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Glossary Terms

Abdomen The lower belly

Abstinence Refraining from sexual activity.

AIDS AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is not a disease but, rather, a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the presence of certain conditions (such as a CD4 cell count that falls below 200) or particular infections, called “opportunistic infections,” from a pre-defined list defined by the Centers for Disease Control. It is usually considered to be the “end stage” of HIV infection and is usually diagnosed an average of 10-15 years after initial infection.

Anal Sex Sexual contact which occurs when a penis is inserted into a person's anus

Antibiotics Medicine used to kill or stop the growth of bacteria

Antigen A substance that when introduced into the body causes your immune system to produce antibodies. Antigens include toxins, bacteria, foreign blood cells, fragments of a virus or bacteria.

Anus The external opening of the rectum, where bowel movements leave the body

Asymptomatic Without signs or symptoms of disease or illness.

Bacterium (PL. Bacteria) Single-celled microorganisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life). This small, living organism can enter the body and cause an infection or illness. Infections caused by bacteria can usually be cured with antibiotics. Some STDs caused by bacteria include gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia.

Cervix It is the lower, narrow part of the uterus which connects the uterus to the vagina

Chlamydia One of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which damage a woman's reproductive organs. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eye, or throat.

Condom (female) A long polyurethane sleeve with one closed end that fits inside the woman’s vagina. This is an effective contraceptive and also protects women from sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, when used consistently and correctly.

Condom (male) A barrier method of birth control. A sheath that covers the penis to prevent seminal fluid from entering the vaginal canal. Male condoms are typically made out of animal skin, latex, or polyurethane. It is a highly effective contraception, when used consistently and correctly, that offers significant protection against acquiring sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Cunnilingus oral stimulation of a woman’s vulva.

Fellatio ral stimulation of the penis and/or scrotum.

Genital Herpes An extremely prevalent sexually transmitted infection, causing the appearance of painful genital sores and sometimes affecting internal structures of the genitourinary system.

Genital Warts A sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus and manifested by warts around the genitalia and anus.

Gonorrhea the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorhoeae. It is an infection of the genitourinary tract in both men and women. If left untreated, Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.

Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses. The most common types of hepatitis in the U.S. are Hepatitis A, B, and C (also referred to as HAV, HBV, and HCV). There is also a Hepatitis D, E, and G virus. These are rarely talked about, mainly because they are not very common, nor well understood. Hepatitis D is considered to be a defective virus, incapable of activation by itself. HDV usually requires the presence of HBV in order to reproduce. Hepatitis E (HEV) is more like HAV, in that it is usually transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. Hepatitis G is not well understood but appears to be a variant of HCV. For most individuals with healthy immune systems, HGV tends to clear out within the first two years of infection.

Herpes Genital herpes is an infection of the genitals, buttocks, or anal area caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV.

HPV Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a type of retrovirus that is believed to cause AIDS.

Opportunistic Infections Infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system.

Pap Test (AKA Pap Smear) checks for changes in the cells of your cervix. The Pap test can tell if you have an infection, abnormal (unhealthy) cervical cells, or cervical cancer. The test involves your doctor inserting a special instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This helps open your vagina so the sample can be taken. Your doctor will gently clean your cervix with a cotton swab and then collect a sample of cells with a small brush, a tiny spatula or a cotton swab. This sample is put on a glass slide for microscopic examination in the lab.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Pelvic inflammatory disease is a general term for infection of the lining of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries. The majority of pelvic inflammatory disease cases are caused by the same bacteria that lead to sexually transmitted diseases, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. PID can damage the fallopian tubes and tissues in and near the uterus and ovaries. Untreated PID can lead to serious consequences including infertility, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the womb), abscess formation, and chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvis The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.

Scabies Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by a microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabei. This may be in the genital area as well as other parts of the body.

Syphilis A bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect almost all of the body’s major organ systems. Syphilis is sometimes called "the great imitator" because it has so many possible symptoms, and its symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases.

Trichomoniasis A common sexually transmitted disease that affects both women and men, although symptoms are more common in women. It is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.

Urethra The short passageway that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Uterus The hollow, muscular, pear-shaped organ in which a developing fetus grows. Also known as a woman’s womb.

Vagina The female organ that connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body. The vaginal opening is located directly beneath the opening of the urethra (where urine exits the body).

Vaginal Sex Sexual contact which occurs when a penis is inserted into the vagina

Virus Enters the body and can cause many common human infections or illnesses. Viruses usually cannot be cured. Some common viruses include HIV, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus (HPV)