Glossary



A

Adenomyosis

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Adenomyosis is a condition similar to (and often experienced along with) endometriosis—sometimes considered a sister disease of endometriosis—where the endometrium sneaks into the walls of the uterus and begins to grow there as well.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Adhesions

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Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form inside the body. Think of them as strings of chewing gum stuck between your fingers. Like gum, adhesions stick (or adhere) organs and other internal tissues together. Pulling of the adhesions can be a cause of pain.

Pelvic adhesions can form in the pelvis, usually following surgery, but can also occur because of infection (like pelvic inflammatory disease) or later stages of endometriosis.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Anodyspareunia

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Anodyspareunia is pain during receptive anal sex—which is pretty common (for same-sex and other-sex partners).  

Want to learn more about painful sex? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

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Cervix

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The cervix is the passageway between the vagina and the uterus. It’s a spongy little mound that looks like a pudgy, pink donut.

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy!

Clitoris

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The clitoris is the Shangri-La, the El Dorado of pleasure, but a lot easier to find. It sits between the labia (or lips) and under the clitoral hood (which… looks like a hood)! But don’t be fooled—there’s more to the clitoris than what you can see on the surface!

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy!

Comorbidity

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Comorbidity is the medical term for when a person has two or more illnesses or disorders. For instance, endometriosis and adenomyosis are common comorbid conditions.

Want to learn more about painful sex? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

D

Dyspareunia

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Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful receptive vaginal sex. There are two general buckets dyspareunia falls into:

  1. Deep: pain or discomfort during sex that is felt deeper in the body
  2. Primary/superficial: pain or discomfort that is felt in the vulva and/or the entrance of the vagina
Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

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Endometriosis

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Endometriosis is when tissue very similar to the endometrium starts growing outside the uterus (like on the fallopian tubes and the bowels).

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Endometrium

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The endometrium is essentially the wallpaper of the uterus. The uterus has multiple layers, and the endometrium is the innermost layer that sheds with each menstrual period.

Take the full tour in the Joy of Anatomy

Episiotomy

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An episiotomy is a surgical incision through the vaginal wall and the perineum that helps make room for a baby during a vaginal birth. All doctors performing episiotomies should be given direct consent by the birthing parent.

Read more in Post-Baby Sex: Why Does it Hurt?

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Fallopian tubes

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The fallopian tubes are like two little highways that jut out on either side of the uterus. They catch and transport the eggs that are released from the ovaries during ovulation.

Take the full tour in the Joy of Anatomy

Fecal incontinence

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Fecal incontinence is the involuntary leakage of poop (feces) and gas. This can happen to anyone and for a variety of reasons—including pelvic floor dysfunction  and/or pelvic organ prolapse. While fecal incontinence can happen to anyone at any age, it’s more common after vaginal birth or with aging.

What else can change postpartum? Find out in Post-Baby Sex: Why Does it Hurt?

Fourth trimester

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The fourth trimester is the early months after the delivery of a baby. Access to healthcare is still vitally important for both the parent and child after birth. But don’t take our word for it, just ask the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists!

What does 4th trimester healthcare look like? Find out in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: A World Tour

G

Gender affirmation surgery

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  • MTF: Male to female gender affirmation or “bottom” surgery, also called neo-vaginoplasty, is a procedure some transgender women choose to have that involves the creation of a neovagina.
  • FTM: Female to male gender affirmation or “bottom” surgery is a procedure some trans men choose to have that involves the creation of a neo-penis. 
Let's keep learning! Read on: The Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference

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Health disparity

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A health disparity is a preventable difference in the incidence of an illness, injury, or the accessibility of care between populations. In the United States, and throughout the world, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities are common.

One example of a health disparity in the US? Fibroids. Read more in Fibroids: Why the System Fails Black Women

Hysterectomy

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A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. A hysterectomy can be performed either open or laparoscopically. A laparoscopic hysterectomy is generally safer (considered minimally invasive and requires less recovery time. However, sometimes an open hysterectomy is the only option (given the condition, or (unfortunately) the skill set of available providers).

Fibroids are the most common reason for a hysterectomy in the US. Read more in Fibroids 101

I

Interstitial cystitis

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Interstitial cystitis is a mystery condition where there’s prolonged (more than six weeks) pain and what feels like pressure throughout the pelvis, often accompanied by a frequent and urgent need to pee. Kind of sounds like a sci fi movie starring Matthew Mcconaughey.

