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Glite Dictionary
hematocolpos

hematocolpos

9.9
Period blood that collects in the vagina because the entrance is blocked
  • noun
  • /ˌhɛmətəˈkɒlpoʊs/
  • Specialized
: hematocolpos
  • A hematocolpos occurs when menstrual blood accumulates in the vagina due to a blockage like an imperforate hymen.

Examples

  • A hematocolpos is often diagnosed in adolescent girls presenting with primary amenorrhea and cyclic pelvic pain.

  • The ultrasound revealed a hematocolpos as the cause of the patient's abdominal pain.

  • Surgical intervention was needed to relieve the obstruction caused by hematocolpos.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with hematocolpos after the examination.

  • She was relieved to learn that her condition was hematocolpos.

  • The doctor explained that hematocolpos can cause severe discomfort if not treated promptly.

  • After the diagnosis of hematocolpos, she underwent a procedure to clear the blockage and relieve her pain.

Surface Forms

hematocolpos singular
hematocolposes plural

Morphology

hematocolpos = hemato + colpos

The term is built from specialized medical combining forms ('hemato-' for blood and 'colpos' for vagina) that are not productive or recognizable to average learners, so the meaning is not derivable from common English vocabulary.

Etymology

Hematocolpos breaks into hemato- meaning 'blood' and -colpos meaning 'vagina', so the word literally points to 'blood in the vagina'. So it is used for the build-up of menstrual blood when there is a blockage.