A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Douching - The act of cleaning the vagina with a medicated solution or water.

Ectopic Pregnancy - A form of pregnancy when a fertilized egg does not make it to the uterus. An egg growing in any location outside the uterus is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. The majority of ectopic pregnancies involve the egg attaching to the wall of a fallopian tube.

Egg - The female sex cell. The egg is also referred to as the female gamete or ovum. Fertilization occurs when the sperm combines with the egg to form a zygote.

Ejaculate - The male release of sperm upon orgasm.

Emergency Contraception - A relatively new and controversial form of contraception where drugs or a physical device are used to prevent pregnancy after sex. The drugs are similar to birth control pills but generally contain a higher dose of hormones causing the woman to reject a fertilized egg. Physical emergency contraceptives are inserted by a doctor within a few days after intercourse. Physical emergency contraceptives are usually referred to as Intrauterine Devices or IUDs.

Estrogen - The female hormone manufactured by the ovaries.

Fertile - The ability to become pregnant and give birth to children.

Fertilization - The process of the sperm combining with the egg to form a zygote.

Genitals - Internal and external sex organs of both the male and female.

Genital Herpes - A sexually transmitted disease spread virally between male and female sex organ contact.

Gonorrhea - A bacterial sexually transmitted disease.

Herpes - A family of viruses spread through physical contact. Often herpes is spread through sexual intercourse.

HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus. Oftentimes the precursor to AIDS.

Hysterectomy - The surgical removal of the uterus. A hysterectomy sometimes involves the removal of the cervix as well. A cervical and uteral hysterectomy is referred to as a total hysterectomy. Removal of just the uterus is referred to as a subtotal hysterectomy.