The part of the body between the lower rigs and the pelvis. The abdominal cavity contains the stomach and lower part of the esophagus, small and large intestines (except sigmoid colon and rectum), liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidney and ureter.

Removal of the uterus and/or egg tubes or ovaries through an incision in the abdomen.

A substance or object which causes or starts an abortion. Many herbs are used as abortifacients.

Termination of a pregnancy by any means other than birth.

A rubbed off or worn away area of skin or mucous membrane.

A localized collection of pus from the disintegration of tissue, usually accompanied by pain.

In referring to heterosexual women, abstinence means to refrain from having the penis in the vagina. Abstinence does not mean refraining from masturbation or other forms of sexual activity.

A type of chemical by-product of fat metabolism usually found in the blood and urine in small quantities. People who have diabetes, or are on certain diets, or who have fasted for a long time, produce more acetones. See ketones.

A substance which is sour to the taste, can neutralize alkaline (base) substances, and has a pH from 1 to 6. Vinegar is an acidic food. See pH and alkaline.

See Lactobacillus acidophilus.

See adrenocotricotropic hormone.

A traditional Chinese method of blocking nerve paths by inserting needles. It is used to minimize sensation, alleviate pain, as a surgical anesthetic, or as a means of healing.

An illness which begins suddenly, is severe and has relatively short duration.

A form of cancer originating in the epithelium of glandular tissue. See epithelial cells.

A type of endometriosis where bits of uterine lining are embedded in the uterine wall.

The unusual presence of glandular tissue on the vaginal walls. These cells are the type normally found in the cervical canal.

See anti-diuretic hormone.

Fibrous or scar tissue growing on or between organs, attaching one organ to another.

A term used to refer to the parts next to or attached to an organ. Adnexae usually refers to the structures next to the uterus such as egg tubes and ovaries.

A triangular shaped gland attached to the top of each kidney. It secretes various substances that influence every body system. Among the hormones secreted are the steroid hormones, androgens, estrogens, and progestogens.

Changes that occur at puberty resulting from an increased secretion of adrenal hormones. These include growth of pubic hair, hair in the armpits and growth of the sex organs. These changes usually begin around the age of eight or nine.

A hormone secreted by the outer portion of the pituitary gland in the base of the brain which stimulates the outer portion of the adrenal gland to secrete an entire spectrum of hormones.

A term applied to organisms such as germs and bacteria which require a relatively high quantity of oxygen to reproduce.

A small, flat, covered container (petri dish) that contains a semisolid, gelatin-like food for bacterial growth. This is generally used by laboratory technicians to identify organisms such as those that cause gonorrhea.

A hormone secreted by the outer portion of the adrenal glands that is involved in the metabolism of sodium and potassium (electrolytes).

The opposite of acid, such as baking soda. See pH.

A bodily reaction to a substance such as a drug, pollen or food, often characterized by a rash, sneezing, or congestion.

A crisis or disease oriented philosophy of modern medicine practiced by most western physicians. They treat illnesses instead of focusing on preventive health care or analyzing people’s living conditions. They treat symptoms rather than the causes and depend on prescription drugs and surgery instead of investigating other alternatives.

The absence of menstrual periods. Also used to describe irregular menstruation.

See essential amino acids.

Inserting a needle through the abdomen into the uterus to withdraw a small amount of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman in order to test for birth defects or specific genetic characteristics such as sex. In a saline or prostaglandin abortion this procedure is used to remove amniotic fluid before injecting the abortifacient into the uterus.

The transparent liquid contained within the bag of waters (amniotic sac) that surrounds and protects a fetus in the uterus by maintaining an even temperature and providing cushion from injury.

The bag of waters surrounding and protecting the fetus in the uterus, maintaining an even temperature and cushion from injury.

A term applied to organisms such as germs and bacteria that require little or no oxygen to reproduce. Small amounts of oxygen to reproduce. Small amounts of oxygen are toxic to some types.

Part of the doughnut shaped muscle which surrounds and closes the anus.

A pain relieving drug.

The structure, or the study of the structure of animals or plants.

A group of steroid hormones which promote the growth and development of muscles, hair and bones.

A deficiency of red blood cells that results from insufficient production of red blood cells, premature destruction, or excessive blood loss. Some less serious forms of anemia can be helped by exercise and changes in diet, such as by adding more iron or B-complex vitamins.

A loss of sensation induced by anesthetic drugs. In local anesthesia, the person is conscious and feels no sensation in the anesthetized part of their body. In general anesthesia, the person is not conscious and the breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure and bowels are slowed down.

The absence of ovulation. Anovulatory cycles, which are common, are cycles in which, for some unknown reason, the ovary does not produce an egg.

A uterus that bends forward at the juncture of the neck of the cervix and uterine body. This is most common.

Description of a part of the body which is situated toward the front of the body or in front of another part. Physicians often use the word anterior to describe a uterus which tips forward in the body.

The medical term used to describe a uterus that is tipped forward in the pelvis; a normal position.

A policy which discourages births and advocates setting limits to the population.

Any natural substance which is used in the treatment of disease to stop or slow the growth of bacteria or other microscopic organisms. Penicillin and tetracycline are two commonly used antibiotics.

A protein substance made by the body as part of its natural defense mechanism in response to foreign substances, such as viruses, some bacteria, and tissue transplants. Antibodies increase our immunity to these substances.

A hormone secreted by the back of the pituitary. An ADH-like drug has an anti-diuretic effect; that is, it causes the body tissues to retain water.