Want to learn more? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

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Laparoscopy

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Laparoscopy is a surgical method that uses several small incisions and the help of a camera and specialized instruments to perform a procedure. In many instances, laparoscopic surgery is preferred because it is less invasive and requires less cutting—which means shorter healing time and smaller scars.

Surgical options often aren’t always the full picture. Read more in Fibroids: Why the System Fails Black Women

Lichen sclerosus

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Lichen (pronounced liken or Lycan if you also got too into the Underworld movies) sclerosus is a skin condition of unknown origin, though hormones and the immune response have been implicated. It’s characterized by thin, white patches of skin most often on the vulva, and is most common post-menopause. These patches can cause itching, discomfort, easy bruising and tearing, and can sometimes cause painful lesions. Lichen sclerosus can also lead to “architectural changes” to the vulva (this includes potential loss of the inner labia and partial blockage of the urethral opening—where the pee comes out), and may put patients at a greater risk for certain vulvo-vaginal cancers.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. II

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Menopause

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Menopause is when menstrual periods permanently end, usually occurring around age 45 (though earlier menopause can occur because of removal or injury of the ovaries. This is usually indicated when someone hasn’t had a period in 12 months. Menopause leads to hormonal changes which can result in vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. These changes can cause painful sex for a lot of folks.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Mullerian agenesis

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Mullerian agenesis, also known as vaginal agenesis, is a congenital condition in which the uterus, and sometimes the upper portion of the vagina, is absent.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Myomectomy

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Myomectomy is the surgical removal of individual uterine fibroids. Myomectomies are less invasive than hysterectomies, a common surgical treatment option for fibroids that is not always necessary.

Want to learn more about fibroids? Check out Fibroids 101

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Neuralgia

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Neuralgia is nerve pain. It may feel like a shooting or burning pain, and follows the path of a nerve. Some pelvic pain can be caused by damage or irritation to the pudendal nerve, resulting in pudendal neuralgia.

Want to learn more about why sex can be painful? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

O

Ovarian cysts

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Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that may grow in or on the ovaries, and are a normal part of ovulation.

Truth: Most everyone who menstruates has cysts.

Each cycle, follicular cysts form, each housing a little egg inside it. Typically only one egg will mature to the point where it can be released, leading its surrounding cyst to rupture and freeing the egg. Pain can occur when these cysts either a) never rupture or b) release an egg, close up, and begin filling with fluid again.

Want to learn more? Read Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I

Ovaries

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The ovaries are essentially little egg holders and hormone factories. People with ovaries are born with all their eggs, which just hang out until puberty hits and the ovaries are tasked with the maturation of those eggs to be released each month(ish).

Did you know there’s more to the clitoris than meets the eye? Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

Ovulation

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Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovaries and transported via the fallopian tubes (link) to the uterus (link). There the egg will hang out until it's either fertilized or the lining of the uterus starts sloughing off (that, my friends, is a period). This usually happens about once a month—though some people will release more than one egg in a cycle (like if fraternal twins run in your family or if you're nearing menopause).

Aren't bodies amazing? Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

P

Pelvic floor

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The pelvic floor is the complex muscle hammock that supports the bladder, bowel, and uterus.

Read more about the pelvic floor in Physical Therapy for Your Vagina: A World Tour

Pelvic floor dysfunction

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Pelvic floor dysfunction is when the muscles of the pelvic floor are not functioning normally—meaning they may be too tight or too weak, which can cause pain and/or urinary, bowel or sexual dysfunction.

What can help with pelvic floor dysfunction? Find out in Physical Therapy for Your Vagina: A World Tour

Pelvic floor physical therapy

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Physical therapy (generally speaking) uses a movement, exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to improve or restore mobility and function. In the case of pelvic floor physical therapy (also known as ‘Pelvic PT’), these techniques are used to rehabilitate the muscles of the pelvic floor and the surrounding structures.

Pelvic physical therapy may be suggested to treat chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, postpartum complications, urinary or bowel challenges, or even conditions such as endometriosis and vaginismus.

Fun fact: France healthcare provides 10 free PT sessions after childbirth. Want to learn more? See Physical Therapy for Your Vagina: A World Tour

Perineum

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The perineum, also fondly known as the taint, is the area between the anus (butthole) and the vaginal opening.

