Abstinence
Refraining from sexual relations; simply put, no sex.

acne
a breakout of pimples that commonly happens during puberty, but can continue into adulthood. Acne may appear on the face, neck, shoulders or back

adrenal gland
two small, triangular-shaped organs that sit on top of each kidney and produce hormones, including the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen.

AIDS
a disease caused by HIV, where opportunistic infections can take hold in the body and be fatal.

amenorrhea
absence of periods

amniotic fluid
the fluid that's in the uterus during a pregnancy and surrounds the growing fetus.

ampulla
the widest part of the fallopian tube where fertilization of the egg occurs.

analgesics
medications that relieve pain and are available at drug stores or by prescription

androgen
male hormones - like testosterone - that are produced in the testes in men, ovaries in women, and the adrenal glands in men and women. Excess androgens in women can cause irregular menstruation, acne and facial hair growth.

anemia
a decrease in the number and size of red blood cells. It can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness and headaches.

anorexia nervosa
an eating disorder in which the patient -usually a young woman-starves herself (and/or exercises excessively) in order to lose weight.

anus
the opening where bowel movements leave your body when you go to the bathroom. It is not part of the reproductive system.

biopsy
the removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis.

bladder
the sac-like structure that stores urine before it's released

breast buds
the beginning of breast development when breast tissue begins to grow and nipples become slightly raised.

bulimia
an eating disorder in which the patient eats an extreme amount of food (binges) and then makes herself throw up and/or uses laxatives to purge in order to not gain weight.

calcium
a metallic element essential for the normal development and functioning of the body. An important constituent of bone and teeth.

carbohydrates
"carbs" are a basic source of energy for the body. They are sugars and starches found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, dried beans and peas, and sugars.

Cervical canal-the birth canal
This is the passageway through which babies are born. The cervix, vagina and vulva (the external part of the vagina) make up the birth canal.

cervical cap
a contraceptive device that is applied to the cervix and prevents passage of the sperm into the reproductive tract.

cervix
the lower part of the uterus, sometimes called the "neck" of the uterus. It's located at the top of the vagina

chlamydia
a sexually transmitted infection caused by microscopic organisms called chlamydiae. It can damage the reproductive organs and result in pain and infertility.

cholesterol
fatty substances that circulate in the bloodstream. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are made from cholesterol. Too much cholesterol is associated with heart disease.

clitoris
A small, firm organ at the top of the vulva (under the labia minora). The clitoris is important for sexual pleasure in women.

cyst
a fluid-filled, sac-like structure.

D&C - dilation and curettage
a gynecological procedure in which the lining of the uterus is scraped out with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curet. Used to treat a variety of disorders, including excessive menstrual bleeding

diaphragm
a contraceptive device used in conjunction with spermicidal gel/cream that covers the cervix and acts as a barrier for sperm trying to enter the reproductive tract.

dilation
the widening of the cervix that is necessary to deliver a baby

diuretic
a medication that promotes increased outflow of urine. Used to treat hypertension and premenstrual fluid retention

dysmenorrhea
the medical name for painful periods, which can range from a dull pain in the back or abdomen to severe cramping

endometriosis
a condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus travel and grow in other parts of the body. During the menstrual cycle these cells engorge with blood and are shed, but cannot leave the body. Symptoms include sharp abdominal pains as well as menstrual cramps and painful sexual intercourse.

endometrium
the inner lining of the uterus - the part of the uterus that engorges with blood each month and is shed form the body during menstruation

endorphins
opium-like chemicals made in the brain. They may contribute to a person`s sense of well-being

estrogen
the female hormone that promotes specific functions like the maturation or the reproductive organs and female reproductive cells (ova), and the development of secondary sex characteristics that occur at puberty, e.g. breast development

fallopian tubes
the Fallopian tubes are the passageway from the ovaries to the uterus and are where the egg and sperm come together at fertilization

Feminine protection
The tools to help control the menstrual flow (your period). Common forms of protection available are pads, tampons and pantyliners.

fertilization
the union of the ovum (egg) and sperm.

fibroadenoma
a kind of lump in the breast that's an enlargement of a normal breast lobule.

fibroids
non-cancerous growths inside the wall of the uterus, symptoms include dull pain in the abdomen; swollen stomach; heavy and painful periods.

Flow
This describes the amount of blood that leaves your body during your period. On average, a woman passes about 4 tablespoons of blood during her period.

genital warts
bumps/warts caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a highly contagious condition that may appear externally on the vulva (labia) and vagina, and internally in the vagina and cervix. This may cause abnormal Pap test results, which are considered pre-cancerous

gestation
the length of a pregnancy.

gland
an organ that makes and secretes hormones.

gonorrhea
a sexually transmitted diseased caused by Gonococcus bacteria. Signs include a cloudy discharge from the vagina, lower abdominal pain and fever. It can be treated and cured with antibiotics. If not treated, it may cause tubal scarring (resulting in sterility) and pain.

gynecologist
a doctor who specializes in the health care of women with a focus on reproductive issues.

Heavy flow
Days of your period where the most blood is passed. Fortunately, you should only have one or two heavy flow days during your period. (Try Super or Super Plus absorbency tampons.)

herpes simplex virus - HSV
the virus that causes an infection that produces recurrent blisters and ulcers. In general, HSV I infects the mouth and HSV II is a genital infection and a sexually transmitted disease.

HIV
the human immuno-deficiency virus. A viral infection contracted through the exchange of bodily fluids most commonly during sexual intercourse, as well as anal and oral sex. It may be transferred to an unborn baby in utero

hormone
a chemical substance that regulates the activity of certain cells and/or organs; comes from the Greek word meaning "to set in motion." Hormones are made and secreted by glands.

hymen
a thin, delicate membrane (a membrane is like skin, but much thinner). It partially covers the opening of the vagina in most girls.

ibuprofen
an antiprostaglandin drug that is used to treat a wide variety of pain, including uterine cramping. It is sold under such brand names as Advil, Naprosyn, and Motrin.