A substance that prevents decay or hinders the growth of bacteria.

The opening at the end of the rectum through which the stool passes.

See scent glands.

An amino acid. Eating foods containing arginine, such as cereals, seeds, nuts and chocolates, appear to promote the growth of herpes.

Vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

Injection of a radiopaque dye into the blood stream so that the blood vessels can be photographed with x-rays. One use is to x-ray the placenta.

See donor insemination.

A type of endometriosis where bits of uterine lining are embedded in the uterine wall.

Free from living bacteria, germs or any other living organisms.

Removal of material by suction from an organ or body cavity.

A substance which causes tissues to constrict or contract, thereby slowing down any fluid discharge such as blood or mucus. Some vaginal deodorants and douches contain astringents.

A method of birth control which works on the principle of determining when a woman will be fertile, based on the angular relationship of the sun and moon at the time of her birth. The effectiveness of this method is fairly high, possibly because there are relatively few times of the month when unprotected coitus is allowed using this method.

Without symptoms or detectable signs of disease.

Hardening of the arteries. Degeneration of an artery wall by an accumulation of fats (lipids), carbohydrates, blood and blood products, tissue and calcium in the lining of arteries.

A follicle which never fully develops and shrinks back into the ovary.

See dry vagina.

A shrinking or wasting away of a cell, tissue, organ or other part of the body due to poor nutrition, lack of use, disease or injury.

Differing from an established norm; slightly unusual.

A sulfa containing cream used in treatment of vulvovaginitis when the cause is unknown. Available in cream or suppositories. See sulfa drugs for cautions.

Referring to the armpit.

Single-celled, microscopic organisms which are shaped in circles, rods or spirals. Some bacteria are beneficial to the human body and help to maintain health. Others can be harmful, especially if they overgrow and cause infection.

Broad folds of connective tissue attached to the side of the uterus and extending to the pelvic wall.

The mouth of the uterus. The opening at either end of the cervical canal. The opening into the uterus is the inner os; the opening into the vagina is the outer os.

The clitoral crura are two erectile tissue structures, which together form a V-shape, attached to the pubic arch. During sexual arousal, the crura become engorged with blood, as does all of the erectile tissue of the clitoris.

A term which specifically describes sex with the penis and vagina. It does not describe homosexual or heterosexual sex activities that do not include penis-vagina contact. A nonjudgmental term, it does not imply that sex can only take place in the contest of a love relationship.

A small yellow body which develops from a ruptured ovarian follicle after an egg has popped out. It secretes progesterone. If a woman is not pregnant, the corpus luteum shrinks after a few days. If she is pregnant, it keeps on producing hormones.

A self-help device used to extract the menses. it consist of a small collection bottle with a rubber stopper, plastic tubing, a small (usually 44mm) plastic cannula, a plastic syringe to create suction, and a one way bypass valve which locks in the pressure and eliminates the possibility of forcing air in to the uterus. The Del-em was developed by Lorraine Rothman.

The introduction of sperm into the vagina or cervical os by some means other than coitus. The procedure is most easily done by using a speculum and inserting semen into the vagina with a syringe or a turkey baster. Also called artificial insemination. A woman can be assisted in the method of becoming pregnant by a doctor, by women in self-help groups, or a clinic, or she can do the procedure herself.

A condition in which the vagina does not secrete enough mucus to keep it well lubricated, or in which the natural secretions have been washed away by douching or, in which prior to coitus the woman has had insufficient stimulation to lubricate the vagina. Women report sever itching and pain during coitus from dry vagina. Hormone like drugs, either taken orally or applied topically, relieve these problems; however, it is not known that a low hormone level is a cause. Exercise, improved nutrition, adequate stimulation during sex, frequent sex and application of ointment are also effective remedies.

E.P.T. is a brand name and ept is also used today to categorize highly accurate at home pregnancy tests bought over the counter at a drug store without prescription to use at home.

The condition in which tissue normally found in the uterus is found in other nearby parts of the body. This condition is sometimes accompanied by irregular and painful menstruation or pain during coitus.

Irritation or inflammation of the endometrial lining of the uterus, accompanied by a bacterial infection.

The mucus membrane lining inside the uterus.

A tube inserted into a body cavity or organ in order to see inside it. It illuminates the area without heating the tissues.

A cut from the vaginal opening into the perineum to enlarge the clitoral opening during childbirth and to prevent tearing of the perineum. This procedure is not generally necessary, but it is done routinely by most physicians. Also, in contrast to the careful, painstaking microsutures used by plastic surgeons on cuts and wounds, most sew the cut with a few relatively large stitches. Obstetricians do not recognize that the perineum is part of the clitoris.

Fat (squamous), cube-shaped (cuboidal), or cylindrical (columnar) cells, forming the lining or surface layers of the skin and of the mucous and other membranes of the rest of the body.

The muscles, nerves and networks of blood vessels that engorge with blood during sexual excitement. In the clitoris, they include the legs (crura), shaft, glans, bulbs, perineal sponge and urethral sponge. These structures are formed from two types of erectile tissues, corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum. See our Anatomy section.

Organic substances which are the building blocks of proteins and are necessary for growth and metabolism of food. They are called essential because they must be obtained from foods as they cannot be manufactured by the body. Several important protein foods, such as milk, cheese, eggs and meat, contain all the amino acids considered essential.

Vegans can get essential amino acids through a plant based diet. See more information here.

