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

Oral Contraceptive - A female form of birth control taken via the mouth. Oral contraceptives are generically referred to as birth control pills or simply as 'the pill'. Most birth control pills contain progesterone and estrogen. These hormones, when properly taken, stop the ovary from releasing the egg for fertilization.

Orgasm - Orgasm occurs at the climax of sexual intercourse. Orgasms are characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the sexual organs and a feeling of satisfaction or euphoria caused by the body releasing endorphins.

Ovary - One of two reproductive glands in a woman. The ovaries are located above the uterus at the top side of each fallopian tube. Ovaries produce hormones and, importantly, the egg. The ovaries produce a new egg every month.

Ovulation - Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. When this occurs the egg breaks free from its protective covering due to a hormonal signal from the ovaries. Ovulation generally happens fourteen to fifteen days after the woman's menstrual cycle has begun.

Ovum - The egg in an ovary. Also referred to as the gamete or female sex cell. The ovum is fertilized to form a zygote by a man's sperm.

Penis - The male sexual organ. The penis ejaculates sperm into the vagina during sexual intercourse allowing for conception. The penis is also used for delivery of urine outside of the body.

Plan B - Plan B is a brand name progestin emergency contraceptive,

Pregnancy - The process of allowing a fetus to grow inside of the uterus. Pregnancy generally lasts for about nine months divided into three trimesters.

Progesterone - A female progestinal hormone created by the corpus luteum in the ovary and placenta. Progesterone prepares the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, for the reception of the fertilized egg. There are multiple synthetic versions of progesterone.

Progestin - Steroidal hormones that imitate the effect of progesterone.

Reproduction - Having children.

Rhythm Method - A type of birth control that requires a person to abstain from sexual intercourse at certain intervals determined by a woman's menstrual cycle.