Women’s Health Glossary Of Term

Abstinence—having no vaginal, anal, or oral sex

Anal Intercourse—sex that involves penetration of the anus

Basal Body Temperature Method—a method to determine fertile days based on body temperature

Bimanual Exam—examination of the vagina and internal genital organs using two fingers in the vagina and the other hand over the lower abdomen allowing the examiner to feel the structures between the two hands.

BV—bacterial vaginosis--An inflammation of the vagina usually due to Gardinerella vaginalis

Calendar method—a natural family planning method utilizing a calendar to track fertile days in a woman’s cycle

Candida—a form of yeast

Cervix—the visible portion of the end of the uterus at the back of the vagina. The cervix opens into the uterus.

Chlamydia—or Chlamydia trachomatis, a sexually transmitted organism that causes infection of the male and female genital tract

Clinician—a nurse practitioner, physicians assistant, or doctor

Clitoris—a part of the female genitalia located at the anterior junction of the labia

Combined Oral Contraceptives—a combination of progestin and estrogen in pill form taken to prevent pregnancy

Condom (male)—a sheath made of latex, polyurethane or animal skin that fits over the penis. Used during intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the vagina and to help prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases

Consensual, consenting—an adult who agrees to participate in sexual activity. Consent can not be given if the adult is under the influence of any substance or drug or with undue pressure from another individual

Contraception—prevention of pregnancy

Dental Dam—a thin flexible barrier placed over the vulva during oral sex to help decrease transmission of STI’s

Depo-Provera—a progestin only injection primarily used to prevent pregnancy

Diaphragm—a latex or silicone dome shaped barrier used during intercourse to prevent sperm from getting to the cervix

Douche—vaginal--a stream of liquid directed into the vagina

Ejaculation—ejection of the seminal fluid from the male urethra. The sensations associated with ejaculation constitute the male orgasm

Emergency Contraception—generally a hormonal contraceptive used when the primary contraceptive method fails

Erection—a state of enlargement and stiffness of the penis from sexual excitement

Estrogen—female sex hormone

Fallopian Tube—tube that extends from the uterus to the ovary

Female Condom—polyurethane sheath inserted into the vagina that acts as a barrier during sexual intercourse

The Femcap—a barrier contraceptive

Genitalia—general term referring to male and female reproductive organs

Gonorrhea—an infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the genital mucus membranes of both men and women but can affect other organs also

Gynecology—study of diseases and issues pertinent to women

HBV—hepatitis B virus, a virus passed through blood and body fluid that infects the liver

HIV—human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS

Hormonal Contraceptives—synthetic hormones primarily taken to prevent pregnancy

HPV—Human Papilloma Virus, virus spread through sexual contact that can cause inflammation of the cervical cells and is associated with cervical cancer

HSV—Herpes Simplex Virus, causes a vesicular or blister-like rash. HSV Type two is usually spread through sexual contact and affects the genital area, but can be anywhere in the boxer shorts area

IUD—intrauterine device. A contraceptive method involving surgical insertion of a device into the uterus

Labia Majora—a part of the female external genitalia, consists of folds of tissue that lie on either side of the vaginal opening and form the border of the vulva

Labia Minora—a part of the female external genitalia, consists of thin layer of skin that lies between the vaginal opening and the labia majora

Lea’s Shield—a barrier contraceptive

Menstrual Cycle—the recurrent cycle the female body goes through in response to changes occurring in the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina

Menstrual Flow—flow of bloody fluid from the vagina resulting from the uterus shedding its lining

NuvaRing—a flexible contraceptive ring inserted into the vagina which slowly releases hormones to prevent pregnancy

Oral Contraceptives—a form of contraception using a combination of hormones taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy

Oral Sex—using the mouth and tongue to stimulate your partners sexual organs

Ovary—almond shaped, lies on each side of the lower female pelvis and produces the ovum (or egg), estrogen, and progesterone

Ovulation—refers to the periodic development and discharge of the ovum, or egg, from the ovary

Ovulation-Method—a natural family planning method based on assessment of cervical mucus to determine fertile days

Pelvic Exam—an exam of the internal and external structures of the female reproductive organs

Perfect Use—term used to describe effectiveness of a method when it is used 100% correctly, 100% of the time

The Pill—a combined hormonal contraceptive pill taken orally to prevent pregnancy

Pre-ejaculate—fluid released from the penis before ejaculation

Progesterone—female sex hormone

Pubic Lice—infestation principally in the pubic region by a small wingless parasitic insect

Safer Sex—sexual practices that decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections

Scabies—a highly contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite. It is spread through direct skin contact with the infected person

Semen—a thick fluid, produced by several glands, that contains sperm and is discharged through the urethra at the tip of the penis at the height of sexual excitement or orgasm

Seminal Fluid—see semen

Sexually Transmitted Infections—STI’s, are infections transmitted through sexual contact

The Shot—an injectable progestin only contraceptive primarily used for pregnancy prevention

Speculum—long narrow device inserted into the vagina allowing for visualization of the vaginal walls and cervix

Spermicides—products that destroy or kill sperm

Standard Days Method—a natural family planning that employs Cycle Beads to help track the fertile window

STD--sexually transmitted disease, see Sexually Transmitted Infection

Symptothermal Method—a natural family planning method that monitors several indicators of fertility to determine fertile days

Syphillis—an infectious disease, caused by Treponema pallidum, that enters the body through skin or any mucus membrane. It can cause lesions in any organ or tissue and if untreated becomes chronic

Today Sponge—a barrier contraceptive with spermicide

Typical Use—refers to how well a method works when you take into account human errors that occur for the average person

Uterus—a hollow pear shaped reproductive organ that receives the fertilized egg and nourishes the fetus until time of delivery

UTI --Urinary Tract Infection, an infection of the lower urinary tract or bladder

Vagina—a muscular passageway lined with mucus membranes that connects the cervix to the vulva

Vaginal Intercourse—sex that involves penetration of the vagina

Vulva—exterior portion of the female genitalia that includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening

Withdrawal—removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation takes place