|
|
      |
 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 Know your body: Men Know your body: Women Abnormal: (as in abnormal Pap smear or abnormal test result) outside of the normal; not regular. Abortion: Termination of a pregnancy. An abortion can be spontaneous (better known as a miscarriage) or medically induced through surgery or by drugs. Medically and surgically induced abortions should only be performed by a trained clinician. Abstinence: Abstinence means to not have sexual intercourse of any type: oral, vaginal or anal. Abstinence is a personal decision that can be chosen by anybody at any point in his or her life. Some people choose to abstain from all sexual contact. Others choose to not have intercourse, but engage in other sexual activities. Not having intercourse (sex) does not mean you can't hold hands, cuddle, kiss & talk! Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Not having sexual intercourse of any type: oral, vaginal or anal prevents you from getting most STDs and HIV. Adoption: Adoption is when a birth mother and a birth father legally give up the rights to take care of a child and another person assumes responsibility for raising the child. The laws governing adoption differ for every state. AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a set of life-threatening conditions that occur during the last stage of HIV disease. HIV disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A person is said to have AIDS basically when the body looses its ability to fight off infections as the result of HIV. Anemia: Also called "Iron Deficiency" and "Low Iron Level". In the human body, iron is present in all cells and has several important jobs. Too little iron can interfere with these functions and lead to illness and death. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, Anemia is the most common known form of nutritional deficiency. It is most common among young children and women of childbearing age (particularly pregnant women). Antibacterial Soap: This is a soap that contains chemicals that will kill bacteria when you wash items with the soap. Look for the words "Antibacterial" on the label. top of page Basal Body Temperature Method: A component of the Fertility Awareness Method of birth control. Known as BBT, this method uses daily temperature readings taken by a woman immediately after waking, to identify the time of ovulation. In order to perform BBT and the other components of Fertility Awareness, it is important to take a class or read a book on the subject. The effectiveness rate of BBT alone is low, but when used as a part of Fertility Awareness it can be 80% to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Birth Control Method: Also known as contraceptive method. A birth control method is an effective, safe, comfortable method you use to prevent pregnancy. Birth control can be temporary; meaning you can stop using the method and possibly become pregnant. Temporary methods are birth control pills, Depo-Provera, Norplant, IUD, diaphragm, cervical cap, condoms, contraceptive sponge, spermicidal foam, film and cream. Birth control can be permanent; meaning you can not reverse it if you decide you want to become pregnant. Permanent methods are tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men. Birth Control Pills: Often called the Pill, this method of birth control uses certain female hormones called estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. A woman must take one pill at the same time each day. The pill prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg and thickens the cervical mucus. With correct use, the pill is up to 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. Birth control pills are only available by prescription or through your family planning provider. Bladder Infection: See Urinary Tract Infection. Breasts: Two glands on the chests of women. Men also have breast tissue. Breasts are considered sex organs because they are often sexually sensitive and may inspire sexual desire. They produce milk during and after pregnancy. Breast Exam, Self: An exam that a woman or man should do each month to check for any changes in breast tissue. For more information and a demonstration on how to do a self-breast exam ask your clinician, or visit the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. top of page Cervical Cap: A thimble-shaped latex cap, approximately 2 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inch in diameter, for which your clinician will fit you. You put spermicide in the Cap and then you put the Cap in your vagina to cover your cervix. The Cap must cover the cervix for 6 hours after sex, but can be left in place for up to 48 hours. The Cervical Cap is between 82% and 94% effective. Chlamydia Trachomatis: Often called Chlamydia, it is a microorganism that is sexually transmitted. Chlamydia is the most common STD reported today. You can be tested by your gynecologist or at your local family planning clinic. If you don't know where to go for testing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. You can also check your local yellow pages under Family Planning or Health Care for a clinic near you. Clinician: Also called a Provider or Doctor. A clinician can be a doctor, (in a family planning clinic you usually see a gynecologist, and in an STD clinic you may see a