Any of a group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. These hormones are also produced artificially for use in oral contraceptives or to treat menopausal and menstrual disorders.

The taking of estrogen like drugs (usually Premarin – made from pregnant mare’s urine) to treat various symptoms of women who are in menopause, such as hot flashes, dry vagina, irritability, depression, dizziness, inability to sleep, headaches, tingling or burning of the skin, dryness of the skin, episodes of rapid heartbeat. Also, estrogen like drugs are given to elderly women to treat osteoporosis (bone thinning). The only symptoms that seem directly related to hormone levels are hot flashes and dry vagina. The other symptoms are frequently related to stress, lack of exercise, poor nutrition and degenerative diseases. Since taking estrogen like drugs often relieves the symptoms, physicians have reached an incorrect conclusion that the underlying cause is a deficiency of estrogen. In fact, a woman’s ovaries produce estrogen throughout her lifetime. The temporary improvement many women feel is probably due to the “speeding up” of cell activity that these drugs produce. The irony of this treatment is that the drugs suppress normal hormone secretions which leads to atrophy of the ovary, thus causing the problem it is supposedly curing.

Drugs which have some of the effects of the estrogens in our bodies. They also cause many effects which the body estrogens do not. Some estrogen-like drugs are manufactured from coal tar. Others are extracts from animal glands and urine, and Mexican (wild) yam.

Female ejaculation is an expulsion of fluid from from the glands on the side of the urethra during or before an orgasm. The glands are called Skene’s peri-urethral glands, also referred to as the female prostate.

Mucus secretion from the cervix which generally occurs around the time of ovulation. It is alkaline and stretchy like egg whites. Fertile mucus helps propel sperm into the uterus.

The union of sperm and egg. Fertilization most often occurs in the lower third of the egg tube.

A developing human from three months to birth.

An oral drug which is commonly given to kill trichomonas infection. It has many other effects, including lowering the white blood cell count (making the body less resistant to infection), occasional nausea, headaches, and diarrhea which are aggravated by drinking alcohol. Flagyl has caused cancer in rats.

A small, round sac. In the ovary, each egg is contained in a follicle.

An unusually large accumulation of fluid within an ovarian follicle.

1. A tong-like instrument, usually metal, that is used during medical procedures to stabilize tissue or to pick up other instruments.
2. An instrument used to pull a baby out of the uterus or vaginal canal during birth.

In the vagina, the upper part of the vaginal walls surrounding the cervix.

The thin elastic skin below the clitoral opening and above the perineum.

The place where the underside of the clitoris and the inner lips (labia minora) meet.

A sexist term applied to women who do not have orgasms during coitus, or who have a lack of sexual desire. The medical profession considers this a problem that the woman has (“probably of psychic origin”) that she needs to seek either medical or psychological help to correct.

The top part of the uterus.

Any substance that destroys fungus.

A sexually transmitted (venereal) disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrheae. It is transmitted from a person carrying gonorrhea when one mucous membrane comes into contact with another mucous membrane, or when a warm, moist part of the body comes into contact with that of another. If untreated it can cause sever infection and sterility. 50 to 80% of women infected with gonorrhea do not notice any discomfort for the first few weeks or even months of the disease. Signs of gonorrhea are a cervical discharge of green or yellow-green pus that is irritating to the clitoris. Some women feel a burning on urination or have a swelling of the meatus. A mushroom-like odor may be present. A continuous low back pain or vague pain in the lower abdomen are other signs.

Bacteria are identified by whether they stain pink or purple after being subjected to a certain dye and then exposed to alcohol. Gram-negative bacteria stain pink and Gram-positive bacteria stain purple.

See Gram negative.

Bacteria are stained with solutions of crystal violet iodine, then exposed to alcohol. Gram-positive bacteria turn pink. This test is used to identify the bacteria that cause gonorrhea.

Someone who uses herbs for the prevention or treatment of conditions that might otherwise be treated with surgery or standard drugs.

A viral disease that causes the skin to erupt in recurring blisters most commonly on the genitals and mouth. Herpes can be spread by contact with a herpes blister of any mucous membrane of open sore of cut.

A term coined by feminists to refer to the history of women or to a woman’s health background.

An assumption that someone is heterosexual, usually based on the judgement that heterosexuality is the only normal and desirable sexual orientation. This attitude is common in most health professionals, who assume that a woman is relating sexually to men.

The larger external folds of the vulva, surrounding the opening of your vagina.

The smaller inner folds of the vulva, eternal to and surrounding your vagina.

Rod shaped bacteria found in milk products, the intestinal tract, feces and saliva. When lactobacillus acidophilus is introduced into the vagina it can decrease yeast overgrowth.

A disease or condition (usually cancerous growths) which is expected to become progressively worse and result in death if not treated successfully.

In legal terms, negligent, improper or illegal medical treatment due to ignorance, carelessness, or intent which leads to injury. Many types of widespread, accepted practices, such as routine prescribing of estrogen replacement therapy are negligent, ill-informed, careless, and lead to injury. However, physicians frequently defend themselves on the grounds that a practice is generally accepted in the medical community.

The breasts.

A controversial method of photographing the breast by using x-rays. The procedure is intended to reveal or confirm breast lumps. The routing use of mammography is now only recommended for women over the age of 50 or for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

A surgical technique used to make a permanent opening in the wall of a cyst in order to drain it and prevent new cysts from forming.

