Dictionary

ut dict Abbreviation meaning “as directed.” See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

uterine fibroid See fibroid.

uterine fornix See fornix uteri.

uterine retroversion See uterus, tipped.

uterine rupture A tear in the uterus. A uterine rupture is a very serious situation. Causes include trauma, labor with an unusually big baby, multiple gestation, and vaginal delivery after a prior C-section (in which the old C-section scar ruptures). Uterine rupture can lead to hysterectomy, urologic injury, the need for blood transfusion, and even…

uterine tube See fallopian tube.

uterus A hollow, pear-shaped organ that is located in a woman’s lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow lower portion of the uterus is the cervix (the neck of the uterus). The broader upper part is the corpus, which is made up of three layers of tissue. In women of childbearing age,…

uterus, prolapsed A uterus that has moved from its normal position in the abdominal cavity into a different position, usually a lower position. Prolapsed uterus may occur because of underlying weak muscles or simply as a result of repeated term pregnancies. It can sometimes interfere with conception, cause difficulties during pregnancy, and contribute to pelvic…

uterus, tipped A slight to dramatic placement of the uterus that orients it toward the back. A tipped uterus is common and usually causes no difficulty. In severe cases, it can affect choice of birth control method and cause pain in the pelvic area, especially during intercourse. Also known as uterine retroversion.

UTI Urinary tract infection.

utility In the analysis of health outcomes, a number between 0 and 1 that is assigned to a state of health or an outcome. Perfect health has a utility value of 1. Death has a utility value of 0.

UV Ultraviolet. See ultraviolet radiation.