urologist) a nurse practitioner, aphysician's assistant, or a midwife. A clinician is a medical professional who has received specialized medical training to perform physical, testicular and pelvic exams, prescribe birth control and diagnose & treat STDs and are licensed to provide health care. Colposcopy: A colposcopy is an examination of your cervix using a colposcope, an instrument like a high-powered microscope that magnifies your cervix. If you have abnormal Pap smears your doctor will refer you for a colposcopy. A colposcopy is performed by a trained clinician. Condoms: There are male and female condoms. Male condoms: A sheath (a case or cover that protects) made of thin latex, rubber, polyurethane, plastic or animal tissue that covers a man's penis. It prevents sperm from reaching the egg. It is most effective when used with spermicide. 86% to 97% effective in preventing pregnancy when used alone, 99% effective when used with contraceptive foam, contraceptive sponge, or film. Female condoms: A pouch made of polyurethane that is inserted into the vagina. It prevents sperm from reaching the egg. 77% effective in preventing pregnancy. Advantages: Male and female condoms prevent the spread of most STDs and HIV. They can be bought over the counter in a drug store. Female condoms and male polyurethane condoms can be used if you or your partner is allergic to latex. Contraceptive: See Birth Control Method. Contraceptive sponge: This barrier method of birth control is a small pillow-shaped polyurethane sponge, about 2 "+ inches around and inches thick and contains Nonoxynol 9. The sponge is inserted into a woman's vagina and has a concave dimple on one side that will fit over the cervix. The other side of the sponge has a woven polyester loop to help you remove it from the vagina. 84% to 87% effective in preventing pregnancy. Contraceptive Foam: Foam is a white cream that is the consistency of shaving cream and contains nonoxynol-9, which will kill sperm. You insert it into a woman's vagina no more than 30 minutes before you have sex. 74% to 94% effective in preventing pregnancy. Foam is 99% effective when used with condoms. Contraceptive Film: Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) is a thin square of material the dissolves quickly when inserted into your vagina. When it dissolves it releases nonoxynol-9, which kills sperm on contact. 74% to 94% effective in preventing pregnancy. VCF is 99% effective when used with condoms. Advantages: For Depo Provera one shot works for 12 weeks. No need to remember a pill every day. Can be used while breastfeeding. Some women don't get a period after a few months on Depo. Problems: You have to return to the clinic or doctor's office every 12 weeks to get the next shot. Some women have irregular bleeding, weight gain, hair loss, headaches, & depression. These side effects can last a short amount of time like a few weeks, they can last for as long as you use Depo or it may take some time after you stop Depo for the problems, especially the hair loss and weight gain to correct itself. If you have a side effect that you can't stand, it may not go away until the shot wears off in 12 weeks. If you don't know where to go for Depo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. You can also check your local yellow pages under Family Planning or Health Care for a clinic near you. Depo Provera does not prevent infection and the spread of STDs and HIV. The use of a condom with this method will also help prevent the infection and spread of STDs and HIV. For more information about birth control methods, click here. Diaphragm: A shallow latex cup for which your clinician will fit you. You put spermicidal jelly or cream in the Diaphragm and then you put the Diaphragm in your vagina. The Diaphragm covers your cervix, preventing pregnancy by keeping sperm from entering the cervix and traveling to the egg. You must use the diaphragm every time you have sex and leave it in for 6 to 8 hours after sex. The Diaphragm is 82% to 94% effective. Doctor: A doctor is a person who has gone to and graduated from medical school. In medical school the student, called a "med student", works in all areas of health care. The med student then decides what area they want to work in, and does a residency. In their residency they develop their skill in their special area. A doctor must have a current license to practice medicine. Domestic Violence: Abusive physical or emotional acts between husbands and wives or between individuals in intimate relationships. top of page Effectiveness Rate: This information is given when discussing birth control methods. The following formula tells us how well a birth control method prevents pregnancy. Emergency Contraception: Also called morning-after pill, ECP or post-coital birth control. The most common form of Emergency Contraception is the use of birth control pills, generally in a higher dose, to be used following unprotected vaginal sex to prevent pregnancy. The pills must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. If you are already pregnant, this medication will not work. Ectopic Pregnancy: Also called a tubal pregnancy, this is when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, but it can also occur in the ovary or intestines. A pregnancy can not live for long outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition. You