Removal of breast tissue. A segmental mastectomy removes part of the breast. A simple mastectomy removes the whole breast. A radical mastectomy removes the entire breast, lymph nodes, fat and underlying muscles of the chest wall, and sometimes the surrounding skin. Radical mastectomies are still common despite the fact that there is no evidence that the more disabling surgeries produce a higher cure rate than less disabling ones.

Inflammation of the mammary gland (breast) sometimes accompanied by cysts. Sometimes mastitis is misdiagnosed for common breast cysts.

The act of stimulating one’s own body, especially the genitals, for sexual pleasure. Masturbating to orgasm can also be a method for alleviating menstrual cramps.

An indirect indicator of blood levels of estrogen based on the proportion of various types of vaginal epithelial cells found in a Pap smear. It is thought that there should be about 5% parabasal cells (newly formed cells), 15% of intermediate (older cells), and 80% superficial cells (dead cells) if the estrogen level is adequate. If higher proportions of parabasal cells (10%) are seen, it is assumed that less estrogen is being produced. This method is quite unreliable as the scraping may  not pick up a representative batch of cells.

A general term for an opening or passageway. Especially pertaining to the urethral opening which is a small v-shaped slit just above the clitoral opening to the vagina.

The Medicaid program in California.

*You can find information about your state’s Medicaid program here.

Government assistance to pay for medical costs for people judged to be “medically indigent,” that is, unable to pay for it themselves. This program varies from state to state.

Oral or written questions about what illnesses or health conditions a woman or her immediate family has had. It also includes information about menstrual periods and pregnancies.

The process of treating routing bodily functions such as sex, pregnancy or menstruation like illnesses that mus fall under the control of the medical profession.

See Ponstel & notes of caution.

Generally used to mean massive or larger than usual doses; however, it literally means multiplying a regular dose by a million.

A thin layer of tissue which either covers an organ or structure, separates body parts, or lines a cavity.

The first period a woman has.

The time in a woman’s life, usually in her forties or fifties, during which the menstrual pattern changes, ultimately resulting in the cessation of the menstrual activity. It is easier to judge retrospectively when menopause has occurred. Many symptoms of ill health are incorrectly attributed to menopause, however, only the hot flash and dry vagina seem to be linked to hormonal changes.

Heavy or long menstrual bleeding.

The menstrual period or menstrual blood.

See vacuum aspiration.

A periodically recurring sequence of events which results in the release of an egg and approximately two weeks later, the beginning of menstrual bleeding. The 28 day menstrual cycle is a medical myth. Women’s cycles can be as short as 20 or 21 days or as long as several months or even longer.

Removal of the uterine contents by suction on or aout the first day of the menstrual period, done by women in self-help groups with a Del-em.

See vacuum aspiration.

See vacuum aspiration.

A sea sponge used to catch the menstrual flow. Although there is some controversy surrounding the use of sponges as an alternative to tampons, they have not been implicated in Toxic Shock Syndrome to the same stent that super absorbent tampons have. The advantages of sponges are that they are reusable and that they do not have mystery ingredients. The sponge can be prepared for use by steaming or boiling for a couple of minutes and by checking for bits of coral or undetected debris.

The periodic sloughing off of the uterine lining which flows through the cervical canal and out through the vagina. The amount of blood and clots can very considerably from a few teaspoonsful to about three-fourths of a cup full.

See Xylocaine.

The sum of chemical changes; the building up or destruction of cells which take place in the body.

The transformation of cells of adult tissue from one type to another. It is normal for the cells at the squamocolumnar junction to change at each menstrual cycle from columnar type to squamous type, so that over a period of years, the junction gradually recedes into the cervical canal.

The spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body. Researchers are beginning to think of cancer as a systemic disease which is spread through the lymph system. This may be why traditional treatments do not have higher cure rates.

See Flagyl.

Bleeding between periods.

Someone other than a physician who has experience or training to assist a woman through pregnancy, labor and birth.

The pill made only with a progesterone like drug. This pill was developed in an attempt to eliminate the dangerous effects that were attributed to the estrogen like drugs in combination pills. Mini pills are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as combination pills, but they have as many complications.

See vacuum aspiration.

A method of surgical sterilization of women. It is done by making a one to two inch incision in the lower abdomen, pulling the egg tubes up and out of the body and either cutting, cauterizing, clipping, or tying them. The advantage of this method is that there is a smaller incision. The disadvantage is that the surgeon cannot see what she of he is doing.

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable or capable of surviving outside the uterus.

Literally, middle pain. A sharp pain often felt low in the abdomen on one side or the other which is thought to be caused by ovulation.

See yeast condition.

See yeast condition.

The rounded pad of fatty tissue lying over your pubic bones. When you’re standing in front of a mirror naked, you can see it, covered by your pubic hair.

See pubic mound.

The number of sick people compared to a specific population. The morbidity rate is the number of cases of a disease in a certain time (usually a year) per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 people.

The number of deaths of one group of people, for example women taking the Pill, compared to the number of deaths in the total population in a given area or community.

The ability of sperm to propel themselves.

See Mucous membrane.

A thin layer of tissue lining the body cavities which comes into direct or indirect contact with the outside. Mucous membranes are kept moist by the secretions of mucus producing glands.

The liquid secreted by mucous membranes and glands consisting of mucin (a protein), white blood cells, organic salts,water and epithelial cells.