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

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In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the ovaries are filled with many smaller cysts, which can cause the ovaries to grow larger. PCOS can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, hair thinning and loss, development of dark patches of skin, and headaches. Thankfully, hormonal birth control can be a great treatment option for people who aren’t trying to become pregnant!

Want to learn more about why sex can be painful? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt I

Prolapse

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Prolapse is when a part of the body bulges or slips down past where it normally sits. There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse.

  1. Cystocele: when the bladder falls into the vaginal canal
  2. Rectocele: when the colon bulges into the vagina(link)
  3. Enterocele: when the small intestine bulges into the vagina
  4. Uterine prolapse: when the uterus(link) slips down towards the vagina
Some degree of uterine prolapse is common after pregnancy. Read more in Post-Baby Sex: Why Does it Hurt?

Prostate

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The prostate is the walnut-sized gland that sits between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum. It’s tasked with making fluid that feeds and helps move sperm along.

Let's learn about painful sex! Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt. I!

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Referred pain

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Referred pain is when pain that originates in one part of the body is felt in another. For example, pain that starts in the uterus may feel like bladder or lower back pain. It can happen anywhere in the body, but it is especially common in the pelvic and reproductive organs.

Want to learn more about why sex can be painful? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt I

Retroverted uterus

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A tilted uterus refers to a uterus that is tilted back at the cervix instead of forward. It kind of looks like the uterus is on the subway and really doesn’t want to sit that close to its fellow passenger, the bladder.

Want to learn more about why sex can be painful? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt I

S

Sexual dysfunction

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Sexual dysfunction is a broad umbrella term that describes a challenge during some phase of the sexual response cycle. Traditional definitions make this sound pretty spooky, so we’ll break it down a little differently and call sexual activity “gettin’ funky.” So, sexual dysfunction can mean:

  • Difficulties with arousal (trying to get funky, but your body is feeling decidedly not funky);
  • Desire (persistently not wanting anything to do with funkytown);
  • Orgasm (you’ve been gettin’ funky for a while now, but that big dance move you want to do juuust isn’t happening);
  • And pain (the ride to funkytown is not as it used to be or was described to you, we need to dedicate more tax dollars to infrastructure).
Want to learn more about why sex can be painful? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt I

U

Urinary incontinence

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Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of pee (urine), and while it can happen to anybody, it is most common post-baby, post-menopause, and for people who are experiencing prostate gland challenges.

What else can change postpartum? Find out in Post-Baby Sex: Why Does it Hurt?

Uterine fibroids

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Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterine wall, either inside or outside the uterus. Thankfully, they’re usually benign (not today, cancer!). But they can lead to some nasty symptoms in about 30% of patients, including pelvic pain, pain during sex, and extremely heavy & painful periods.

Want to learn more? Check out Uterine Fibroids 101

Uterus

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The uterus is a muscular pouch that’s sandwiched between the bladder and the tail end of the digestive system. It’s baby’s first bedroom, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

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Vagina

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The vagina is a moist and stretchy muscular tube that can measure anywhere from 2-4 inches in length when not aroused (and can lengthen to 4-8 inches when aroused), traveling from the entrance of the vagina (called the introitus) to the cervix.

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

Vaginal Dilator

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A vaginal dilator is a cylindrical object with a smooth tapered end that can be used to expand the width and depth of the vagina as well as help the vaginal opening become less sensitive and promote muscle relaxation. They come in a wide variety of sizes and materials (and colors!)—here are some of our favorites:

Soul Source Vuvatech Milli

IC Relief Intimate Rose

Vaginismus

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Vaginismus is when the pelvic floor muscles are very tight, making penetration impossible or very painful.

Want to learn more? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt II

Vulva

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The vulva, which you can think of as the neighborhood of the vagina, is the area located between the mons pubis (the fleshy mound below the belly) and the perineum. Home of the labia majora and minora (AKA the outer and inner lips), vaginal opening, urinary opening (that’s right, there are two holes!), and the clitoris.

Take the full tour in The Joy of Anatomy

Vulvodynia

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Vulvodynia is chronic, unexplained vulvar pain. It is most commonly localized (pain only occurs at one spot on the vulva), but can also be generalized (occurring at more than one spot at different times).

Want to learn more? Check out Why is Sex Painful? Pt II