need to call your doctor or clinic if your have any of the following symptoms: abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain in your lower belly, especially on one side, and/or neck, shoulder, or upper back pain. Erection: A male gets an erection when the nervous system increases the blood flow to the veins and spongy tissues of the penis, causing the shaft to get temporarily longer, thicker and harder. It is normal for a an erection to occur without sexual stimulation. Estrogen: A hormone usually made in a woman's ovaries. Estrogen's major effects are seen during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Evra: Also called "the patch", Evra is a new birth control method introduced in the spring of 2002. The patch is about the size of a matchbook, "pink-beige" flesh colored and contains estrogen and progestin. The patch can be worn on your buttocks, abdomen, or upper arm. It is changed each week for 3 weeks, and then you are patch-free for a week before starting the cycle over. The patch, like the pill, prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg and thickens the cervical mucus. With correct use, the patch is up to 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. The patch is only available by prescription or through your family planning provider. top of page Fertility Awareness: also called Natural Family Planning or Periodic Abstinence. The Fertility Awareness method of birth control requires a woman (with help from her partner) to pay attention to and keep notes on the changes in 3 areas of the body: cervical mucus, basal body temperature, & cervix changes. Many women use fertility awareness in combination with a barrier method during the fertile time of each menstrual cycle. Other women abstain from sex during the fertile time. In order to perform Fertility Awareness effectively, it is important to take a class or read a book on the subject. Film, contraceptive: See Contraceptive Film Foam, contraceptive: See Contraceptive Foam top of page Genital Warts: Also called condyloma, genital warts are usually caused by the slow growing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and are a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms of genital warts are the appearance of a small, painless, hard spot much like regular warts. Women can get HPV on the labia, vaginal opening, and on the cervix, as well as other areas of the genital area. Men get warts mainly on the head and shaft of the penis. Genital Warts can be treated by a doctor or family planning clinician. Gonorrhea: Also called "getting burnt", the drip, the clap and GC, Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria. You can easily be tested and treated for GC at your gynecologist or your local family planning or STD clinic. Women don't always get early symptoms of GC, but may notice an abnormal vaginal discharge. If GC is not treated it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women. Men sometimes get pain or burning when they urinate and a thick discharge from the penis. To learn more about a visit to a family planning clinic, including details on a Gyn exam, click here. If you don't know where to go for an exam in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. You can also check your local yellow pages under Family Planning or Health Care for a clinic near you. Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the genital tract of women. top of page Herpes: Also called HSV and Herpes Simplex Virus. Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. Once you have Herpes, you always have it. You may not always have symptoms, but the virus lives in your body until an outbreak is triggered by stress, illness, your period or other factors. The symptoms of the first outbreak usually occur within 2 to 20 days of infection. Symptoms can be tingling and itching at the infected site, pain in your legs, buttocks, or genitals, followed by the appearance of red bumps. Within a day or two these bumps become watery blisters, which eventually break open and leave a shallow ulcer that may ooze or bleed. The blisters develop a scab and heal within 3 to 4 days. Although herpes can not be cured, there are medications that can make it reoccur less often and make the next outbreak less painful. You can be tested by your gynecologist or urologist, or at your local family planning clinic. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is passed from person to person, by the transmission of body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and mother's milk). You can get it by having unprotected vaginal and anal sex with an infected person. Or by sharing the needle of an infected person to inject drugs. An infected woman can also pass it to her unborn child during the pregnancy, or to her infant through breast milk. The HIV virus attacks the body's immune system. This is a simple explanation of HIV, for more info contact The Community HIV Hotline at (215) 985-HIV or The National HIV Hotline at 1-800-342-HIV, or HIV.org. Hormones: A hormone is a substance made in different organs in your body which is then carried to another part of your body where it takes effect. In family planning we talk mainly about your sex hormones. Women naturally produce estrogen and progesterone. Men naturally produce testosterone. Hormones are important as an person