B

barrier methods of contraception prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Some, but not all barrier methods provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The different types of barrier methods of contraception include:

• the diaphragm
• cervical cap
• male condom
• female condom

C

cancer of the very lower portion of the uterus which serves as the passageway between the vagina and the uterus or womb.

D

a new synthetic progestogen, representing a new category of progestogens with unique properties, e.g. it assists the body in counteracting an increase in water retention.

E

hormones that play an important role in reproduction and in the female cycle and aid the development of female secondary sex traits (such as breast development). Human estrogens are produced primarily in the ovaries in women.

the synthetic estrogen mostly used in oral contraceptives.

F

the tube that extends from the uterus to the ovary. The fallopian tube transports eggs to the uterus and is where fertilisation with sperm takes place.

a fluid-filled vesicle in the ovary developing under the influence of a hormone (Follicle Stimulating hormone, FSH) during the menstrual cycle. When the follicle finally ruptures (ovulation), an egg is released which travels through a fallopian tube (ovulation).

G

doctor specialising in the branch of medicine concerning all medical issues related to the female urinary and reproductive systems.

L

generally, oral contraceptive pills containing 30 or 35 micrograms of estrogen per pill. There are now contraceptives that contain only 20 micrograms or less of estrogen (ethinylestradiol) per pill.

M

the repeating cycle of change in the membrane lining (endometrium) of the uterus (womb). The endometrium is shed during menstruation. The average length of the cycle, from the first day of this event (the period) is 28 days, however the length and character of the menstrual cycle vary greatly in women.

monophasic pills contain a single, fixed dosage of estrogen and progestogen for 21 days of the pack. The other seven days of the pack have dummy pills containing no estrogen or progestogen. (See Triphasic pills).

O

the female organs that produce ova (eggs) and sex hormones such as estrogens and - periodically - progesterone. The two ovaries are on either side of the uterus (womb).

the release of a mature ovum (egg) from an ovarian follicle. It occurs about every 4 weeks in the middle of the menstrual cycle, approximately 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period.

P

refers to an acute infection of the upper genital tract structures in women, involving any or all of the uterus, oviducts and ovaries; this is often accompanied by involvement of the neighbouring pelvic organs. By definition, PID is a community-acquired infection initiated by a sexually transmitted agent, distinguishing it from pelvic infections caused by medical procedures, pregnancy and other primary abdominal processes.

sometimes referred to as the "master gland", the pituitary is the most important of the endocrine glands (glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream). The pituitary regulates and controls the activities of other glands and many body processes.

hormone found in the female body which helps to maintain a pregnancy and which plays an important role in the menstrual cycle.

the synthetic version - used in the contraceptive pill - of the natural hormone progesterone.

R

collective term for parts of the body connected with reproduction and pregnancy.

S

small oil producing glands which secret sebum into the hair follicles and onto most of the body surface except the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands.

medical instrument passed into the body for inspection or treatment.

as found in the contraceptive pill, these are chemically produced substances which, in the case of progestogen and estrogen, mimic the characteristics of those found naturally in the body.

T

contraceptive pills which contain three different levels of hormonal amounts of estrogen and progestogen at levels which mimic those found during a woman's natural menstrual cycle. (See Monophasic pills)

a disease which is the consequence of the formation or presence of a thrombus, or blood clot, in a blood vessel.