Glossary

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

A

abscess A pocket of pus surrounded by inflammation, caused by a bacterial infection and marked by persistent pain.

acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) The condition, due to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight certain infections.

AIDS See acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

amenorrhea See vaginal bleeding.

anaphylactic shock See Severe allergic reaction to latex, Appendix B.

anemia A condition in which the body lacks adequate hemoglobin, commonly due to iron deficiency or excessive blood loss. As a result, tissues do not receive adequate oxygen.

antiretroviral (ARV) therapy A group of drugs used to treat people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). There are several ARV classes, which work against HIV in different ways. Patients may take a combination of several drugs at once.

atrial fibrillation A heart rhythm disorder in which the upper heart chambers contract in an abnormal or disorganized manner.

aura See migraine aura.

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B

backup method A contraceptive method used when mistakes are made with using an ongoing method of contraception, or to help ensure that a woman does not become pregnant when she first starts to use a contraceptive method. Include abstinence, male or female condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal.

bacterial endocarditis Infection that occurs when bacteria from the bloodstream colonize damaged heart tissue or valves.

bacterial vaginosis A common condition caused by overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina. Not a sexually transmitted infection.

balanitis Inflammation of the tip of the penis.

benign breast disease Growth of abnormal but noncancerous breast tissue.

benign ovarian tumor Noncancerous growth that develops on or in the ovary.

blood pressure The force of the blood against the walls of blood vessels. Generally, normal systolic (pumping) blood pressure is less than 140 mm Hg, and normal diastolic (resting) blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg (see hypertension).

bone density A measure of how dense and strong a bone is. When old bone breaks down faster than new bone tissue is formed, bones become less dense, increasing risk of fractures.

breakthrough bleeding See vaginal bleeding.

breast cancer Malignant (cancerous) growth that develops in breast tissue.

breastfeeding Feeding an infant with milk produced by the breasts (see also Lactational Amenorrhea Method). Breastfeeding patterns include:

exclusive breastfeeding Giving the infant only breast milk with no supplementation of any type—not even water—except for perhaps vitamins, minerals, or medication.

fully breastfeeding Giving the infant breast milk almost exclusively but also water, juice, vitamins, or other nutrients infrequently.

nearly fully breastfeeding Giving the infant some liquid or food in addition to breast milk, but more than three-fourths of feedings are breastfeeds.

partially breastfeeding Any breastfeeding less than nearly fully breastfeeding, giving the infant more supplementation with other liquids or food. Less than three-fourths of feedings are breastfeeds.

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C

candidiasis A common vaginal infection caused by a yeast-like fungus. Also known as yeast infection or thrush. Not a sexually transmitted infection.

cardiovascular disease Any disease of the heart, blood vessels, or blood circulation.

cerebrovascular disease Any disease of the blood vessels of the brain.

cervical cancer Malignant (cancerous) growth that occurs in the cervix, usually due to persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus.

cervical ectropion A nonserious condition in which the mucus-producing cells found in the cervical canal begin to grow on the area around the opening of the cervix.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Abnormal, precancerous cells in the cervix. Mild forms may go away on their own, but more severe abnormalities may progress to cervical cancer if not treated. Also called cervical dysplasia or precancer.

cervical laceration See laceration.

cervical mucus A thick fluid plugging the opening of the cervix. Most of the time it is thick enough to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. At the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, however, the mucus becomes thin and watery, and sperm can more easily pass through.

cervical stenosis When the cervical opening is narrower than normal.

cervicitis See purulent cervicitis.

cervix The lower portion of the uterus extending into the upper vagina (see Female Anatomy).

chancroid A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium, which causes an ulcer to grow on the genitals.

chlamydia A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. If left untreated, it can cause infertility.

cholecystectomy Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

cholestasis Reduced flow of bile secreted by the liver.

cirrhosis (of the liver) See Liver disorders, Appendix B.

cryptorchidism Failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum after birth.

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D

decontaminate (medical equipment) To remove infectious organisms in order to make instruments, gloves, and other objects safer for people who clean them.

deep vein thrombosis See Deep vein thrombosis, Appendix B.

depression A mental condition typically marked by dejection, despair, lack of hope, and sometimes either extreme tiredness or agitation.

diabetes (diabetes mellitus) A chronic disorder that occurs when blood glucose levels become too high because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin properly.

disinfection See high-level disinfection.

dual protection Avoiding both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.

dysmenorrhea Pain during vaginal bleeding, commonly known as menstrual cramps.

