Category: M
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Menstrual synchrony
The simultaneous occurrence of the menstrual cycles of women living in close proximity to one another. This is thought to evolve over the course of a few months through a gradual synchronization process.
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Menstruate
To undergo cyclic buildup and destruction of the uterine wall, menstruation. To bleed from the uterus during menstruation.
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Menstrual regulation (Extraction)
A vacuum aspiration of the uterus, performed up to 6 weeks after the beginning of the last menstrual period. Vacuum or suction curettage of the uterus done within the first two weeks following the expected date of the onset of menstruation. If the amenorrhea was due to pregnancy, the procedure is classed as a form…
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Menstrual period
The time of the menstrual flow, usually 3-7 days.
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Menstrual flow
The regular monthly vaginal discharge consisting of blood and the shed endometrium. The discharge of blood from the uterus during menstruation. Flow of blood and other material from the uterus at roughly monthly intervals during a woman’s reproductive years. The average blood loss in the flow is about 30 milliliters, but the amount varies greatly…
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Menstrual extraction
A form of therapeutic abortion performed within 2 weeks after the first missed menstrual period. It makes use of a suction technique by inserting a fine, flexible plastic tube into the uterus vacuum aspiration; dilation and curettage; hysterotomy; saline induction. A type of abortion performed early in a pregnancy, using a procedure called vacuum extraction.…
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Menstrual cycle
The regularly recurring cycle of physiological events, including ovulation and menstruation. A period, usually of 28 days, during which a woman ovulates, the walls of the uterus swell and bleeding takes place if the ovum has not been fertilised. The regular growth of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to prepare for a possible fertilized…
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Menstrual cramps
Pain experienced by a woman before or during her menstrual period. The problem may have a physical and/or psychological basis, premenstrual syndrome. A cramp in the muscles round the uterus during menstruation. An abdominal cramp associated with menstruation.
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Meningomyelocele
A congenital deformity. The pushing forward of part of the meninges and spinal cord through a gap in the spine. Meningomyelocele is a neural tube defect resulting in the herniation of the meninges and spinal cord through a vertebral defect. Neural tube defects (NTDs) refer to a group of malformations of the spinal cord, brain,…
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Meningococcus meningitis
A meningococcal bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitides, transmitted by nose and throat discharges from an infected person, either directly or indirectly. It is characterized by an acute onset, headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, and irritability. It is fatal in about 10% of those who contract it.