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Glossary
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Women's Health Glossary


Acne vulgaris

 Also called pimples, acne vulgaris is the common form of acne that most often affects teens or young adults. It is caused by overactive oil glands that become plugged and inflamed. ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is a birth control pill that is indicated to treat moderate acne in women ages 15 and older.

Anemia

 A condition which is caused by having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. When you have anemia, the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood is decreased, and you may feel tired and get tired easily, look pale, develop palpitations and become unusually short of breath. Iron deficiency anemia is common among adults and can be caused by loss of blood through menstruation.

Birth control

 Also known as family planning, fertility control or contraception, birth control includes any practices, methods or devices that are used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control methods work by preventing the release of an egg, fertilization of an egg, or by inhibiting the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

Birth control patch

 The transdermal patch delivers hormones (progestin and estrogen) through the skin and into your bloodstream to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. You put it on once a week for 3 weeks, and the 4th week is patch free. You must get a prescription for the Patch. Find out about our birth control patch at: orthoevra.com.

Birth control pills

 Also called oral contraceptives, birth control pills are usually small pills taken by mouth for either 21, 24 or 28 days or continuously. The Pill releases synthetic hormones to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries. Getting the Pill requires a prescription.

Breakthrough bleeding

 See Spotting.
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Cervical cap

 A barrier contraceptive device that consists of a soft rubber cup with a round rim that fits snugly around the cervix. A cervical cap is used with a spermicide.

Cervix

 The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb), a hollow, pear-shaped organ in the lower abdomen. The cervix opens into the vagina.

Condom

 Both male and female versions of the condom are available, however, the word most often refers to the male condom. Both are barrier methods of contraception and available without a prescription.

Available over the counter, the male condom is a tube-like sheath, closed at one end that is fitted over the erect penis before penetration. When ejaculation occurs, the semen collects inside the condom, preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. The condom is then removed carefully to avoid spillage. Condoms may also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Also an over-the-counter product, a female condom is a lubricated plastic sheath with rings on each end. The ring on one end is open and remains outside the vagina, covering part of the labia. The ring on the other end is closed with plastic and looks like a diaphragm. It's placed in the vagina so that it covers the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus. The sheath between the 2 rings forms a pouch to line the entire vaginal area. Female condoms may also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraceptive or hormone implants

 Implants are a long-term, reversible means of contraception. Matchstick-sized, hormone-containing rods made of synthetic materials are inserted in a woman's upper arm in a minor surgical procedure. Once in place, a small, steady dose of the hormone progestin is delivered into the system. Progestin, which is a main component of some birth control pills, prevents conception by suppressing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from entering the uterus. The rods must be inserted and removed every 3 years by a trained healthcare professional.

Diaphragm

 A diaphragm is a soft latex or silicone cup that requires fitting by a healthcare professional. When it is properly fitted and inserted, it covers the cervix and is held securely in place behind the pubic bone and the rear wall of your vagina. The diaphragm has 2 purposes: it stops sperm from entering your cervical canal and it holds a spermicidal jelly or cream, which kills sperm that may manage to swim around the rim of the diaphragm. Find out more about the Ortho Women’s Health & Urology™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. diaphragm product.
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Dysmenorrhea

 See Menstrual cramps.

Endometrium

 The lining of the uterus, which is shed monthly in response to hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. The endometrium then grows back and slowly gets thicker and thicker until the next period, when it is once again sloughed off.

Estrogen

 Female hormone produced by the ovaries.

Ethinyl estradiol

 A synthetic estrogen used in almost all birth control pills that combine estrogen and progestin. It is also used in other hormonal therapies.

Fallopian tubes

 Fallopian tubes are the passage between the ovaries and the uterus. They have small hair-like projections called cilia that help transport a mature egg from the ovaries toward the uterus. Also known as "tubes."

Gynecologist

 A doctor who specializes in gynecology, the branch of medicine concerned with the health of and treating of conditions associated with the female reproductive organs.

HIV

 Acronym for the human immunodeficiency virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
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Hormones

 Hormones are natural chemical agents that are secreted by specialized glands (such as the thyroid gland) and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs. Hormones are essential for activities including digestion, metabolism, growth, reproduction and mood control. Hormones may also be produced synthetically.

Hormone injections

 Like the Pill and implants, contraceptive injections contain hormones, and they are administered by a healthcare professional at regular intervals. Injections containing progestin only are given once every 3 months. Once injected, a low dose of the hormone(s) is released into a woman's system, suppressing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from entering the uterus.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

 IUD is short for Intrauterine Device— a small device placed in the uterus by a healthcare professional. IUDs are made of soft, flexible plastic shaped like a T, the same shape as your uterus, and are about 1-1/2 inches long with 2 strings attached. There are 2 types of IUDs: one with the shaft and parts of the crosspiece wrapped with copper; the other containing a synthetic progestin. Both work by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg by causing changes in the uterus. The progestin IUD may also thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. In addition, the progestin may keep some women from ovulating.

