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...

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...

Birth Control

Also known as family planning, fertility control or contraception, birth control includes any practices, methods or devices that are used...

Birth control patch

The transdermal patch delivers hormones (progestin and estrogen) through the skin and into your bloodstream to prevent your ovaries...

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...

Breakthrough bleeding

See spotting.

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...

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...

Contraceptive or hormone implants

Implants are a long-term, reversible means of contraception. Matchstick-sized, hormone-containing rods made of synthetic materials are...

Diaphragm

A diaphragm is a soft latex or silicone cup that requires fitting by a healthcare professional. When it is properly fitted and inserted...

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...

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...

Gynecologist

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

HIV

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

Hormones

Hormones are natural chemical agents that are secreted by specialized glands (such as the thyroid gland) and regulate the activity of...

Hormone injections

Like the Pill and implants, contraceptive injections contain hormones, and they are administered by a healthcare professional at regular...

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...

Menarche

Also known as female puberty, menarche is the time of life when menstruation first begins. Menstruation may be irregular and unpredictable...

Menstrual cramps

Lower abdominal cramping, usually in the beginning of the menstrual cycle, caused by contractions of the uterus as it expels lining, and...

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...

Menstruation

The periodic blood discharge that flows from the woman's uterus. Also called menorrhea. Usually occurring at four week intervals as part...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Period

See Menstruation.

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...

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...

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...

Spotting

Light bleeding between menstrual periods. Women who are ovulating normally can experience spotting. The use of hormonal birth control...

Sterilization

For women, tubal sterilization or 'tying the tubes' involves surgically closing the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs and sperm from coming...

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...

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...

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...

Womb

See Uterus.