Pelvic Exam Health Article

KEY TERMS

Bacterial vaginitis—This is the term for inflammation of the vagina due to a bacterial infection.

Bartholin's glands—These glands are embedded in the vestibule of the vagina and function to maintain moisture.

Cervical dysplasia—Dysplasia is the abnormal growth of the epithelial cells. This is what a Pap smear will detect in the cervix.

Colposcopy—This procedure is done when a Pap smear reveals abnormal results. With an endoscope placed through the vagina and into the cervix, a physician can determine exactly where lesions of the cervix are.

Hematoma—Hematomas are masses of blood (or clotted blood) that accumulate in tissues and may result from trauma.

Myoma—These are benign (non-malignant) tumors of the uterus.

Papanicolaou or Pap smear—This is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. Cells are scraped from the cervix, smeared on a glass plate, and sent to a laboratory to examine for any abnormal cells or dysplasia. This test may also detect other cells seen in certain vaginal infections.

Skene's glands—These are the glands of the female urethra.

Speculum—A speculum is an instrument that is used during the internal genitalia examination. It can be made of plastic or metal and is used to open up the vaginal cavity in order for the examiner to view the walls of the vagina and the cervix.

Urethral meatus—This is the external opening of the urethra.