Glossary of terms

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
ually 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