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“Candida Albicans” Definition:
A common, budding, yeast like, microscopic
fungal organism normally present in the mucous membranes of the mouth,
intestinal tract,
vagina and on the skin of
healthy people.
"Candidiasis"
Definition:
A fungi-like outbreak that is caused by Candida Albicans. It cause
infections, rashes, and general discomfort. Its main characteristic being
vaginal thrush.
“Castration” Definition:
The surgical excision of one or both testes or ovaries.
In females, ovaries are removed. In males, testes are removed. The
uterus,
scrotum,
abdomen and external genitalia are left intact. Castration is performed most
frequently to lower the production and secretion of certain hormones that
may stimulate the continued growth of malignant cells in females from breast
cancer and in males from cancer of the prostate.
“Celibacy”
Definition: A life-style in which
there is an absence of sexual activity.
“Celibate”
Definition: A human
being who is not sexually active with another person.
“Cephalic
Presentation” Definition:
The head-first position of the baby at birth.
From a safety stand point; this is the most desirable position for delivery,
especially when the top of the head comes through the vaginal canal first.
“Cervical
Cap” Definition:
A
birth control
device that fits snugly over the cervix like
a thimble. It is held in place at least partially by suction, and works by
blocking the passage of
sperm
into the uterus. A
spermicide
is placed inside the cap before insertion, so there is a chemical action as
well as the
barrier method
working to protect
against a pregnancy. The cap should be placed on the cervix prior to
intercourse and must be left in place for at
least eight hours after intercourse. It can be left in place for up to three
days, continuing to provide
contraceptive
protection throughout this period.
“Cervical
Dilation” Definition:
The widening of the neck of the uterus, which usually occurs during the labor process. When the
spread of the cervix has reached 10
centimeters (about the width of a hand), it indicates that delivery will
soon follow.
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“Cervical Erosion”
Definition:
The wearing
away of some of the cells on the surface of the
cervix so that the raw surface shows small areas resembling sores.
This condition can be caused by bacterial infection, yeast,
trichomoniasis or continual inflammation of the cervix from chemicals in
vaginal deodorant sprays, or even from bruising the cervical tissue by
improper tampon insertion.
“Cervical
Eversion” Definition:
A condition in which tissue that ordinarily
belongs further up inside the cervical canal appears on the outer, vaginal
portion of the cervix. This tissue grows in a ring-like shape around the
cervical opening, and may produce a vaginal discharge or a bit of bleeding
between periods.
“Cervicitis” Definition:
An inflammation of the cervix. This condition
may be caused by many factors, including vaginal infections, sexually
transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or Chlamydia, or cervix problems
resulting from childbirth.
“Cervix”
Definition:
The narrow,
lower portion of the uterus that extends and opens into the
vagina.
“Cesarean
Section” Definition:
This is a surgical delivery method in which an
incision through the abdominal wall into the uterus, so the baby can be
lifted out.
“Chemical
castration” Definition:
The use of pills to reduce a man's sexual drive.
“Chadwicks’
sign” Definition:
An early sign of pregnancy where the
vulva, vaginal and cervical tissue becomes
bluish looking as compared to its usual pink color. This sign helps in the
early diagnosis of a pregnancy and is brought about by the congestion of
blood in the pelvic area.
“Chlamydia
trachomatis” Definition:
A type of microbe causing a
sexually transmitted disease (Chlamydia
infection) affecting the
vagina,
urethra,
cervix and/ or fallopian tubes. It develops slowly, frequently shows no
symptoms and can cause infertility. Usually combated with antibiotics,
Chlamydia must be treated in both sexual partners to avoid a ping-pong
effect of re-infection. Symptoms include lower abdominal, cramping
accompanied by some vaginal discharge, which may be yellowish in color and
malodorous.
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“Chloasma”
Definition: An irregular brownish
discoloration on the cheeks, forehead and nose that often appears during
pregnancy. These darker areas usually disappear or fade considerably after
childbirth. Chloasma is caused by the higher levels of
estrogen and
progesterone present during pregnancy.
“Chromosome”
Definition:
The microscopic
material in the cell nucleus that contains the genetic information governing
each person’s inherited characteristics.