A method of birth control which depends on observing and interpreting changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. Around the time of ovulation, the mucus becomes slippery and stretchy like egg whites. This mucus, called fertile mucus, has a structure that facilitates the passage of sperm into the cervical canal and nourishes them. Women using this method abstain from coitus when they detect fertile mucus. Also called fertility detection or fertility awareness.

A woman who has had more than one child. Doctors commonly refer to women not by name, but as “that multip (or nullip) I saw today.”

Damage or death of the muscular tissue of the heart (myocardium) due to blockage of the blood supply to the area (infarct) which sometimes results in heart failure and death. This is often due to a blood clot.

Removal of a tumor (myoma).

The rounded pad of fatty tissue lying over your pubic bones. When you’re standing in front of a mirror naked, you can see it, covered by your pubic hair.

A disease or condition (usually cancerous growths) which is expected to become progressively worse and result in death if not treated successfully.

In legal terms, negligent, improper or illegal medical treatment due to ignorance, carelessness, or intent which leads to injury. Many types of widespread, accepted practices, such as routine prescribing of estrogen replacement therapy are negligent, ill-informed, careless, and lead to injury. However, physicians frequently defend themselves on the grounds that a practice is generally accepted in the medical community.

The breasts.

A controversial method of photographing the breast by using x-rays. The procedure is intended to reveal or confirm breast lumps. The routing use of mammography is now only recommended for women over the age of 50 or for women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.

A surgical technique used to make a permanent opening in the wall of a cyst in order to drain it and prevent new cysts from forming.

Removal of breast tissue. A segmental mastectomy removes part of the breast. A simple mastectomy removes the whole breast. A radical mastectomy removes the entire breast, lymph nodes, fat and underlying muscles of the chest wall, and sometimes the surrounding skin. Radical mastectomies are still common despite the fact that there is no evidence that the more disabling surgeries produce a higher cure rate than less disabling ones.

Inflammation of the mammary gland (breast) sometimes accompanied by cysts. Sometimes mastitis is misdiagnosed for common breast cysts.

The act of stimulating one’s own body, especially the genitals, for sexual pleasure. Masturbating to orgasm can also be a method for alleviating menstrual cramps.

An indirect indicator of blood levels of estrogen based on the proportion of various types of vaginal epithelial cells found in a Pap smear. It is thought that there should be about 5% parabasal cells (newly formed cells), 15% of intermediate (older cells), and 80% superficial cells (dead cells) if the estrogen level is adequate. If higher proportions of parabasal cells (10%) are seen, it is assumed that less estrogen is being produced. This method is quite unreliable as the scraping may  not pick up a representative batch of cells.

A general term for an opening or passageway. Especially pertaining to the urethral opening which is a small v-shaped slit just above the clitoral opening to the vagina.

The Medicaid program in California.

*You can find information about your state’s Medicaid program here.

Government assistance to pay for medical costs for people judged to be “medically indigent,” that is, unable to pay for it themselves. This program varies from state to state.

Oral or written questions about what illnesses or health conditions a woman or her immediate family has had. It also includes information about menstrual periods and pregnancies.

The process of treating routing bodily functions such as sex, pregnancy or menstruation like illnesses that mus fall under the control of the medical profession.

See Ponstel & notes of caution.

Generally used to mean massive or larger than usual doses; however, it literally means multiplying a regular dose by a million.

A thin layer of tissue which either covers an organ or structure, separates body parts, or lines a cavity.

The first period a woman has.

The time in a woman’s life, usually in her forties or fifties, during which the menstrual pattern changes, ultimately resulting in the cessation of the menstrual activity. It is easier to judge retrospectively when menopause has occurred. Many symptoms of ill health are incorrectly attributed to menopause, however, only the hot flash and dry vagina seem to be linked to hormonal changes.

Heavy or long menstrual bleeding.

The menstrual period or menstrual blood.

See vacuum aspiration.

A periodically recurring sequence of events which results in the release of an egg and approximately two weeks later, the beginning of menstrual bleeding. The 28 day menstrual cycle is a medical myth. Women’s cycles can be as short as 20 or 21 days or as long as several months or even longer.

Removal of the uterine contents by suction on or aout the first day of the menstrual period, done by women in self-help groups with a Del-em.

See vacuum aspiration.

See vacuum aspiration.

A sea sponge used to catch the menstrual flow. Although there is some controversy surrounding the use of sponges as an alternative to tampons, they have not been implicated in Toxic Shock Syndrome to the same stent that super absorbent tampons have. The advantages of sponges are that they are reusable and that they do not have mystery ingredients. The sponge can be prepared for use by steaming or boiling for a couple of minutes and by checking for bits of coral or undetected debris.

The periodic sloughing off of the uterine lining which flows through the cervical canal and out through the vagina. The amount of blood and clots can very considerably from a few teaspoonsful to about three-fourths of a cup full.

See Xylocaine.

The sum of chemical changes; the building up or destruction of cells which take place in the body.

The transformation of cells of adult tissue from one type to another. It is normal for the cells at the squamocolumnar junction to change at each menstrual cycle from columnar type to squamous type, so that over a period of years, the junction gradually recedes into the cervical canal.

The spread of cancer from its original site to other parts of the body. Researchers are beginning to think of cancer as a systemic disease which is spread through the lymph system. This may be why traditional treatments do not have higher cure rates.

See Flagyl.

Bleeding between periods.

Someone other than a physician who has experience or training to assist a woman through pregnancy, labor and birth.

