Glossary

Here is a collection of terms and definitions to help you understand the language on this Web site.

• Ablation: to eliminate or remove causes for heavy menstrual or abnormal bleeding of the uterus.
• Bladder: the organ that collects urine kidneys and releases the urine through the urethra.
• Botox: Botulinum Toxin A (Botox™) is used clinically to treat facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions; is also used by cosmetic surgeons to smooth facial lines. When a small amount is injected into a muscle it weakens or relaxes the muscle.
• Consultation: a meeting where patients can discuss their health issues and concerns with their doctor. Often treatment options and procedures are evaluated. All consultations at Dr. Wilkie’s office are treated with strict confidentiality.
• Cystocele: A Cystocele is a condition where the bladder has moved from position and is pushing or pressing into the vagina walls.
• Cystoscopy: is a procedure involving a scope to look at areas in the interior of a bladder or urethra that normally do not show up in an x-ray.
• Enterocele: is a hernia-like condition due to a weakening of pelvic muscles. Enterocele often happens to women who have had vaginal births, causing the intestines to bulge into the vagina.
• Functional Incontinence: occurs when a person knows they have to go to urinate but is physically unable to get to the washroom. For example, a woman in a wheelchair may have a difficult time getting to the toilet in time.
• Genitalia: Male and female sex organs are referred to as the genitals or genitalia.
• Gynecologist/ Gynaecologist A gynaecologist is a doctor that specializes in the female reproductive system.
• Gynecology/ Gynaecology: The study of the female reproductive organs.
• Gynecological exam: Gynecological exams are part of a woman’s physical and are recommended to be performed on a regular basis. These exams include pap smears in which the vagina is opened with a speculum and the cervix is swabbed. Pap smears can detect cervical abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer. During a gynaecological exam, Gynecologists can also detect other problems such as ovarian cysts, prolapse and incontinence.
• Hernia: the protrusion of an organ through muscle.
• Herniated Small Bowel or Enterocele: the protrusion of the small intestine into the vagina due to a weakening of the muscles in the upper vagina.
• Hysterectomy: removal of the uterus. Removal may be through the vagina or through an abdominal approach. One or both ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed during the procedure.
• Kegel: Kegel exercises,consists of contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor. These exercises if performed regularly can be helpful in minimizing vaginal prolapse and uterine prolapse.
• Labia: The labia are the inner and outer lips of a woman’s vulva.
• Labia Majora: The labia majora are the outer lips of the vulva.
• Labia Minora: The labia minora are the inner lips of the vulva.
• Laparoscopy: abdominal surgery performed through small band aid sized incisions. See Minimally Invasive Surgery.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): refers to modern techniques to reduce the impact of surgery to improve safety and return patients to normal function as quickly as possible. This involves new technologies for performing surgery often through small incisions and using new techniques for anaesthetics to reduce side effects of medications. MIS has had a profound effect on how women are treated for incontinence and prolpase.
• Overactive Bladder: overactive bladder occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily causing the patient to urinate frequently. See Urge Incontinence.
• Overflow Incontinence: happens when the bladder does not empty completely, causing it to spill “over the top”, like walking with full bowl. Overflow Incontinence is rare in women.
• Perineum: The perineum is the area between the anus and the genitals. In women, the perineum extends from the anus to the vaginal opening.
• Perineal Muscle: the muscle between the vagina and the anus.
• Pessary: a supportive device worn in the vagina to help control prolapse or incontinence.
• Polyp: A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue. They are often found where there is a mucous membrane such as the small intestine, stomach, nose, cervix, urinary bladder and uterus.
• Prolapse: a condition where an organ falls or moves out of place, like the uterus or bladder. Often prolapsedoccurs when muscle tissue holding the organ in its normal position weakens and stretches.
• Rectocele: A rectocele is a bulge of the back wall of the rectum into the vagina caused when the rectal wall becomes thin or weak. Rectocele is most noticeable when a patient is pushing during a bowel movement.
• Stress Incontinence:Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing or performing physical activity due to urethra being unable to close during the moment of stress.
• Transvaginal Tape: is a sling that is used for patients suffering from Stress Incontinence to support the urethra. This procedure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to restore the bladder to its proper position.
• Urge Incontinence: Or Overactive Bladder is a condition where you frequently leak urine or have the urge to urinate uncontrollably.
• Urethocele: Prolapse of the urethra. The urethra moves from its natural position and moves into the vagina.
• Urethra: the tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. The urethra must remain closed for a woman to remain dry when she coughs, sneezes or exercises.
• Urinary Incontinence: Is the involuntary leakage of urine. See Stress Incontinence, Urge Incontinence and Mixed Incontinence.
• Urogynecologist/ Urogynaecologist: A Urogynecologist is a doctor whose specialty combines gynecology and urology. Urogynecologists combine expertise in treating women’s reproductive systems with that of treatment of the urinary tract.
• Uterine Prolapse: Uterine prolapse is a condition that happens when a woman’s uterus (womb) drops or moves from its normal position. In some milder cases, the uterus may drop enough that it moves partway into the vagina. In a more severe case the uterus can slip outside of the vagina causing much discomfort and stress.
• Uterus: The uterus is the female sex organ and is located in the lower abdomen. Also known as the womb, it is connected to the cervix on one end and fallopian tubes on the other. The uterus, vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes make up the female reproductive system.
• Vagina: Part of the female sex organs, the vagina is the muscular canal leading to the uterus.
• Vaginal Prolapse: is used to describe when the pelvic organs (uterus, bowel, rectum, bladder, urethra and vagina) lose tissue and muscle support and drop from their normal positions.
• Vaginal Surgery: Vaginal surgery is performed for a number of reasons. It can be for functional or medical reasons as well as for aesthetic reasons. Whenever a woman is selecting to have vaginal surgery she should always consult a Urogynecologist or a Gynecologist who specializes in the required procedure.
• Vaginal Vault Prolapse: occurs when the upper portion of the vagina loses its normal shape and drops down into the vaginal canal or bulges outside of the vagina.
• Vulva The vulva is the external female genitalia. It includes the “lips” or folds of skin (labia minora and labia majora), clitoris, and the openings to the urethra and vagina.