“Circle,
safe sex” Definition:
A group of more than two persons who have all tested
negatively for STDs who agree to engage in sexual intercourse only with each
other and without the protection of condoms or other barriers.
“Circumcision” Definition:
The removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin
that surrounds the head, or glans, of the
penis.
"Clitoris"
Definition:
A hood located on the vagina’s upper part. It turns hard on when excited
rendering touch extremely pleasurable.
"Coitus"
Definition:
The intercourse itself.
"Coitus
Interrupted"
Definition:
The act of
retrieving (pull out) the penis shortly before ejaculation. Highly
inefficient method of preventing undesired pregnancy.
“Colostrum”
Definition: A fluid produced by the
breasts during the late stages of pregnancy. It is what the infant feeds on
for the first few days of breast feeding until the milk is ready for
suckling.
“Colposcopy” Definition:
Examination of the
vagina and/or the cervix with a
colposcope, a special type of magnifying instrument. This examination is
performed to locate and examine areas of possible abnormal tissue growth. “Colpotomy
or Culdoscopy” Definition:
This is a procedure in which a medical
instrument called a culdoscope is placed through a small incision in the
sides or back of the
vagina (posterior
vaginal fornix or lateral vaginal fornix) just behind the cervix in order to view the internal pelvic
organs. This is usually done to perform a tubal
ligation sterilization procedure. |
“Condom”
Definition:
a.k.a. preservative, it’s a rubberized cap that encapsulates the penis
therefore protecting it.
“Condyloma
Acuminatum” Definition:
A sexually transmitted infection caused by
certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that produces warts that grow
on the urethra, or on the head or shaft of the penis, vulva, vagina, cervix
or perianally. This virus is highly contagious and can infect a sexual
partner even though no symptoms are visible.
“Conization
or Cone Biopsy” Definition:
This is a surgical procedure in which a
cone-shaped piece of the cervix is removed either as a diagnostic step or as
a form of treatment for cervical tissue abnormalities such as cancer.
"Conception"
Definition:
The very moment of fecundation.
“Contraception” Definition:
The intentional prevention of pregnancy.
"Contraceptives
(pill)"
Definition:
A method that averts undesirable pregnancy and
STDs.
“Carnal
Knowledge” Definition:
The act of illegal sexual
intercourse.
“Contraceptive Sponge” Definition:
A contraceptive device that can be purchased
without a prescription at a pharmacy or market.
“Corona”
Definition: The rim surrounding the
back part of the head, or the glans, of the penis.
“Corpus
Luteum” Definition:
Literally “yellow body,” this is the empty
follicle that forms on the ovary after ovulation and produces the hormone
progesterone.
“Cowper’s
Glands” Definition:
Glands found on each side of the urethra in
men, just below the prostate gland. During sexual arousal, before
ejaculation, these tiny glands secrete a small amount of fluid into the
urethra that appears on the tip of the
penis.
“Cryosurgery” Definition:
A medical procedure, usually performed in a
doctor’s office without an anesthetic, in which intense cold is used to
destroy abnormal tissue and allow new, healthy tissue to grow.
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“Cybersex”
Definition: A virtual sex over the Internet.
“Cystitis” Definition:
A common inflammation of the bladder or
urethra in women or men caused by an infection or irritation which may be
quite painful.
“Culdocentesis” Definition:
A diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted through the vagina wall
into the pelvic cavity to determine whether blood is present. If a woman has
a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, blood will collect behind the uterus. Quick
and reliable diagnosis of this condition can be made using culdocentesis.
“Cervical
Mucous” Definition:
The secretion of the glands of the cervix. The
viscous, slippery character of the secretion changes with the phases of the
menstrual cycle.
“Consensual extramarital sex”
Definition: Are sexual experiences
engaged in by a married person with the consent and agreement of the spouse.
“Cock
Ring” Definition:
A rubber or leather cock ring put on the penis
during sex to help prolong the sexual experience by restricting blood flow
out of the penis.
“Cryobank
or Sperm bank” Definition:
Is a facility that collects and stores human
sperm from sperm donors, primarily for the purposes artificial insemination.
“Cunnilingus” Definition:
Mouth contact with the female genitals.
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