by more than 50% in the last 30 years. Most people start getting Pap tests at age 21 and continue through age 65, with the frequency and type of testing depending on your age and health history. After 65, you may be able to stop screening if you’ve had consistently normal results.

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.

Search providers, services, locations…

Schedule an Appointment

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.

What type of appointment do you need?