What are common abbreviations in Obstetrics (OB) and Gynecology (GYN)?

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Last updated: May 19, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Common abbreviations in women's health OB-GYN include ACOG, EP, EPL, GA, GS, hCG, IUP, PUL, and RPOC, as defined by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference recommendations 1. These abbreviations are essential in understanding medical records and communicating effectively with healthcare providers. Some key abbreviations include:

  • ACOG: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • EP: ectopic pregnancy
  • EPL: early pregnancy loss
  • GA: gestational age
  • GS: gestational sac
  • hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin
  • IUP: intrauterine pregnancy
  • PUL: pregnancy of unknown location
  • RPOC: retained (or residual) products of conception Additionally, other important abbreviations in women's health OB-GYN are:
  • LMP: last menstrual period
  • EDD: estimated due date
  • G/P/A: gravida/para/abortus
  • US or U/S: ultrasound
  • FHR: fetal heart rate
  • BP: blood pressure
  • BMI: body mass index
  • STI: sexually transmitted infection
  • PID: pelvic inflammatory disease
  • PCOS: polycystic ovary syndrome
  • UTI: urinary tract infection
  • BV: bacterial vaginosis
  • HRT: hormone replacement therapy
  • OCPs: oral contraceptive pills
  • IUD: intrauterine device
  • HPV: human papillomavirus
  • Pap: Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer screening, as supported by recent studies 1. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for efficient communication and standardized documentation in women's health care, as emphasized by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference recommendations 1.

From the Research

Common Abbreviations in Women's Health OB-GYN

  • PID: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 2, 3
  • STI: Sexually Transmitted Infection 4, 5, 6
  • BV: Bacterial Vaginosis 2, 3
  • HPV: Human Papillomavirus 6
  • HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2, 4

Causes and Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  • PID is often caused by sexually transmitted organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis 2, 3
  • Other causes of PID include bacterial vaginosis-associated species and genera, and genera and species usually associated with the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts 3
  • Diagnosis of PID is made primarily on clinical suspicion, and empiric treatment is recommended in sexually active young women or women at risk for sexually transmitted infections 2

Prevention and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections

  • Prevention of PID includes screening for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in all women younger than 25 years and those who are at risk or pregnant 2
  • Treatment of PID includes a single intramuscular injection of a recommended cephalosporin followed by oral doxycycline for 14 days, and metronidazole for 14 days in the setting of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or recent uterine instrumentation 2
  • Vaccination against HPV is highly efficacious in the prevention of infection and related sequelae 6

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease in women.

The Medical clinics of North America, 2008

Research

Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus and related sequelae.

Clinical microbiology reviews, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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