Menarche

 Also known as female puberty, menarche is the time of life when menstruation first begins. Menstruation may be irregular and unpredictable at this time, and fluctuating hormones may cause changes in mood, weight, activity level and growth rate.

Menstrual cramps

 Lower abdominal cramping, usually in the beginning of the menstrual cycle, caused by contractions of the uterus as it expels lining, and also by the passage of menstrual blood through the cervix. Severe menstrual cramps, especially if combined with heavy bleeding or the passage of large blood clots, can be a sign of endometriosis or other reproductive disorders. Also called dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual cycle

 The monthly cycle of changes in the ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), the process starts with the preparation of an egg for fertilization, followed by the breaking of the follicle of the ovary, and the release of the egg, called ovulation. Unless the egg is then fertilized by a man’s sperm, the cycle ends with the shedding of part of the endometrium, which is menstruation. Although it is actually the end of the physical cycle, healthcare professionals usually refer to the first day of menstrual bleeding as "day 1" of the menstrual cycle.

Menstruation

 The periodic blood discharge that flows from the woman's uterus. Also called menorrhea. Usually occurring at four week intervals as part of the menstrual cycle, the time that menstruation occurs is called menses or the period.
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Natural family planning

 Natural family planning by periodic abstinence isn't a single method, but a variety of methods that help a couple figure out which days during a woman's menstrual cycle she is likely to become pregnant. At those times, couples can practice birth control by avoiding intercourse. Three principal methods include the basal body temperature method, the ovulation method, and the symptothermal method. Your healthcare professional can provide you with detailed information.

Norgestimate

 A synthetic progestin (hormone) commonly used in combination with estrogen in birth control pills.

OB/GYN

 OB is short for an obstetrician, a doctor who delivers babies. GYN is short for gynecologist, a physician who specializes in the health of the female reproductive organs. An OB/GYN combines these 2 specialties.

Oral contraceptive

 See Birth control pill.

Ovary

 One of a pair of reproductive glands in women that produce eggs and female hormones. They are the size and shape of almonds, and located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. During ovulation, an egg is released from one ovary, and travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The ovaries produce female hormones that control female body development characteristics including breasts, body shape and body hair. They also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Ovulation

 The release of the mature egg from the ovary in response to a hormonal signal. Most women ovulate 14 or 15 days from the first day of their last period. When ovulation occurs, the egg moves into the fallopian tube and becomes ready for fertilization.

Period

 See Menstruation.
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Progesterone

 A female hormone made in the ovary and by the placenta. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus (the womb) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg to permit pregnancy. Also refers to synthetic versions of the hormone. Also known as progestational hormone.

Progestin

 A natural or synthetic hormone that has the effect of progesterone.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

 STDs are infections that can be passed from one person to another through any type of sexual contact, including kissing, oral-genital contact, intercourse and the use of sexual "toys," such as vibrators.

Side effects

 Problems related to a treatment beyond the desired effect or in addition to the desired effect.

Sperm

 A sperm is the male sex cell which combines with the female egg in the process of fertilization.

Spermicides

 Spermicides are over-the-counter, nonhormonal chemical foams, creams, jellies, film or suppositories inserted into the vagina up to 15 minutes before intercourse. Spermicides create a barrier that kills sperm upon contact and inhibits their movement up the vagina and into the cervix, preventing fertilization of an egg. They can be used alone or in combination with barrier methods such as condoms or the diaphragm. A condom can enhance the effectiveness of this contraceptive method. Spermicides are relatively inexpensive to use.

Spotting

 Light bleeding between menstrual periods. Women who are ovulating normally can experience spotting. The use of hormonal birth control methods (oral contraceptive pills or patches) as well as IUD use for contraception may sometimes lead to light bleeding between periods. Although spotting is usually benign, it may indicate problems with reproductive organs. A healthcare professional should be advised so they can rule out problems.
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Sterilization

 For women, tubal sterilization or “tying the tubes” involves surgically closing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs and sperm from coming together. The surgeon ties or seals the tubes with a ring, clip or electric current. A nonsurgical option involves placing a soft, flexible micro-insert into each fallopian tube through your natural pathways.

Vasectomy is the male version of sterilization, and involves cutting and tying the vas deferens (the tubes that carry the sperm). While there are operations to reverse sterilization, they don’t always work, so the methods are considered permanent.

Uterus

 Also called the womb, the uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located between the bladder and the rectum in a woman's lower abdomen. The cervix is the narrow, lower portion, while the broader, upper part is the corpus, which is made of 2 layers of tissue.

Vagina

 The canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. Vaginal walls lined with mucus membrane, and the vagina, has numerous glands that make vaginal secretions. The cervix protrudes slightly into the vagina.

Vaginal ring

 A soft, flexible vaginal ring about 2 inches in diameter delivers low doses of estrogen and progestin into the body. This helps prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which helps block sperm from entering the uterus. The ring is inserted into the vagina and left for 3 weeks. It is then removed for one week, during which a woman menstruates, and a new ring is inserted after the 1-week "break." You need a prescription for the vaginal ring.

Womb

 See Uterus.
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