My Choice Network | Glossary

Basal Body Temperature? The body's lowest temperature at rest, typically measured in the morning after several hours of uninterrupted sleep and before any physical activity. BBT is influenced by hormonal changes, particularly the rise in progesterone after ovulation, which causes a slight increase in temperature. Tracking BBT over the menstrual...

Chlamydia A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, characterized by its ability to infect the genital tract, and potentially leading to symptoms such as urethritis in men and cervicitis in women. If untreated, it may result in severe reproductive complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in...

ENDOMETRIOSIS A disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside the uterus, causing pain, inflammation, and often leading to infertility. This tissue behaves like endometrial tissue, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle, but because it has no way to exit the body, it...

Gestational Diabetes A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) that occur when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes typically develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and may resolve after...

Herpes A viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), characterized by recurrent episodes of painful sores or blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. HSV-1 commonly results in oral herpes, presenting as cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, affecting the genital and anal...

HPV - Human Papillomavirus A group of more than 200 related DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells, including those of the skin and mucous membranes. HPV infections are typically classified into high-risk and low-risk types based on their oncogenic potential. High-risk HPVs, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with the development of...

Medical Abortion Also called a chemical abortion. A non-surgical method of terminating pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs. It involves the sequential administration of medications, typically mifepristone followed by misoprostol, to induce miscarriage and expel the contents of the uterus. Key Features: Medications: Mifepristone: A progesterone...

Menopause The biological process marking the end of reproductive years and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 with an average onset around 51. Menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles and the decline in ovarian function. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The hormonal...

Mifepristone A synthetic steroid compound that acts as a selective progesterone receptor antagonist. Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining pregnancy, leading to the detachment of the embryo / fetus from the uterine lining and softening of the cervix. This process is followed by the administration of...

Misoprostol A synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that is used for several medical purposes, including the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, induction of labor, and chemical abortion. Misoprostol acts by binding to prostaglandin receptors in the uterus, leading to uterine contractions and cervical ripening. In the context of medical...

Ovarian Cancer A type of cancer that originates in the ovaries. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cancer can arise from different cell types within the ovaries, including epithelial cells (surface layer of the ovary), germ cells (egg-producing cells), and stromal cells...

Ovarian Cyst The biological process marking the end of reproductive years and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 with an average onset around 51. Menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles and the decline in ovarian function. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The hormonal...

Ovulation The process by which a mature egg (ovum) is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. Ovulation is a key event in the menstrual cycle and is typically preceded by the maturation of an ovarian follicle containing the egg. During ovulation, the follicle ruptures, releasing the egg into the...

PAP Smear An in office medical screening procedure used to collect cells from the cervix for examination under a microscope. Pap smears are performed to detect abnormal changes in cervical cells that may indicate cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. This preventive measure aims to identify abnormalities early, allowing for prompt...

PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, defined by a combination of at least two of the following three criteria (Rotterdam criteria): (1) Oligo- or anovulation (irregular or absent menstrual periods), (2) Hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of male hormones leading to symptoms like hirsutism,...

Perimenopause The transitional phase preceding menopause, marked by hormonal changes and irregular menstrual cycles as the ovaries gradually decrease their production of estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause typically begins in a biological woman's 40s, although it can start earlier or later for some individuals and may last for several years...

PID - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease An infection of female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, but can also result from other types of bacterial infections. PID can lead to inflammation, scarring, and damage to the...

Plan B A type of emergency contraception that contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone, which works primarily by preventing ovulation and fertilization. Plan B is not intended for routine use as a regular contraceptive method and does not terminate an existing pregnancy. Key Features: Active Ingredient: Levonorgestrel, a synthetic...

PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome A collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur cyclically in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and typically resolving with the onset of menstruation. Symptoms of PMS can include mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, bloating, breast tenderness,...

Postpartum Depression A mood disorder that occurs in women after childbirth, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with daily functioning and the ability to care for oneself and one's baby. Postpartum depression typically develops within the first few weeks to months after childbirth, although...

Pregnancy Symptoms Physical and emotional changes in the body because of conception and early pregnancy. These symptoms are primarily caused by hormonal changes, including increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, as well as the physiological changes associated with the developing fetus. Key Features: Early Signs: Missed Period: One of the...

Prenatal Vitamins Dietary supplements specifically formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy to support the health and development of the fetus and to meet the increased nutritional needs of the mother. Prenatal vitamins typically contain a combination of key nutrients, including folic acid, iron, calcium,...

Roe V Wade Roe v. Wade is a landmark legal case in the United States of America that ruled on the constitutionality of laws restricting abortion. The case was filed in 1970 by "Jane Roe," a pseudonym used for Norma McCorvey, who sought to terminate her unwanted pregnancy in Texas. At the time, Texas law prohibited most abortions except those...

STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease Infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. These diseases can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. STDs may present with a range of symptoms or may be asymptomatic, and they can lead to...

STD Testing The diagnostic process used to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in individuals who may be at risk of infection. STD testing involves various methods, including laboratory tests on samples of blood, urine, genital secretions, or tissue to identify the presence of pathogens or antibodies indicative of...

STI - Sexually Transmitted Infection Infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. STIs can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. They may present with a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, or may be asymptomatic. STIs can lead...

Surgical Abortion A medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy by surgically removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus. Surgical abortion procedures may involve vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation (D&E), depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy and other clinical factors. These procedures are typically performed...

UTI - Urinary Tract Infection An infection caused by microbial pathogens, primarily bacteria, in any part of the urinary system. The majority of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically inhabits the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can range from dysuria (painful urination), urgency, and frequency to more severe signs such...

Yeast Infection A fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, in various parts of the body. It occurs when the normal balance of microorganisms is disrupted, allowing Candida to proliferate. Common forms include vulvovaginal candidiasis (affecting the genital area), oral thrush (affecting the mouth and...