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E

eclampsia A condition of late pregnancy, labor, and the period immediately after delivery characterized by convulsions. In serious cases, sometimes followed by coma and death.

ectopic pregnancy See Ectopic pregnancy, Appendix B.

ejaculation The release of semen from the penis at orgasm.

elephantiasis A chronic and often extreme swelling and hardening of skin and tissue just beneath the skin, especially of the legs and scrotum, due to an obstruction in the lymphatic system (see filariasis).

embryo The product of fertilization of an egg (ovum) by a sperm during the first 8 weeks of development.

endometrial cancer Malignant (cancerous) growth in the lining of the uterus.

endometriosis A condition in which tissue of the endometrium grows outside the uterus. Tissue may attach itself to the reproductive organs or to other organs in the abdominal cavity. Can cause pelvic pain and impair fertility.

endometrium The membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus. It thickens and is then shed once a month, causing monthly bleeding. During pregnancy, this lining is not shed but instead changes and produces hormones, helping to support the pregnancy (see Female Anatomy).

engorgement (breast engorgement) A condition during breastfeeding that occurs when more milk accumulates in the breasts than the infant consumes. May make breasts feel full, hard, tender, and warm. Can be prevented (or relieved) by breastfeeding often and on demand.

epididymis A coiled tube (duct) attached to and lying on the testes. Developing sperm reach maturity and develop their swimming capabilities within this duct. The matured sperm leave the epididymis through the vas deferens (see Male Anatomy).

epididymitis Inflammation of the epididymis.

epilepsy A chronic disorder caused by disturbed brain function. May involve convulsions.

estrogen Hormone responsible for female sexual development. Natural estrogens, especially the hormone estradiol, are secreted by a mature ovarian follicle, which surrounds the egg (ovum). Also, a group of synthetic drugs that have effects similar to those of natural estrogen; some are used in some hormonal contraceptives.

expulsion When a contraceptive implant or intrauterine device fully or partially comes out of place.

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F

fallopian tube Either of a pair of slender ducts that connect the uterus to the region of each ovary. Fertilization of an egg (ovum) by sperm usually takes place in one of the fallopian tubes (see Female Anatomy).

fertilization Union of an ovum with a sperm.

fetus The product of fertilization from the end of the 8th week of pregnancy until birth (see embryo).

fibroid See uterine fibroid.

fibrosis The excess formation of fibrous tissue, as in reaction to organ damage.

filariasis A chronic parasitic disease caused by filarial worms. May lead to inflammation and permanent clogging of channels in the lymphatic system and elephantiasis.

fixed uterus A uterus that cannot be moved out of place, often as a result of endometriosis, past surgery, or infection.

follicle A small round structure in the ovary, each of which contains an egg (ovum). During ovulation a follicle on the surface of the ovary opens and releases a mature egg.

foreskin Hood of skin covering the end of the penis (see Male Anatomy).

fully breastfeeding See breastfeeding.

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G

gallbladder diseases Conditions that affect the gallbladder, a sac located under the liver that stores bile used in fat digestion. May include inflammation, infection, or obstruction, gallbladder cancer, or gall stones (when the components of bile solidify within the organ).

gastroenteritis Inflammation of the stomach and intestine.

genital herpes A disease caused by a virus, spread by sexual contact.

genital warts Growths on the vulva, the vaginal wall, and the cervix in women, and on the penis in men. Caused by certain types of human papillomavirus.

gestational trophoblast disease Disease during pregnancy involving abnormal cell growth of the trophoblast, the outermost layer of cells of the developing embryo, which develops into the placenta.

goiter A noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid.

gonorrhea A sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. If not treated, can cause infertility.

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H

heart attack See Heart attack, Appendix B. See also ischemic heart disease.

heavy bleeding See vaginal bleeding.

hematocrit The percentage of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. Used as a measurement of anemia.

hematoma A bruise or area of skin discoloration caused by broken blood vessels beneath the skin.

hematometra An accumulation of blood in the uterus, which may occur following spontaneous or induced abortion.

hemoglobin The iron-containing material in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.

hepatitis See Liver disorders, Appendix B.

hernia The projection of an organ, part of an organ, or any bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it.

herpes See genital herpes.

high-level disinfection (medical instruments) To destroy all living microorganisms except some forms of bacteria. Compare with sterilize.

HIV See human immunodeficiency virus.

hormone A chemical substance formed in one organ or part of the body and carried in the blood to another organ or part, where it works through chemical action. Also, manufactured chemical substances that function as hormones.

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) The virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

human papillomavirus (HPV) A common, highly contagious virus spread by sexual activity and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Certain subtypes of HPV are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer; others cause genital warts.

hydrocele The collection of fluid in a body cavity, especially in the testes or along the spermatic cord (see Male Anatomy).

hyperlipidemia High level of fats in the blood that increases the risk of heart disease.

hypertension Higher blood pressure than normal; 140 mm Hg or higher (systolic) or 90 mm Hg or higher (diastolic).

hyperthyroidism Too much production of thyroid hormones.

hypothyroidism Not enough production of thyroid hormones.