goes through adolescence, causing their body to change. In girls, hormones cause breast to develop and make their periods start. In women, hormones play a major role in the menstrual cycle each month. In boys, hormones cause the voice to lower and facial hair to grow. Human Papillomavirus: Also called HPV. HPV is a slow growing virus that is a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer among women. Currently there are more than 30 types of HPV that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Of the 30 types, most are called "low-risk" because they rarely become cervical cancer. Several are called "high-risk" because they have been linked to cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control If you think you have HPV, get tested. If you don't know where to go for testing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing: A test that can be done by the lab, either on a swab specimen or using the specimen collected for a Thin Prep Pap Test. This test will let your clinician know if you have a high risk type of HPV . For more information about HPV testing visit the following websites: The Centers for Disease Control top of page Latex: a man-made synthetic rubber, used to make male condoms. LMP: LMP is shorthand for Last Menstrual Period. In the world of family planning and gynecology, the start date of your last menstrual period is important and a woman will be asked for the date every time she sees her clinician. LMP is used to decide if a woman needs a pregnancy test. It can also be important in deciding when to start on a birth control method. Lubricant: A substance (like K-Y Jelly, saliva) that reduces or prevents friction and rubbing between two surfaces. In the world of family planning, lubricant is used to reduce friction and rubbing during sex. Use only water based lubricant with latex condoms, or the condom will fall apart during sex. Lunelle: In 2000 the Food & Drug Administration approved Lunelle, a monthly contraceptive injection. Lunelle is one shot, which contains both estrogen and progesterone. You get the shot from your doctor or clinician once a month. It works like Depo Provera, but you need to get a shot each month. Like the pill, it prevents pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg and thickening the cervical mucus. Lunelle is 99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy. Menstrual Cycle: Put simply, from on menstrual period to the next, a woman's body goes through several changes called the menstrual cycle. These changes are caused by the hormones in her body. As one hormone level, estrogen, increases, the lining of the uterus develops and prepares for a possible pregnancy. As the estrogen level continues to increase, about 14 days before the next menstrual period will begin, the ovary releases an egg and the progestin level increases and causes the lining of the uterus to thicken and get ready to sustain a pregnancy. By the end of this cycle the body has realized it is not pregnant and starts the menstrual period again. Many women have a 28 day menstrual cycle, but a large number have a shorter or longer number of days between periods. Menstrual Period: Also called period, menses, your "monthly", your "friend". The bleeding that occurs through the vagina at the end of the menstrual cycle. It's actually the body getting rid of the lining of the uterus. This lining is renewed each month during the menstrual cycle. Every woman's period is different; some bleed for 2 days, some for a week. Many women have no symptoms prior to or with their menses, others have cramps, backaches, headaches, PMS, and/or crankiness. Midwife: A registered nurse who has gone on for additional education and training. A midwife can only specialize in obstetrics (delivering babies) and gynecology. A midwife must have a current license to practice medicine. Mirena: A new Intra Uterine System (IUD), Mirena has been available in the U.S.A. since December 2000, but has been used in Europe for over 10 years. Mirena is T-shaped, contains a progestin and is made of plastic. It is inserted into a woman's uterus by a clinician. Mirena works by thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it hard for the sperm to swim through the uterus to reach the egg and it may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Mirena is good for 5 years and is 99% effective. Morning After Pill: See Emergency Contraception. top of page Norplant: This birth control method involves the placement of six small capsules under the skin of your upper arm by a trained clinician. The capsules constantly release small amounts of hormones that prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg and thickening the cervical mucous. Norplant is 99.9% effective. Nurse Practitioner: A registered nurse who has gone on for additional education and training. A nurse practitioner can specialize in many areas of health care, from obstetrics (delivering babies) and gynecology to working with the elderly, working with children, and providing family medicine care. A nurse practitioner must have a current license to practice medicine. Options Counseling: This counseling takes place at a family planning clinic after a woman has had a positive pregnancy test. A trained counselor talks with a patient about her feelings about the pregnancy and the decisions that need to be