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Not sure what a medical term means? Browse clear, easy-to-understand definitions for common pregnancy, abortion, STI, and reproductive health terms to help you make informed decisions.
What Is Basal Body Temperature (BBT)? Basal body temperature (BBT) is your body’s temperature when you are fully at rest. It is usually measured first thing in the morning, after several hours of uninterrupted sleep and before getting out of bed or doing other activities. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect BBT. After...
What Is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect the genital tract and may cause symptoms such as urethritis in men and cervicitis in women. If untreated, it may lead to serious reproductive complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and...
What Is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, inflammation, and may contribute to infertility. This tissue behaves like endometrial tissue, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle, but because it...
What Is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels, also called 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...
What Is Herpes? Herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). It is 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,...
What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is 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...
What Is a Medical Abortion? A medical abortion, also called a chemical abortion, is 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. Medications Used...
What Is Menopause? Menopause is 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. It is characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles and the decline in ovarian function. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The...
What Is Mifepristone? Mifepristone is 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 or fetus from the uterine lining and softening of the cervix. This process is followed...
What Is Misoprostol? Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog 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...
What Is Ovarian Cancer? Ovarian cancer is 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 (the surface layer of the ovary), germ cells (egg-producing...
What Is an Ovarian Cyst? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket that develops on or within the ovary. Ovarian cysts can vary in size from small to large. They may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can develop for various reasons, including as part of the normal menstrual cycle or due to underlying medical conditions....
What Is Ovulation? Ovulation is the process by which a mature egg (ovum) is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. It 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...
What Is a Pap Smear? A Pap smear is 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,...
What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is 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...
What Is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is 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...
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)? PID is an infection of female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, but can also result from other bacterial infections. PID can lead to inflammation, scarring, and damage...
What Is Plan B? Plan B is 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. Active Ingredient Levonorgestrel is a...
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)? PMS is 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...
What Is Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs in women after childbirth. It is 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...
What Are Pregnancy Symptoms? Pregnancy symptoms are 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. Early Signs Missed...
What Are Prenatal Vitamins? Prenatal vitamins are 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 key nutrients, including folic acid,...
What is 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...
What Is STD Testing? STD testing is the diagnostic process used to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can involve laboratory tests on blood, urine, genital secretions, or tissue to identify pathogens or antibodies indicative of infection. Testing is important for diagnosing infections early, initiating treatment, and preventing...
What Is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)? STDs are infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. STDs may cause a range of symptoms or may be asymptomatic, and they can lead to significant health complications if not...
What Is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)? STIs are infections primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. They may cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, or may be asymptomatic. STIs can lead to significant health...
What Is a Surgical Abortion? A surgical abortion is a medical procedure used to terminate a pregnancy by surgically removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus. Procedures may involve vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation (D&E), depending on gestational age and other clinical factors. These procedures are typically performed in a...
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? A UTI is an infection caused by microbial pathogens, primarily bacteria, in any part of the urinary system. Most 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 fever and flank...
What Is a Yeast Infection? A yeast infection is 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, oral thrush, and invasive...
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