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I

implantation The embedding of the embryo into the endometrium of the uterus where it establishes contact with the woman's blood supply for nourishment.

infertility The inability of a couple to produce living children.

informed choice A freely made decision based on clear, accurate, and relevant information. A goal of family planning counseling.

infrequent bleeding See vaginal bleeding.

inguinal hernia A hernia in the groin.

intercourse See sex.

irregular bleeding See vaginal bleeding.

ischemic heart disease, ischemia Ischemia is reduced blood flow to tissues of the body. When this reduced flow is in the arteries of the heart, it is called ischemic heart disease.

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J

jaundice Abnormal yellowing of the skin and eyes. Usually a symptom of liver disease.

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L

labia The inner and outer lips of the vagina, which protect the internal female organs (see Female Anatomy).

laceration A wound or irregular tear of the flesh anywhere on the body, including the cervix and vagina.

laparoscope A device consisting of a tube with lenses for viewing the inside of an organ or body cavity. Used in diagnosis and in some female sterilization procedures.

laparoscopy A procedure performed with a laparoscope.

latex allergy When a person's body has a reaction to contact with latex, including persistent or recurring severe redness, itching, or swelling. In extreme cases, may lead to anaphylactic shock (see Severe allergic reaction to latex, Appendix B).

lesion A disturbed or diseased area of skin or other body tissue.

liver disease Includes tumors, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

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M

mastitis An inflammation of breast tissue due to infection that may cause fever, redness, and pain.

menarche The beginning of cycles of monthly bleeding. Occurs during puberty after girls start producing estrogen and progesterone.

menopause The time in a woman's life when monthly bleeding stops permanently. Occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs (ova). A woman is considered menopausal after she has had no bleeding for 12 months.

menorrhagia See vaginal bleeding.

menses, menstrual period, menstruation See monthly bleeding.

menstrual cycle A repeating series of changes in the ovaries and endometrium that includes ovulation and monthly bleeding. Most women have cycles that each last between 24 and 35 days (see The Menstrual Cycle).

migraine aura A nervous system disturbance that affects sight and sometimes touch and speech (see Identifying Migraine Headaches and Auras).

migraine headache A type of severe, recurrent headache (see Identifying Migraine Headaches and Auras).

minilaparotomy A female sterilization technique performed by bringing the fallopian tubes to a small incision in the abdomen and then usually tying and cutting them.

miscarriage Natural loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks.

monthly bleeding Monthly flow of bloody fluid from the uterus through the vagina in adult women, which takes place between menarche and menopause. Also, the monthly vaginal flow of bloody fluid that women have while using combined hormonal contraceptives (a withdrawal bleed).

mucous membrane Membrane lining passages and cavities of the body that come in contact with air.

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N

nearly fully breastfeeding See breastfeeding.

nephropathy Kidney disease, including damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys from long-standing diabetes.

neuropathy Nervous system or nerve disease, including nerve degeneration due to damage to the small blood vessels in the nervous system from long-standing diabetes.

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) A class of drugs used to reduce pain, fever, and swelling.

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O

orchitis Inflammation of a testis (see Male Anatomy).

ovarian cyst Fluid-filled sac that develops in the ovary or on its surface. Usually disappears on its own but may rupture and cause pain and complications.

ovaries A pair of female sex glands that store and release ova (see ovum) and produce the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone (see Female Anatomy).

ovulation The release of an ovum from an ovary.

ovum Reproductive egg cell produced by the ovaries.

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P

partially breastfeeding See breastfeeding.

pelvic inflammatory disease See Pelvic inflammatory disease, Appendix B.

pelvic tuberculosis Infection of the pelvic organs by tuberculosis bacteria from the lungs.

pelvis The skeletal structure located in the lower part of the human torso, resting on the legs and supporting the spine. In females, also refers to the hollow portion of the pelvic bone structure through which the fetus passes during birth.

penis The male organ for urination and sexual intercourse (see Male Anatomy).

perforation A hole in the wall of an organ or the process of making the hole, as with a medical instrument.

placenta The organ that nourishes a growing fetus. The placenta (afterbirth) is formed during pregnancy and comes out of the uterus within a few minutes after the birth of a baby.

postpartum After childbirth; the first 6 weeks after childbirth.

pre-eclampsia Hypertension with either excess protein in the urine, or local or generalized swelling, or both (but without convulsions) after 20 weeks of pregnancy. May progress to eclampsia.

premature birth A birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

preventive measures Actions taken to prevent disease, such as washing hands or providing drugs or other therapy.