made. During an options counseling session the patient may receive information and referrals for prenatal care, adoption, abortion, and available medical coverage. To read a Pregnancy Options Counseling Fact Sheet click here. Pap Smear: A Pap smear is a procedure where cells are scraped from the surface of the cervix and examined in a laboratory, under a microscope. It is used for the early detection of cervical cancer and some infections. If detected early, cervical cancer can often be cured. A sexually active woman should have a Pap smear once a year. A Pap smear can be performed by a clinician in a family planning clinic. Partner: Also called boyfriend, girlfriend, and lots of other things. In family planning, a partner is any person(s) with whom you are having sex. Pelvic Exam: See Gynecological exam. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Known as PID, or simply "pelvic infection", PID is a general term for an infection that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or the ovaries. PID is often the result of an untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD) like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. The most common symptom is pain in the lower abdomen. The pain can be sharp or dull and last until you seek treatment. Other symptoms include vaginal discharge, pain or bleeding during or after sex, back or leg pains, and a fever. See your gynecologist or visit a family planning clinic if you think you have PID. If you don't know where to go for testing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. Physician Assistant: An individual who has gone through a special educational program to become a physician assistant (PA). A PA can specialize in many areas of health care, from obstetrics (delivering babies) and gynecology to working with the elderly, working with children, and providing family medicine care. A PA must have a current license to practice medicine. Pituitary Gland: The gland at the base of the brain that produces many hormones including those important to human reproduction. Polyurethane: This is a type of man-made, synthetic rubber. It is used to make male and female condoms and contraceptive sponges. Fewer people are allergic to polyurethane than latex.Pregnancy Test: A test that can tell if you are pregnant. A pregnancy test can be performed on a woman's blood or her urine. The test checks for an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which occurs when a woman is pregnant. A blood test must be done at a clinic or lab. A urine pregnancy test can be bought over the counter at drug stores and done at home. You may want to get a second urine test at your doctor's or family planning clinic to confirm the outcome of the test you did at home. Premenstrual Syndrome: Also called "PMS". Premenstrual syndrome is a set of physical and emotional experiences associated with the menstrual cycle and usually occurs during the 2 weeks prior to a woman's menses. Symptoms include breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, increased appetite, cravings for sweets, salt, and alcohol, acne, lower back pain, cramping, lower abdominal pain, irritability, tiredness, depression and mood swings. Many women have some level of PMS. If your PMS makes it hard to live a normal life, call your doctor or family planning clinic for help. Prenatal Care: The care pregnant women should receive during her pregnancy to assure a healthy baby. It is important to go to a doctor or family planning clinic as soon as you suspect you are pregnant. If your pregnancy test is positive and you plan to continue the pregnancy, you will be sent to a prenatal clinic. The staff will talk to you about how to take care of yourself and your baby. Progesterone: A hormone produced in the ovaries of women that are important in puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Called Progestin when it is manufactured for use in birth control methods like the pill. top of page
For more information on Rape, please click here for Rape related websites. Reproductive System: This is a term used to describe all the body parts in both men and women that are involved in the process of sex, pregnancy and having a baby. RU486: This is the research name of Mifeprex. It is the medication used in some medical abortions. Safe Sex: This is a phrase that means protecting yourself and your partner from Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV. Safe sex means you don't let any of your partner's body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, blood) enter your body. Ways to have safe sex include:
