For definitions of terms appearing throughout the Web site, please choose from the alphabetical list below.

Amenorrhea – Absence of menstruation.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 59}

Anemia – A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume. ^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 77}

Barrier Method – A contraceptive device, such as a condom or diaphragm, that works by physically preventing sperm from entering the female reproductive system.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 412}

Breakthrough Bleeding – Uterine bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods (sometimes known as intermenstrual bleeding).^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 942}

Cervical Cap – A barrier contraceptive that is a small, thin rubber or plastic dome shaped like a thimble that fits tightly over the cervix and stays in place by suction. A spermicidal agent should be placed inside the device for added protection against pregnancy. ^{2. Mishell, p. 902 (Cervical Cap); 55. FDA, p. 2}

Cervix – The narrow outer end of the uterus.^{23. The American Heritage Stedman’s Med. Dic, p. 144}

Condom (Male) – A sheath worn over a man’s penis during sexual intercourse to contain sperm and prevent pregnancy.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 405}

Condom (Female) – A strong, soft, polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end. It is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse and provides protection against pregnancy and some sexually transmitted diseases. The inner ring aids insertion and secures the device in place while the softer outer ring remains outside of the vagina.^{76. FC Female Condom Product Leaflet, p. 1}

Corpus Luteum – A yellow progesterone-secreting mass of cells that forms from a ruptured follicle following the release of an egg. ^{23. The American Heritage Stedman’s Med. Dic, p. 189}

Diaphragm – A molded rubber or soft plastic barrier contraceptive that is placed over the cervix prior to intercourse and works by blocking the entrance of sperm.^{4, Danforth, p. 509} A spermicidal agent should be placed inside the device for added protection against pregnancy.^{60. Ortho All-Flex PI, p. 1 (Indications)}

Dysmenorrhea – Painful menstruation.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 575}

Endometriosis – An often painful condition in which the endometrial tissue appears in various locations in the pelvic cavity outside of the uterus. ^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 614}

Endometrium – The glandular mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall.^{23. The American Heritage Stedman’s Med. Dic, p. 265}

Extended Cycle OC – An oral contraceptive designed to reduce the number of menstrual periods to 4 per year by increasing the number of weeks active hormones are taken.^{42. Nakajima, p. 32; 45. Seasonale PI, pg. 22}

Fallopian Tube – Either of a pair of slender tubes extending from each ovary to the sides of the uterus and through which an egg passes.^{23. The American Heritage Stedman’s Med. Dic, p. 295}

Follicle – A small sac in the ovary in which the egg develops.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 718}

Hormone – A substance produced by one tissue and carried by the bloodstream to another to affect an activity within the body. Hormones related to the menstrual cycle include estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).^{9, p 862; 8, p. 19, 21, 23, 24}

Hypomenorrhea – Regularly timed menses that have a decreased amount of bleeding.^{10. Berek, p. 159 A}

IUD (Intrauterine Device) – A small, T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus by a medical professional to prevent pregnancy.^{2. Mishell, p. 930}

Menarche – The establishment or beginning of menstruation.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1124}

Menopause – The cessation of menstruation, usually occurring around the age of 50. ^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1128}

Menorrhagia – Regularly timed episodes of heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. ^{10. Berek, p. 159 A}

Menstruation – The monthly discharge of blood and mucus from the uterus.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1128}

Metrorrhagia – Irregularly timed bleeding.^{10. Berek, p. 159 A} 

Oligomenorrhea – Infrequent, irregularly timed episodes of bleeding, usually occuring at intervals of more than 35 days.^{10. Berek, p. 159 A}

Ovaries – The two sexual glands that produce the egg.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1340}

Ovulation – The release of a mature egg from an ovary.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1342}

Periodic Abstinence – A method whereby couples must avoid unprotected vaginal intercourse during the most fertile period of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Also known as natural family planning, the calendar method, and fertility awareness.^{55. FDA, p. 2; 42. Nakajima, p. 141}

Polymenorrhea – Frequent but regularly timed periods that occur at intervals of 21 days or less.^{10. Berek, p. 159 A}

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – A severe form of PMS characterized by emotional and physical symptoms causing significant disturbances in relationships or social adaptation. ^{47. American Psychiatric Association, p. 715}

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – The cyclic occurrence of menstrual symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with some aspects of life. These symptoms occur consistently and predictably with each menstrual cycle.^{14. ACOG Practice Bulletin, p. 1}

Spermicide – Foams, creams, jellies, and suppositories placed into the vagina before sexual intercourse that work as a contraceptive by immobilizing or killing sperm on contact. ^{2. Mishell, p. 902 A}

Sponge – A barrier contraceptive method that is a single-sized device made of polyurethane that contains spermicide and can be purchased over-the-counter. It is placed high into the vagina covering the cervix.^{42. Nakajima, p. 137}

Sterilization – A surgical procedure in which an individual is made incapable of reproduction.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1760}

Tubal Ligation – A surgical procedure that involves cutting, tying, or blocking the fallopian tubes so eggs can’t travel to the uterus.^{55. FDA What kind of birth control is best for you?, p. 2B; 4. Danforth, p.556}

Uterus – A hollow muscular organ located in the pelvic cavity in which a fertilized egg implants and develops.^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 1995}

Vagina – The passage leading from the opening of the vaginal lips to the cervix of the uterus. ^{7. Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, p. 2001}

Vasectomy – A surgical procedure that involves tying, sealing, or cutting the tube through which sperm travel to the penis from the testicles.^{55. FDA What kind of birth control is best for you?, p. 2A}