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

Infertility - The inability or decreased ability to have children. Infertility, in professional circles, is often diagnosed after the inability to conceive children after a year of regular intercourse.

Intrauterine - Inside of the womb, or uterus. Extrauterine refers to outside the uterus.

Lubricant - A slippery substance used to relieve dryness in the vagina during sexual intercourse.

Melasma - A reddening or pigmentation of the face occurring during pregnancy. Melasma can also be caused by taking birth control pills.

Menstrual Cramps - A contraction of the uterus as it sheds the uterine walls, which are waste if the woman is not pregnant. Menstrual cramps cause pain in the lower abdomen in the first few days of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Menstrual Cycle - The shedding of the lining of the uterus, or endotmetrium. The cycle begins when an egg is prepared to be fertilized by a man's sperm to create a zygote. If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle begins with menstrual bleeding.

Minipill - A oral contraceptive containing only progestin. Unlike most other female oral contraceptives, minipills do not contain estrogen.

Miscarriage - A failed pregnancy where the fetus is expelled before being able to sustain life outside the womb or uterus.