IUD - IUD intrauterine device
a contraceptive device that is placed in the uterine cavity. It is thought to prevent fertilization or implantation.

labia majora
the large lips of the vulva that extend from the mons pubis down either side of the vulva

labia minora
the smaller, fleshy inner lips of the vulva that are closer to the vaginal opening than the labia majora

Light flow and medium flow
When your period tapers off. (For medium flow, use a tampon with Regular absorbency. Really light flow may require only a pantyliner.)

mammogram
a special x-ray of the breast used to screen for breast cancer.

Menarche
The fancy term for your first period.

menopause
the normal cessation (stopping) of the menstrual cycle, including the menstrual period. It occurs once all the eggs have been depleted in the ovaries.

menorrhagia
the medical name for periods that are unusually heavy or prolonged.

menses
the Latin word meaning month. It is another word for menstruation

menstruation
a period of about 3-7 days when a woman sheds the endometrial lining from the uterus. The body no longer needs this lining if fertilization doesn't take place.

Menstruation-your period
The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of your period and ends the first day of your next period. The cycle usually lasts about 28 days.

mons pubis
the fatty tissue that covers your pubic bone. (The pubic bone is at the top of your pubic area, between your legs.) After puberty, it is covered with pubic hair.

oligomenorrhea
infrequent or scanty periods.

ova
unfertilized egg cells (a single egg is called "ovum") that mature in the ovary and are released during ovulation

ovaries
two oval-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen on either side of the uterus that produce hormones and release eggs or ova.

Ovary
Together, the two ovaries contain all the eggs a woman will produce in her lifetime. There is one ovary on each side of the uterus. Once a month, ovulation occurs, which is when the egg matures and travels out of the ovary.

ovulation
the actual release of the matured egg from the ovary. It occurs 14 days prior to the onset of the next menstrual period.

Ovum
A mature egg cell. Once the egg is mature, it travels from the ovary through the fallopian tube to the uterus where, if unfertilized, it will be shed with the endometrium.

PAP smear or test
a test performed to detect pre-cancer or early cancer of the cervix. This is done by gently scraping and swabbing the cervix and its opening to obtain cervical cells. These cells are then placed on a microscopic slide and examined for abnormalities

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
an infection in the pelvic area (the lower abdomen, near your thighs). Symptoms include painful sexual intercourse; foul-smelling vaginal discharge; heavy and painful periods and fever

perineum
the area between the vagina and the anus.

period
the portion of the menstrual cycle when menstrual fluid (the endometrium) is shed.

pituitary gland
a small gland located at the base of the brain. It is known as the master gland because of the many hormones it secretes to control the function of other endocrine glands found throughout the body.

PMS - premenstrual syndrome
the symptoms that some girls and women get anywhere from 14 days to 3 days before the onset of their period. The symptoms may include headaches, backaches, food cravings, depression, moodiness, breast tenderness, bloated feeling or weight gain, pain in the joints, and general tiredness. These symptoms should quickly disappear once the period begins.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
A condition that some women get prior to their periods (usually a week to 10 days before). Some of the symptoms are temporary weight gain, cramps, bloating, backaches, headaches, breast tenderness, food cravings and feelings of irritability and sadness.

Progesterone
A type of hormone which tells the uterus to prepare for the ovum. It also triggers the mammary glands (located in the breasts) to produce milk when a woman is pregnant.

puberty
the period of life when a child matures reproductively. It is made up of a variety of physical, sexual, emotional, intellectual and psychological changes that take place between the ages of 8-16 in girls and 10-17 in boys.

pubic area
the area of the body that extends from the lower abdomen to the area between the legs.

serotonin
a neurotransmitter found naturally in the brain and intestines that sends messages throughout the body. Impaired serotonin activity has been linked to symptoms of anxiety, impulsiveness, aggression and increased appetite.

speculum
an instrument that is placed into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls apart when examining the cervix

STDs - Sexually Transmitted Diseases
any disease that can be spread from one person to another during sexual interaction (intercourse and/or other kinds of sexual activity).

syphilis
a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can lead to blindness, mental illness, cardiac disease and even death if it is not treated. It can be cured with antibiotic injections

testosterone
a hormone secreted by the testes in the male that stimulates the development of male secondary sex characteristics and is involved in sperm production. Women produce small amounts of this hormone

thyroid
a gland in the neck that helps control many body functions.

TSS - Toxic Shock Syndrome
a rare but serious disease caused by a toxin-producing strain of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus that is recognizable and treatable.

urethra
the small opening above the vaginal opening where urine leaves your body (although the urethra is near the reproductive system, it is not part of it).

urinary tract infection
also called a bladder infection or UTI, caused by bacteria entering the sterile environment in the urethra and/or bladder.

uterus
also commonly called "the womb" - a pear-shaped organ about the size of your fist, that can grow and stretch large enough to house a developing embryo and fetus.

vagina
also called the birth canal, a "potential" space about three to five inches long. The vagina is the entrance to the reproductive system, and where menstrual fluid moves out of the body. It is a flat passageway between the uterus and the outside of your body. The vagina can stretch to hold a tampon in place or stretch to allow the birth of a baby.

vaginal opening
the opening of the vagina. The vaginal opening is where menstrual blood and vaginal discharge leave the body and where the tampon is inserted.

vaginal secretion
a substance that is excreted from the vagina. Is sometimes referred to as vaginal discharge

yeast infection
a common vaginal disorder caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. It is characterized by a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge with intense vaginal itching or burning