Glossary of Terms

A

Anus

The anus is the opening in the buttock where waste leaves the body.

Antibiotics

Powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.

Acne

Secretions from the skin's oil glands that plug the pores.

Abstinence

Sexual abstinence is not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

B

Bacteria

A type of germ that can cause infections.

C

Contraception

Intentional use of methods or techniques to prevent pregnancy.

Consent

Permission for something to happen or be done, or agreement to do something.

Condoms

Condoms come in male and female versions. The male condom (“rubber”) covers the penis and catches the sperm after a man ejaculates. The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that lines the vagina.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a type of bacteria, which can be passed from person to person during vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex.

Cervix

The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.

D

Discharge

Fluid that carries dead cells and bacteria out of the vagina.

E

Estrogen

A group of hormones secreted by the ovaries which affect many aspects of the female body, including a woman's menstrual cycle and normal sexual and reproductive development.

F

Fertile

The ability to become pregnant.

Fallopian Tube

One of two tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

G

Gynecologist

Doctors who specialize in women's health, with a focus on the female reproductive system.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria that can be passed to a partner during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV).

H

Hygiene

Maintaining cleanliness throughout the body.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A virus that attacks certain cells of the body’s immune system. HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Hormones

Chemical created by the body that control numerous cells and organ function. Two hormones in the female body are estrogen and progesterone.

I

Intrauterine device (IUD)

The IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into and left inside the uterus by a health care professional. There are two types of IUDs. One is a hormonal IUD are approved for up to 3–5 years of use. The second type is the copper IUD. It is approved for up to 10 years of use.

Implant (form of birth control)

The implant is a small plastic rod about the size of a matchstick that a health care professional inserts under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy. The implant is approved for up to 3 years of use.

J

K

L

Long Term Goals

Goals that usually take 12 months or more of time and planning to achieve.

Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)

The intrauterine device (IUD) and the birth control implant are long-acting reversible contraception methods. Both are the most highly effective forms of pregnancy prevention.

M

Method of Birth Control

Medication or objects used to prevent pregnancy.

Menstruation i.e period

The lining of the uterus breaks down and flows out of the body through the vagina. The release of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus is called the menstrual period.

N

O

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg from an ovary.

Ovary/Ovaries

Two female reproductive organs located in the pelvis.

Outercourse

Other sexual activities besides vaginal sex.

Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)

Doctor who specializes in general women's medical care, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, and care of pregnant women.

P

Puberty

When your body begins to develop and change as you move from child to adult.
 

Period

The release of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus is called the menstrual period.
 

Penis

Male sex organ.
 

Peer Pressure

People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence how you act, to get you to do something, it's called peer pressure.
 

Pap Smear

Is the name of the cervical cancer screening used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer.
 

Q

R

Reproduction

When the male and female reproductive systems work together to make a baby.
 

S

Sperm

A cell made in the male testicles that can fertilize a female egg.
 

Short Term Goals

Goals that usually take less than 12 months of planning to achieve.
 

Self-Esteem

How you feel about yourself.
 

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by bacteria that enters the body through a cut in the skin or through contact with a partner’s syphilis sore.
 

Sexual Transmitted Disease

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are generally acquired by sexual contact.
 

T

U

Uterus

The organ in the lower body of a female where a child is conceived and grows before birth; the womb.
 

Uretha

The tube that carries urine out of the body.
 

V

Vulva

The external part of the female reproductive organs.

Vagina

The passage leading from the uterus to the vulva.
 

W

X

Y

Z

"You are a strong woman with a strong mind. You have the power to take control of your life and your choices. Think about what you want and what you need, to be healthy and happy."

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