progesterone A steroid hormone that is produced by the ovary after ovulation. Prepares the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg (ovum), protects the embryo, enhances development of the placenta, and helps prepare the breasts for breastfeeding.

progestin (progestogen) Any of a large group of synthetic drugs that have effects similar to those of progesterone. Some are used in hormonal contraceptives.

prolonged bleeding See vaginal bleeding.

prolonged rupture of membranes Occurs when the fluid-filled sac surrounding a pregnant woman's fetus breaks 24 hours or more before delivery of the infant.

prophylaxis See preventive measures.

prostate Male reproductive organ where some of the semen is produced (see Male Anatomy).

puerperal sepsis Infection of the reproductive organs during the first 42 days postpartum (puerperium).

pulmonary embolism See Pulmonary embolism, Appendix B.

pulmonary hypertension Continuous hypertension in the pulmonary artery, impeding blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

purulent cervicitis Inflammation of the cervix accompanied by a pus-like discharge. Often indicates infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia.

pus A yellowish-white fluid formed in infected tissue.

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R

retinopathy Disease of the retina (nerve tissue lining the back of the eye), including damage to the small blood vessels to the retina from long-standing diabetes.

ruptured ectopic pregnancy See Ruptured ectopic pregnancy, Appendix B.

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S

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 See miscarriage.

spotting See vaginal bleeding.

sterilize (medical equipment) To destroy all microorganisms, including spores that are not killed by high-level disinfection.

stroke See Stroke, Appendix B.

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 or be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth.

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T

tampon A plug of cotton or other absorbent material used to absorb fluids, such as a plug inserted in the vagina to absorb bloody flow during monthly bleeding.

testes, testicles The 2 male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Located in the scrotum. (Testis if referring to one of the testes; see Male Anatomy).

thalassemia An inherited type of anemia.

thromboembolic disorder (or disease) Abnormal clotting of blood in the blood vessels.

thrombogenic mutations Any of several genetic disorders that causes abnormal thickening or clotting of the blood.

thrombophlebitis Inflammation of a vein due to the presence of a blood clot (see thrombosis).

thrombosis Formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

thrush See candidiasis.

thyroid disease Any disease of the thyroid (see hyperthyroid, hypothyroid).

toxic shock syndrome See Toxic shock syndrome, Appendix B.

trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan.

trophoblast disease See gestational trophoblastic disease.

tuberculosis A contagious disease caused by a bacterium. Most commonly infects the respiratory system; also infects the organs in a woman's pelvis, and then known as pelvic tuberculosis.

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U

urethra Tube through which urine is released from the body (see Female Anatomy and Male Anatomy). In men, semen also passes through the urethra.

uterine fibroid Noncancerous tumor that grows in the muscle of the uterus.

uterine perforation Puncturing of the wall of the uterus, which may occur during an induced abortion or with insertion of an intrauterine device.

uterine rupture A tear of the uterus, typically during labor or late pregnancy.

uterus The hollow, muscular organ that carries the fetus during pregnancy. Also called the womb (see Female Anatomy).

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V

vagina The passage joining the outer sexual organs with the uterus in females (see Female Anatomy).

vaginal bleeding Any bloody vaginal discharge (pink, red, or brown) that requires the use of sanitary protection (pads, cloths, or tampons). Different vaginal bleeding patterns include:

amenorrhea No bleeding at all at expected bleeding times.

breakthrough bleeding Any bleeding outside of expected bleeding times (i.e., outside of regular monthly bleeding) that requires use of sanitary protection.

heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) Bleeding that is twice as heavy as a woman's usual bleeding.

infrequent bleeding Fewer than 2 bleeding episodes over 3 months.

irregular bleeding Spotting and/or breakthrough bleeding that occurs outside of expected bleeding times (i.e., outside of regular monthly bleeding).

menstrual bleeding, monthly bleeding Bleeding that takes place, on average, for 3-7 days about every 28 days.

prolonged bleeding Bleeding that lasts longer than 8 days.

spotting Any bloody vaginal discharge outside of expected bleeding times that requires no sanitary protection.

vaginal mucus The fluid secreted by glands in the vagina.

vaginitis Inflammation of the vagina. May be due to infection by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, or to chemical irritation. Not a sexually transmitted infection.

valvular heart disease Health problems due to improperly functioning heart valves.

varicose veins Enlarged, twisted veins, most commonly seen in veins just beneath the skin of the legs.

vas deferens (vas, vasa) 2 muscular tubes that transport sperm from the testes to the seminal vesicles. These tubes are cut or blocked during a vasectomy (see Male Anatomy).

vascular disease Any disease of the blood vessels.

vulva The exterior female genitals.

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W

warts See genital warts.

withdrawal bleed See monthly bleeding.

womb See uterus.

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Y

yeast infection See candidiasis.

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