Women's Health Glossary
Women’s Health Glossary (A–Z)
Anterior Pelvic Tilt
When the pelvis tips forward, often increasing strain on the lower back and pelvic floor.
Breath Apnoea (in Hypopressives)
A brief breath hold used to create a vacuum effect in the abdomen and pelvic cavity.
Constipation
Difficulty or infrequency in passing stools, which can impact pelvic floor health.
Core Muscles
Deep muscles that stabilise the spine and pelvis, including the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, pelvic floor and multifidus.
Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse / Anterior Prolapse)
When the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina.
Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Separation)
A separation of the abdominal muscles, commonly occurring during or after pregnancy.
Dyspareunia
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Fascial System
The connective tissue network that supports and connects muscles and organs.
Functional Breathing
Breathing that supports posture, core stability and pelvic health.
Hot Flushes
Sudden feelings of heat, sweating and flushing, common during menopause.
Hypertonic Pelvic Floor
Overly tight pelvic floor muscles that struggle to relax.
Hypopressive Exercise
A technique using posture, breathing and pressure management to reduce strain on the pelvic floor and improve core function.
Hypotonic Pelvic Floor
Weak pelvic floor muscles with reduced tone.
Impact Exercise
Activities such as running, jumping or skipping that place higher load on the pelvic floor.
Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP)
Pressure within the abdominal cavity that helps stabilise the spine but, if poorly managed, can contribute to prolapse and incontinence.
Longevity
Living a quality life with confidence, good health, able to live daily life independently, having the energy and ability to do what one enjoys, and experiencing happiness both physically and mentally.
Low-Impact Exercise
Activities such as walking, swimming or cycling that are gentler on the pelvic floor.
Low Libido
Reduced sexual desire, often associated with hormonal changes, stress or fatigue.
Menopause
The natural stage in life when menstrual periods stop, usually between ages 45–55.
Mixed Incontinence (MUI)
A combination of stress and urge urinary incontinence.
Neuromuscular Control
How well the brain and muscles communicate to create efficient movement.
Night Sweats
Excessive sweating during sleep, often linked to hormonal changes.
Nocturia
Needing to wake during the night to urinate.
Oestrogen Deficiency
Lower levels of oestrogen, commonly during menopause, affecting tissues, bones, mood and pelvic health.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
A condition characterised by frequent urges to urinate, often with urgency.
Pelvic Floor
A group of muscles and connective tissue at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, uterus and bowel, and help control bladder and bowel function.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
When the pelvic floor muscles are too weak, too tight, or not coordinating properly.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
When one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, bowel) descend into the vaginal space due to weakened pelvic support.
Perimenopause
The transitional phase leading up to menopause, often involving hormonal fluctuations and symptoms.
Posterior Pelvic Tilt
When the pelvis tucks under, flattening the lower back.
Postural Alignment
The positioning of the body in standing and sitting, affecting pressure and muscle balance.
Proprioception
The body’s awareness of position and movement.
Rectocele (Bowel Prolapse/ Posterior Prolapse)
When the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
Rib Expansion Breathing
Breathing technique focusing on expanding the rib cage rather than the belly.
Stress Urinary (SUI) Incontinence
Leakage of urine when pressure is placed on the bladder, such as during coughing, sneezing, laughing, running or jumping.
Transversus Abdominis (TVA)
The deepest abdominal muscle, acting like a corset to support the spine and internal organs.
Uterine Prolapsen (Apical Prolapse)
When the uterus drops down into the vaginal canal.
Urge Urinary Incontinence (UUI)
A sudden, strong urge to urinate followed by leakage before reaching the toilet.
Valsalva Maneuver
Holding the breath and bearing down, which increases pressure and can strain the pelvic floor.
Vaginal Atrophy (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
Thinning and drying of vaginal tissues due to reduced oestrogen levels.
Vaginal Dryness
Reduced natural lubrication, commonly linked to menopause.