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Glossary

Sjögren’s UK

Sjögren’s UK was founded in 1986 to raise awareness of the disease and support research.

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POGP (Pelvic, Obstetric, Gynaecological Physiotherapy)

The POGP (Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy) network specialises in the physiotherapeutic care of women.

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The British Society for Vulval Disease

The British Society for Vulval Disease is dedicated to providing patient education and delivering high-quality care.

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Lichen Sclerosus Guide

The Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Cancer UK Awareness website provides information, support and resources for those affected by Lichen Sclerosus and vulval cancer.

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The Eve Appeal

The Eve Appeal is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting individuals affected by gynaecological cancers.

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Women’s Health Concern

Women’s Health Concern is the patient organisation of the British Menopause Society, providing support and information about gynaecological, sexual and post-reproductive health.

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Bladder & Bowel Community

The Bladder & Bowel Community’s mission is to raise awareness and to provide information and support for people affected by bladder and bowel conditions.

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Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK is the UK's leading charity for endometriosis, working to ensure prompt diagnosis, access to the best treatment and support.

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The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation

The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation is the UK's largest bladder patient support charity.  

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The Vulval Pain Society

The Vulval Pain Society provides resources, practical advice and information for women living with vulval pain.

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International Pelvic Pain Society

The International Pelvic Pain Society aims to promote education, research, and support for chronic pelvic pain.

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Pelvic Radiation Disease Association

Pelvic Radiation Disease Association is a UK charity whose mission it is to help people affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease. 

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Smear test

A smear test refers to cervical screening, a test that checks the health of your cervix.

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Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation and / or swelling in and around the vagina, vulva and the...

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Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a condition characterised by vulval pain and / or soreness without...

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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is the medical term used for vaginal thrush or vaginal yeast...

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Vulval cancer

Vulval cancer is diagnosed in around 1350 women in the UK each year.1 Some inflammatory...

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Vestibulodynia

Vestibulodynia is a condition which results in the hypersensitivity of the vestibule (the entrance... 

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Vaginismus

Vaginismus is the involuntary spasm of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles which surround the vagina...

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Vaginal stenosis

Vaginal stenosis is the narrowing or loss of flexibility of the vagina, and it occurs as a side effect...

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Vaginal dryness

Natural lubrication produced by the glands at the neck of the womb (the cervix) keep the vagina...

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common infection of the bladder, kidneys or the...

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Urinary incontinence (UI)

Millions of women suffer with urinary incontinence (UI) at some point in their lives. Urinary incontinence...

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Trichomoniasis infection

Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted protozoan infection of humans in...

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Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition mainly affecting women...

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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are common and can be passed on during sex or through...

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women of...

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Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position...

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes...

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Müllerian agenesis

Müllerian agenesis, also known as MRKH syndrome or Müllerian aplasia, is a rare congenital condition... 

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Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect any area of the skin, though...

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Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that typically causes an itchy rash with small...

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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. It is passed between humans via skin to skin contact...

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Gynaecological Cancers

There are five different kinds of gynaecological cancer...

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Group B streptococcal infection

Group B streptococcal infection is also known as Group B strep infection. This is an overgrowth...

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Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is primarily caused by decreased oestrogen levels in postmenopausal...

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Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital...

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Endometritis

Endometritis is inflammation localised to the endometrium, the inner uterine lining, commonly...

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found...

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Dyspareunia (painful sex)

Dyspareunia is the term that specifically relates to a feeling of pain during or after sexual intercourse. Dyspareunia is extremely common...

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Cytolytic Vaginosis (CV)

Cytolytic Vaginosis (CV) is a vaginal condition whereby the vaginal microbiome is dominated by an overgrowth of lactobacillus, typically...

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The Pelvic Pain Support Network

The Pelvic Pain Support Network is a patient-led charity. Its advisory panel includes global experts in pelvic pain. 

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The British Pain Society

The British Pain Society is an alliance of healthcare professionals focused on advancing pain management, research, and education.

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Pelvic radiation therapy

A woman’s sex life and vaginal health may be adversely affected by cancer radiation therapy to the pelvic area.

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Hysterectomy

The type of hysterectomy you have depends on the reason for the operation and how much of your uterus can be left intact. 

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Genital Reconstruction Surgery (GRS)

Genital Reconstruction Surgery (GRS) is a procedure that changes the physical characteristics of genitalia. 

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Endocrine therapy

Treatment for oestrogen positive breast cancers may include endocrine therapy (e.g. tamoxifen).

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Chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is any pain in or around the pelvis that lasts for more than 6 months, it can affect both men and women and can occur at any...

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Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the womb (uterus) begins to grow into the muscle wall of the uterus.

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Aerobic Vaginitis (AV)

Aerobic Vaginitis (AV) is an imbalance of the vaginal flora (microbiome), with an increase in opportunistic aerobic bacteria and a reduction in protective lactic acid producing bacteria. 

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