The pill made only with a progesterone like drug. This pill was developed in an attempt to eliminate the dangerous effects that were attributed to the estrogen like drugs in combination pills. Mini pills are not as effective in preventing pregnancy as combination pills, but they have as many complications.

See vacuum aspiration.

A method of surgical sterilization of women. It is done by making a one to two inch incision in the lower abdomen, pulling the egg tubes up and out of the body and either cutting, cauterizing, clipping, or tying them. The advantage of this method is that there is a smaller incision. The disadvantage is that the surgeon cannot see what she of he is doing.

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable or capable of surviving outside the uterus.

Literally, middle pain. A sharp pain often felt low in the abdomen on one side or the other which is thought to be caused by ovulation.

See yeast condition.

See yeast condition.

The rounded pad of fatty tissue lying over your pubic bones. When you’re standing in front of a mirror naked, you can see it, covered by your pubic hair.

See pubic mound.

The number of sick people compared to a specific population. The morbidity rate is the number of cases of a disease in a certain time (usually a year) per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 people.

The number of deaths of one group of people, for example women taking the Pill, compared to the number of deaths in the total population in a given area or community.

The ability of sperm to propel themselves.

See Mucous membrane.

A thin layer of tissue lining the body cavities which comes into direct or indirect contact with the outside. Mucous membranes are kept moist by the secretions of mucus producing glands.

The liquid secreted by mucous membranes and glands consisting of mucin (a protein), white blood cells, organic salts,water and epithelial cells.

A method of birth control which depends on observing and interpreting changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. Around the time of ovulation, the mucus becomes slippery and stretchy like egg whites. This mucus, called fertile mucus, has a structure that facilitates the passage of sperm into the cervical canal and nourishes them. Women using this method abstain from coitus when they detect fertile mucus. Also called fertility detection or fertility awareness.

A woman who has had more than one child. Doctors commonly refer to women not by name, but as “that multip (or nullip) I saw today.”

Damage or death of the muscular tissue of the heart (myocardium) due to blockage of the blood supply to the area (infarct) which sometimes results in heart failure and death. This is often due to a blood clot.

Removal of a tumor (myoma).

Release of ova (egg) from your ovaries.

A screening for cancer of the cervix. Samples of cells from the face of the cervix, the os and the vagina are smeared on a microscope slide for examination to determine whether they have any unusual characteristics that might indicate cancer.

The symbol which represents the hydrogen-ion concentration. On a scale of 1-14, a pH above 7 represents alkalinity, and a pH below 7 represents acidity.

Hormone like drugs generally taken to prevent pregnancy that have a variety of effects on the body which can vary from minor to life threatening. The effects include nausea, fatigue, depression, mood changes, lowered sexual drive, acne, oily scalp or other complexion problems, gum inflammation, diarrhea, weight gain, weight loss, breast fullness or tenderness, increased appetite, loss of hair, uterine cramps, inability to wear contact lenses, mask of pregnancy (skin darkness on upper lip, under eyes and on forehead), fluid retention, bloated felling bladder infections, yeast conditions, increased vaginal secretions, dry vagina, breakthrough bleeding or spotting, missed periods, leg cramping, headaches, blurring of vision or dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, increased susceptibility to gonorrhea, diabetes, blood clotting, premature menopause, permanent sterility and thromboembolic disease.

A drug used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain for periods of no more than one week. This drug has been used for the relief of menstrual cramps. Caution: this experimental drug has many ill side effects.

A steroid hormone released by your corpus luteum (hormone secreting structure in your ovaries) that stimulates your uterus to prepare for pregnancy.

Fatty-acid substances found in most tissues and cells of the body, especially in the genital and reproductive cells, which affect the cardiovascular, muscular and nervous systems.

A pad of fatty tissue overlying the pubic bone, covered with pubic hair.

Soft, bony tissue (cartilage) as much as an inch wide, where the two sides of the hip bones meet under the pubic mound.

A cord-like ligament attached to the uterus in front of the egg tubes. It extends to the outer lips.

An induced miscarriage in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus through a hollow needle and three to four cups of sterile saline solution (salt water) are replaced. The salt water kills the fetus and stimulated the uterus to contract to expel it.

Sweat glands that produce sweat of a distinctive odor, mostly found in the armpits, breast, anal and genital area. The glands secrete more under conditions of fear and excitement.

Cells from a secretion or discharge placed on a glass slide for examination under a microscope.

An instrument, usually metal or plastic, which is inserted into a body opening in order yo look at a cavity’s walls and contents. Vaginal speculums are used to see the vagina and cervix. In ancient times, speculum also meant body of knowledge or mirror.

The rim where the lining of the cervical canal (made up of column shaped cells) meets the flat cells of the fave of the cervix. If the column shaped squamous cells grow outside of the cervical canal, they form a visible red circle around the os.

A group of drugs which inhibit the growth of bacteria. some people have severe allergic reactions to sulfa drugs. Kidney disease is a contraindication. Also, 10 to 14% of the Black population have a lower than usual level of an enzyme called G6PD and can develop hemolytic anemia from the use of sulfa drugs.

A ligament that attaches the shaft of the clitoris or penis to the pubic symphysis.

A sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochete bacteria,Treponema pallidum. Between 10 days and three months after sexual contact with an infected person, the primary sore of syphilis, called the chancre, appears at the spot the bacteria invaded the body, usually the cervix, the vagina, the inner lips, the shaft and glans or the urinary meatus. This chancre does not cause pain, so unless a woman does vaginal self examination, she may not see it. Whether treated or not, the chancre goes away in one to five weeks. About six weeks after the chancre appears the secondary phase is marked by an all over skin rash. A general feeling of ill health may be present. These symptoms clear up in two to six weeks. The person is still infectious to other people for a year, and a pregnant woman can infect her unborn child. The disease remains in a hidden state. About one-third of the people who are untreated develop the complications of late syphilis, causing heart disease, paralysis or insanity.

A serious illness in which blood clots form and block arteries, either totally or partially. This disease is one of the most disastrous effects of the pill.

The inflammation of a vein frequently preceding the formation of a blood clot.

A blood clot formed in the heart or blood vessels.

A yeast condition in the mouth or throat. Thrush is most commonly transmitted during childbirth when a baby passes through the vaginal canal, but it can be transmitted between adults during oral sex as well.

A gland located in the upper body above the heart which is important in the development of immunity an newborn children.

A gland in the neck which secretes hormones which are vital to growth, development and normal functioning. The thyroid gland needs inorganic iodine in the diet to function normally.

Poisonous.

A serious and sometimes fatal disease which has recently been associated with the use of super absorbent  tampons. Although the cause is not known, TSS is believe to result when staph aureus, a common inhabitant of skin and mucous membranes, gets into the blood stream. The most common symptoms of TSS are a sudden high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and a sunburn like rash.

A system of organs or body parts which together form a tubular structure and serve a particular purpose. For example, the reproductive or urinary tract.

Something that can reduce tension or anxiety. Tranquilizing drugs may or may not be effective in reducing tension or stress, depending on a person’s receptivity to the drug.

A method used in confirming the presence and size of breast lumps by shining a very strong light through the breast.

An injury, shock or stress which is sudden and severe.

An infection caused by microscopic, single-celled parasites which live in the vaginal canal. Typically, trichomonas causes a greenish or yellowish discharge which has a strong, unpleasant odor, which has been variously described as “fishy”, “acrid” or “swampy”.

A period of three months, generally used by physicians to describe a phase of pregnancy.

Surgically blocking the egg tubes to prevent the union of sperm and egg.

A fertilized egg that implants outside of the uterus, usually in the egg tubes, but implantation can occur in the abdomen, or rarely, on the ovary. Usually, the pregnancy has to be removed surgically by about the eighth or ninth week.

Surgical repair of the egg tubes.

A mass that is formed by the excessive multiplication of cells that can be cancerous or benign. A benign tumor is non-cancerous. Depending on its size, it can be dangerous or interfere with body functions.

The cord which extends from the navel of a fetus in the mother’s placenta. The fetus receives blood, oxygen, nutrients, and eliminates wast through the umbilical cord until it is born.

Two tubes which carry urine from each kidney to the bladder.

Canal which transports urine from the bladder to a small opening (meatus) located in women between the inner lips, below the clitoral glans and above the clitoral opening to the vagina.

A thickening of the vaginal walls including a network of veins and the urethral sponge that looks like a large (one and a half inches wide) ridge along the roof of the vagina extending for a depth of approximately two inches.

The protrusion of the urethra into the vaginal wall, usually due to a weakening or a tear in the vaginal muscles. Also, a thickening of the connective tissue around the urethra.

A lab test used to detect urinary tract infections and certain diseases, as well as to study functions of the body.

Lack of sphincter muscle control of urination which sometimes leads to escape of a small amount of urine during sudden movements, laughter, sneezing or orgasm.

Organs and ducts that work to eliminate urine from the body including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

An inflammation or infection in the bladder which can sometimes spread to the kidneys. The cause can be stress, sexual activity or improper wiping after a bowel movement. For some women, the location of the urethra makes them more prone to frequent infections. The infection can be caused by a number of different kinds of bacteria.

A preliminary screening test using a color coded stick to indicate the presence of certain factors such as acidity or various substances such as sugar, blood or ketones.

A test used to determine the presence of the pregnancy hormone in the urine. The test is accurate for most women about 41 days from the first day of the last normal menstrual period, or about two weeks after a period has been missed.

The muscles that form a platform for the clitoris. The vagina and the urethra pass through it.

In reference to birth control, use effectiveness measures how well a method works in actual practice by finding out how many women get pregnant while using that method for a specific period of time.

An injection of a substance into the uterus in order to cause an abortion. See prostaglandin and saline abortion.

See round ligament, broad ligament and suspensory ligament.

An examination in which two fingers of one hand are inserted into the vagina to touch the cervix, and the abdomen is pressed just above the pubic hair line with the other hand. The objective is to feel the normal size and position of the uterus. The egg tubes and ovaries can be checked at the same time.

A muscular, hollow, pear shaped organ with an inner mucous membrane lining, the endometrium. The uterus lies in the middle of the pelvis, supported by several ligaments and has three parts: the cervix, the main body and the fundus. The uterus undergoes changes in the sexual response cycle; the endometrium goes through monthly cyclic changes throughout a woman’s life; and during the pregnancy, the uterus buses the fetus.

See Venereal disease.

A blood test which screens for syphilis. Named for the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory where the test was developed.

Removal, by suction, of the contents of the uterus for purposes of diagnosis, treatment, or abortion. It is done by dilating the cervical os and inserting a cannula which is attached to a suctioning device, usually a hand pump or vacuum aspirator machine.

The very elastic canal with a mucous membrane lining whcih extends from the cervix to the clitoris. The vaginal walls usually touch each other, but can be greatly expanded, especially during childbirth. also called the birth canal.

