Pelvic-Health Glossary

Anorgasmia: Inability to achieve orgasm
Coccydynia (also spelled coccygodynia): Pain on or around the tailbone
Cystocele: A descending of the bladder toward or through the vaginal introitus secondary to defective support in the upper portion of the vagina.
Dyspareunia: Pain that occurs immediately before, during or soon after intercourse
Episiotomy: Obstetric procedure of cutting the perineum (muscle between the vagina and the anus) in order to ease vaginal delivery
Interstitial Cystitis:a pelvic pain syndrome also known as painful bladder syndrome, a person experiences symptoms of frequency, urgency and/or pain. Many patients also have an underlying pelvic muscle tension disorder.
Kegel: Contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor
Pelvic Floor: Fascial and muscular layers which span the boney pelvic outlet lending support to the abdominal and pelvic organs.
Pelvic Floor Myalgia: Spasm and increased muscle tension in the muscles of the pelvic floor causing pain and dysfunction; usually associated with painful intercourse
Rectocele: Prolapse of the rectum and overlying vagina through or toward the hymenal ring
Urinary Incontinence: Involuntary loss/ leakage of urine
Uterine Prolapse: Displacement of the uterus into the vaginal canal
Vaginal Prolapse: Defective support of the vagina that results in the vaginal apex pushing through or toward the vaginal introitus- usually associated with posthysterectomy
Vaginismus: Recurrent or persistent involuntary contraction/ spasm of the vaginal musculature which prevents or causes difficulty and pain with vaginal penetration during intercourse; pelvic floor myalgia
Vulvar Vestibulitis or Vestibulitis: Specific vuvlodynia located at the opening of the vagina (the vestibule)
Vulvodynia: Pain in the vular area that is spontaneous and generalized