| Word/terms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| menstruation | menstruation |
| uterus (womb) | where babies grow in the tummy, located between bladder and bowel |
| pelvic pain | pain in lower tummy, below belly button; can be dull, aching, sharp, stabbing |
| emptying bowels | doing a poo |
| bowel pain | pain in the tummy before, during or after doing a poo or with gas/farting |
| passing wind | farting |
| bladder | holds urine before you do a wee, located behind the pubic bone |
| bladder pain | pain in lower tummy before, during or after doing a wee |
| painful sex | dull, sharp, aching or stabbing pain before, during or after sex |
| Genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) or vaginismus | tight vaginal muscles that make it difficult to insert anything into the vagina (such as a tampon, finger, penis or speculum) |
| diagnosis | the identification of an illness (usually by a doctor/health professional) |
| Not Applicable or N/A | this doesn’t apply to me |
| Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill | the combined oral contraceptive pill ( COCP ) – is often referred to as ‘the pill’. It contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone ‘combined’ to stop the ovary from releasing an egg at ovulation, with the aim of preventing pregnancy (contraception). In addition to preventing pregnancy the COCP can be used to reduce period pain, symptoms and heavy bleeding. It can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle. |
| mittelschmerz | a sharp or achy, short-lasting mid-cycle pain that can occur monthly with ovulation, when the egg (ovum) is released from the ovary. This pain does not usually require medical attention. |
| specialised pelvic physiotherapist | a physiotherapist who has additional training and qualifications specialising in the health and functioning of the pelvic area (the area below your belly button). |
| dysmenorrhoea | the medical term or word that doctors use to describe painful menstrual periods |
