Glossary
Understand key medical terms. The definitions are here to help you navigate complex medical concepts and communicate more confidently with your healthcare provider.
Estrogen deficiency
Estrogens are hormones that play an important role in maintaining the health of vaginal tissues.
Fibrous penile plaque (Peyronie’s disease)
A fibrous penile plaque is a band of scar tissue that forms within the penis, in the thick elastic membrane called the tunica albuginea and is a defining featus of Peyronie's disease (PD) .
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) describes changes in the vagina, vulva, and urinary system that occur after menopause due to falling estrogen levels.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAG)
Glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, are natural molecules that contribute to a protective layer on the inside of the bladder.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a sugar molecule found naturally in the body, especially in the skin, joints, and connective tissues. Its plays an important role in water retention and tissue hydration.
Impotence
The term impotence refers to a man's inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory penetration.
Menopause
Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual periods, occurring when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruation.
Tunica albuginea
The tunica albuginea is a thick, strong sheath within the penis that helps maintain the penis stiff during an erection. It surrounds the cavernous bodies (the structures that fill with blood during an erection) and is made up mainly of collagen, a strong protein found throughout the body.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria infect the urinary tract. A common type of UTI is cystitis. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter through the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body — and multiply in the bladder.
Urothelium
The urothelium is a specialized lining that plays an important protective role within the urinary system. It covers the inner surface of the bladder, the ureters — tubes that carry urine from the kidneys, and the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body.