The removal of the uterus through an incision in the back of the vagina by the cervix via surgical or robotic procedure.

See smear.

Surgical removal of the vagina.

Strong, involuntary and usually painful spasms of the muscles of the clitoris at the clitoral opening. The causes of this condition can be either mental (psychosomatic) or physical (physiologic). Physicians often misdiagnose other conditions as vaginismus when the cannot determine why a woman has painful coitus.

Inflammation of the vagina which can be accompanied by pain, itching, burning or discharge.

A sulfa drug used in the treatment of vulvovaginitis when the cause is unknown. Available as cream or suppositories. See sulfa drugs for cautions.

A major nerve that originates in the brain and affects movement of some of the internal organs (motor function). This nerve branches to many areas of the body, including the heart, stomach and other organs of the chest and abdominal cavities.

A drug used to relieve anxiety and tension and acute symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. After extended use of Valium, people have experienced severe withdrawal symptoms when they stopped using it. There is evidence that using Valium in the first three months of pregnancy may increase risk of fetal abnormalities.

Enlarged, twisted veins which can become swollen and painful, caused by interference with the drainage of a vein or by a weakened vein wall. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly occur in the lower part particularly the legs.

The tube carrying sperm from the testicles to the seminal vesicles where it is stored before ejaculation.

Engorged with blood.

The expansion of blood vessels to increase the blood supply to a particular part of the body.

Outward changes, such as a flush or a pallor, caused by the contraction of dilation of blood vessels, which is in turn caused by a stimulus to nerves which control the muscular walls of the blood vessels. This is what occurs in a hot flash.

See Anti-diuretic hormone.

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) most often syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes or trichomonas.

Pockets in the uterine lining where blood accumulates just before menstruation begins. These pockets burst, contributing blood and dead cells to the menstrual flow.

Literally, “network of the veins” which carry blood away from the clitoris.

The pooling of blood in a particular part of the body because of incomplete drainage.

A blood clot lodged in a vein. See thromboembolic disease.

An unpleasant feeling of movement caused by the disturbance of the sense of balance. Dizziness.

A small fluid-filled sac or blister.

As a woman walks, stands or sits, the inner lips of the clitoris are pressed against each other, making the clitoral opening to the vagina about an inch or so receded from the outside. When the legs are open, as in an examination, the lips part and their sides form the walls of a valley; gynecologists have dubbed this valley the “vestibule”, meaning the outer chamber. Actually, this indentation only exists in this position. During sexual excitement, the lips and the underlying clitoral bulbs swell, making the clitoral opening of the vagina seem even more recessed.

Capable of surviving independently.

A sexist term usually used to describe a woman who has not had coitus.

A microorganism smaller than bacteria which is parasitic and depends on nutrients inside body cells where it lives and reproduces. Its presence and reproduction in the body can produce severe diseases.

Measurements of essential body functions: temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

A chemical substance that is essential for aiding and regulating metabolism, growth and overall health. Vitamins are present in food and also are manufactured as food supplements. They are easily destroyed by heat, light, aging, air, strong acids and alkaline substances.

Surgical removal of all or most of the vulva, including outer clitoral structures.

Inflammation of the vulva

See yeast condition.

A pair of mucus-secreting glands, each approximately the size and shape of a lima bean with openings located at the lower part of the inner lips.

A test which is used to identify syphilis. Newer tests, such as the RPR and VDRL tests, have mostly replaced it.

Removal of a wedge-shaped section of each ovary. The goal of this procedure is to stimulate ovulation.

Routine services such as birth control, abortion, pap smears, venereal disease screening, treatment for vaginal infections and prenatal care. Many of the service can be provided by nurse practitioners, physicians’ assistants, midwives or lay health workers.

Microscope slide prepared from a vaginal smear and mixed with certain solutions such as saline. If a woman thinks she has a vaginal infection, a wet mount is made to look for organisms such as yeast, bacteria or trichomonads.

Colorless cells of the blood, There are different kinds of white blood cells with different functions and sizes most of which help to combat infection (by ingesting particles) or to repair injuries.

An old corpus luteum which shrinks back into the ovary.

A method of birth control in which the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. This method has an 80% to 90% effectiveness.

At the end of one cycle of the Pill, withdrawal bleeding occurs when there is no hormone-like drug present, resulting in the sloughing off of whatever uterine lining is present. This mimics the real menstrual period.

Clinics that offer health care primarily for women and are owned, operated and controlled by a group of women. The group determines the policies of the clinic as well as what type of health care is delivered.

A calculation used to help measure the effectiveness of a birth control method. Obtained by multiplying the length of time a study takes in years by the number of women participating in the study. For instance, testing a method on two women for one year would equal two women years.

A form of electromagnetic radiation that photographs the internal structures of the body and can be used to diagnose. X-rays (radiation) are also used to treat disease, particularly cancer.

A photoelectric method of x-raying a woman’s breasts to detect cysts or tumors.

An anesthetic. A para-aminobenzoic acid derivative used for spinals and local anesthetic. Available as a jelly, ointment, suppositories, and solution for injection.

An overgrowth of fungus normally present in the vagina and rectum which can cause discomfort in the vagina and on the clitoris and vulva. Also called monilia, moniliasis, or candida albicans.

A fermented, semisolid milk product which has become a standard home remedy for yeast conditions in the vagina. Plain, unpasteurized yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus bulgaricus is the most effective kind to use.

A fertilized egg.