Safe activities are hugging, cuddling, kissing, and massaging your partner. Semen: Also called ejaculation or cum, Semen is the whitish fluid a man ejaculates. It contains sperm. Sexual Intercourse: Also called sex, making love, and "being together". It is the sexual joining of 2 people. In family planning, intercourse usually means penetration by the penis into the vagina, anus or mouth of another person. Sexually Transmitted Disease: Also known as STDs, sexually transmitted infections, STIs, venereal disease and VD. An STD is any disease that is passed from person to person mainly through sexual contact. You can get an STD in different places in your body. The most common places are the vagina, vulva, urethra, penis, anus, mouth and throat.Infections considered STDs are Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Genital Warts, Herpes & Trichomoniasis. Along with checking under the specific infection name in this glossary, look at fact sheets for each STD when you visit The Centers for Disease Control website. If you don't know where to go for testing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. You can also check your local yellow pages under Family Planning or Health Care for a clinic near you. For more information about sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), click here. Speculum: An instrument used to check the health of your vagina and cervix, a speculum is a metal or plastic instrument shaped like a duck's bill, and about 5 inches long. Sperm: The mature male reproductive cell that joins with a woman's egg and causes pregnancy. Sperm travels in semen. Spermicide: Any substance that kills sperm. The word spermicide is also used to categorize a type of birth control method. Spermicides are sold over the counter and are found in foam, cream, jelly, film, suppositories and contraceptive sponges. Inserted deep into the vagina 10-15 minutes before intercourse, spermicides contain chemicals that immobilize sperm without harming vaginal tissue. Most spermicides lose their effectiveness one hour after insertion. Nearly any woman who wants to use them can use spermicides. It is best to use them with male condoms to increases the effectiveness in pregnancy prevention. Sponge: See Contraceptive Sponge. Syphilis: Caused by a small spiral-shaped bacteria that gets into the blood stream, Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that spreads through open sores or rashes and enters the mucous membranes of the genitals, mouth and anus. Left untreated, syphilis is a very serious disease. The disease has 4 stages. The first symptom of syphilis is a painless sore called chancres. A chancre can look like a pimple, blister, or open sore. A doctor or family planning clinician can test and treat you for syphilis. top of page Testosterone: An androgen or sex hormone that is produced in the testes of men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries of women. ThinPrep Pap Test: The ThinPrep pap test is a recently developed test that, like the Pap Smear test, is designed to test for changes in cells that may lead to cervical cancer. To perform the Thin Prep the clinician scrapes cells from the surface of the cervix with a swab. The swab is then rinsed in a special container that has liquid in it. The container and the liquid are sent to a laboratory where the test is performed. Unlike the conventional Pap Smear, a Thin Prep sample can also be used to test for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. For more information on the ThinPrep Pap Test, check out these other online resources: To learn where to go for a Thin Prep pap test in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & surrounding areas, click here or call The CHOICE Hotline at (215) 985-3300 for the name of a clinic. You can also check your local yellow pages under Family Planning or Health Care for a clinic near you. Toxic Shock Syndrome: An illness that occurs in women, often if a tampon or diaphragm is left in the vagina for too long. Symptoms are a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, aches, and a sunburn-like rash. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or clinician. Trichomoniasis: Called trich, it is a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms include a bad smelling discharge from the vagina that is often yellow-green or whitish-grey. There may also be itching and irritation. Men often have no symptoms. Trich can be treated by a doctor or family planning clinician. Tubal Ligation: Known as "having your tubes tied" or female sterilization. A tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or burned to prevent the sperm and the egg from meeting. This is a permanent way to prevent pregnancy. A tubal ligation does not interfere with menstruation or sexual pleasure. A tubal ligation is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy. top of page Urologist: A doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the urinary tract of both men and women, plus the genital tract of men. Vaginal Discharge: Every woman has a vaginal discharge that is normal and healthy for her. This discharge may change in thickness and amount throughout her menstrual cycle, but usually is the same color and odor. If a discharge becomes a different color or develops an odor, she should be examined for a possible STD. Vasectomy: Known as male sterilization, a vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which a segment of the vas deferens is removed and the ends tied, or burned to prevent the sperm from leaving the scrotum. This is a permanent way to prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy does not interfere with a man's ability to ejaculate or with his sexual pleasure. A vasectomy is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy. Withdrawal: A not very effective form of birth control that means a man pulls his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates. Withdrawal, when used every time a person has sex is 82% effective in preventing pregnancy. ANATOMICAL GLOSSARY REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
top of page
top of page
|
|
