fertility
a person's ability to reproduce
contraception (birth control)
Methods of preventing conception.
conception
The fertilization of an ovum by a sperm.
perfect-use failure rate
The number of pregnancies (per 100 users) that are likely to occur in the first year of use of a particular birth control method if the method is used consistently and correctly.
typical-use failure rate
The number of pregnancies (per 100 users) that are likely to occur in the first year of use of a particular birth control method if the method's use is not consistent or always correct.
barrier methods
Contraceptive methods that block the meeting of egg and sperm by means of a physical barrier (such as condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap), a chemical barrier (such as spermicide), or both.
hormonal methods
Contraceptive methods that introduce synthetic hormones into the woman's system to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Infections transmitted through some form of intimate, usually sexual, contact.
male condom
A single-use sheath of thin latex or other material designed to fit over an erect penis and to catch semen upon ejaculation.
spermicide
A chemical used to destroy sperm
female condom
A single-use polyurethane sheath for internal use during vaginal or anal intercourse to catch semen on ejaculation.
diaphragm
A latex, cup-shaped device designed to cover the cervix and block access to the uterus; should always be used with spermicide.
cervical cap
A small cup made of latex or silicone that is designed to fit snugly over the entire cervix.
toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
A potentially life-threatening disease that occurs when specific bacterial toxins multiply and spread to the bloodstream, most commonly through improper use of tampons, diaphragms, or cervical caps.
today sponge
A contraceptive device, made of polyurethane foam and containing nonoxynol-9, that fits over the cervix to create a barrier against sperm.
oral contraceptives
Pills containing synthetic hormones that prevent ovulation by regulating hormones.
ortho evra
A patch that releases hormones similar to those in oral contraceptives; each patch is worn for 1 week.
NuvaRing
A soft, flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones, preventing pregnancy.
Depo-Provera
An injectable method of birth control that lasts for 3 months.
intrauterine device (IUD)
A device, often T-shaped, that is implanted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)
Drugs taken within 3 days after unprotected intercourse to prevent fertilization or implantation.
withdrawal
A series of temporary physical and biopsychosocial symptoms that occurs when an addict abruptly abstains from an addictive chemical or behavior.
fertility awareness methods (FAMs)
Several types of birth control that require alteration of sexual behavior rather than chemical or physical intervention in the reproductive process.
sterilization
Permanent fertility control achieved through surgical procedures.
tubal ligation
Sterilization of the woman that involves the cutting and tying off or cauterizing of the fallopian tubes.
hysterectomy
Surgical removal of the uterus.
vasectomy
Sterilization of the man that involves the cutting and tying off of both vasa deferentia.
Abortion
The termination of a pregnancy by expulsion or removal of an embryo or fetus from the uterus.
suction curettage
An abortion technique that uses gentle suction to remove fetal tissue from the uterus.
dilation and evacuation (D&E)
An abortion technique that uses a combination of instruments and vacuum aspiration; fetal tissue is both sucked and scraped out of the uterus.
induction abortion
An abortion technique in which chemicals are injected into the uterus through the uterine wall; labor begins, and the woman delivers a dead fetus.
hysterotomy
The surgical removal of the fetus from the uterus.
intact dilation and extraction (D&X)
A late-term abortion procedure in which the body of the fetus is extracted up to the head and then the contents of the cranium are aspirated.
medical abortion
The termination of a pregnancy during its first 9 weeks using hormonal medications that cause the embryo to be expelled from the uterus.
preconception care
Medical care received prior to becoming pregnant that helps a woman assess and address potential maternal health issues.
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
Hormone detectable in blood or urine samples of a mother within the first few weeks of pregnancy.
trimester
A 3-month segment of pregnancy; used to describe specific developmental changes that occur in the embryo or fetus.
embryo
The fertilized egg from conception until the end of 2 months' development.
Fetus
The word for a developing baby from the third month of pregnancy until birth.
placenta
The network of blood vessels connected to the umbilical cord that carries nutrients, oxygen, and wastes between the developing infant and the mother.
teratogenic
Causing birth defects; may refer to drugs, environmental chemicals, X rays, or diseases.
fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
A disorder involving physical and mental impairment that may affect the fetus when the mother consumes alcohol during pregnancy.
toxoplasmosis
A disease caused by an organism found in cat feces that, when contracted by a pregnant woman, may result in stillbirth or an infant with mental retardation or birth defects.
down syndrome
A genetic disorder characterized by mental retardation and a variety of physical abnormalities.
ultrasonography (ultrasound)
A common prenatal test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image of the fetus.
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
A prenatal test that involves snipping tissue from the fetal sac to be analyzed for genetic defects.
triple marker screen (TMS)
A maternal blood test that can be used to help identify fetuses with certain birth defects and genetic abnormalities.
amniocentesis
A medical test in which a small amount of fluid is drawn from the amniotic sac to test for Down syndrome and other genetic diseases.
amniotic sac
The protective pouch surrounding the fetus.
preeclampsia
A complication in pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and edema.
miscarriage
Loss of the fetus before it is viable; also called spontaneous abortion.
Rh factor
A blood protein related to the production of antibodies; if an Rh-negative mother is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus, the mother may manufacture antibodies that can kill the fetus, causing miscarriage.
ectopic pregnancy
Implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube; a medical emergency that can end in death from hemorrhage or peritonitis.
stillbirth
the birth of a dead baby
postpartum depression
Energy depletion, anxiety, mood swings, and depression that women may feel during the postpartum period.
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age for no apparent reason.
infertility
Inability to conceive after a year or more of trying.
endometriosis
A disorder in which uterine lining tissue establishes itself outside the uterus; the leading cause of infertility in women in the United States.
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Term used to describe various infections of the female reproductive tract.
low sperm count
A sperm count below 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen; the leading cause of infertility in men.
alternative insemination
Fertilization accomplished by depositing a partner's or a donor's semen into a woman's vagina via a thin tube; almost always done in a doctor's office.
in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Fertilization of an egg in a nutrient medium and subsequent transfer back to the mother's body.