Glossary

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A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P R S T U V W Y

schistosomiasis

A parasitic disease caused by a flatworm living in a snail host. People become infected while wading or bathing in water containing larvae of the infected snails.

scrotum

The pouch of skin behind the penis that contains the testes (see Male Anatomy).

semen

The thick, white fluid produced by a man's reproductive organs and released through the penis during ejaculation. Contains sperm unless the man has had a vasectomy.

seminal vesicles

Male organs where sperm mixes with semen (see Male Anatomy).

sepsis

The presence of various pus-forming and disease-causing organisms, or poisonous substances that they produce, in the blood or body tissues.

septic abortion

Induced or spontaneous abortion involving infection.

sex, sexual intercourse

Sexual activity in which the penis is inserted into a body cavity.

- anal Sex involving the anus.

- oral Sex involving the mouth.

- vaginal Sex involving the vagina.

sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Any of a group of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections and parasites that are transmitted during sexual activity.

sickle cell anemia, sickle cell disease

Hereditary, chronic form of anemia. Blood cells take on an abnormal sickle or crescent shape when deprived of oxygen.

speculum

A medical tool used to widen a body opening to better see inside. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to help see the cervix.

sperm

The male sex cell. Sperm are produced in the testes of an adult male, mixed with semen in the seminal vesicles, and released during ejaculation (see Male Anatomy).

spermatic cord

A cord consisting of the vas deferens, arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic vessels that passes from the groin down to the back of each testis (see Male Anatomy).

spontaneous abortion

spotting

sterilize (medical equipment)

To destroy all microorganisms, including spores that are not killed by high-level disinfection.

stroke

superficial thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein just beneath the skin due to a blood clot.

syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. If untreated, may progress to systemic infection, causing general paralysis and dementia. May be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.