Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS): A viral infection that attacks the immune system of the body and causes a syndrome in which many different, harmful organisms can attack the body and cause disease.
Antibiotics: Any of a class of medicines that kill infection-causing germs.
Asymptomatic: Exhibiting or producing no symptoms.
Bacteria: one-celled creatures that reproduce by splitting in half.
Bacteria vaginosis: is a mild infection in the vagina caused by an overgrowth of anaerobe, or “bad bacteria” in the vagina. The cause of overgrowth is unknown. There may be a discharge and may cause a fishy smell, especially after you have intercourse. Some women have bacterial vaginosis without any symptoms.
Binge drinking: For men, binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks in a row, and for women as drinking four or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks. “Frequent” binge drinking is defined as binge drinking three or more times in the past two weeks.
Body fluids: fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, saliva. Contact with the body fluids of an infected person puts a person at risk of a number of serious sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
Cervix: The lowermost tip of the uterus. The cervix is usually tested for the presence of abnormal cells (including those caused by the human papilloma virus) during a Pap smear.
Chancre sore: The primary lesion of a syphilis infection; a hard non-sensitive area that begins at the site of infection after 10 to 30 days.
Dental dams: A dental dam is a small sheet of latex, which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Dental dams get their name because they are used during dental surgery such as root canals. Due to the possible infectious secretions from both the vagina and anus, the dental dam is becoming a more popular safer sex tool.
Estrogen: Any of several natural or synthetic substances created by the ovaries and placenta in women that stimulates female sex characteristics, and promotes bone growth. Also used in estrogen-deficient women to treat disorders.
Fallopian tubes: Part of the female reproductive tract. The long slender tubes through which eggs pass from the ovaries to the uterus.
GHB: A member of the family of date rape drugs, GHB is available as a clear, slightly salty tasting liquid or white powder that can cause sedative effects 10 to20 minutes after it’s taken.
Infectious disease: A disease resulting from the presence and activity of a microbial agent.
Orgasm: The highest point of sexual excitement, marked by strong feelings of pleasure and normally ejaculation of semen by the male and by vaginal contractions within the female; commonly referred to as the “climax.”
Ovulation: The process of producing and discharging eggs from the ovaries.
Pap Test: Known to most as a “pap smear,” this is an exam where cells from the surface of the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope to detect cancers, sexually transmitted infections and any other reproductive abnormalities. A pap smear is recommended to women on a yearly basis.
Rohypnol: Commonly known as “roofies” and in the family of well-known date rape drugs, it is illegal in the United States. It produces sedative effects, including amnesia, muscle relaxation, and the slowing of psychomotor performance. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes after administration of a tablet and lasts for approximately eight hours.
“Roofied”: Refers to the act of being slipped rohypnol or given a date rape drug without your knowledge.
Sexual assault: any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including: inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, sexual intercourse that you say no to, rape, attempted rape, child molestation. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.
Sexual Health: Sexual health refers to the many factors that impact sexual function and reproduction. These factors include a variety of physical, mental and emotional issues. Disorders that affect any of these factors can impact a person’s physical and emotional health, as well as his or her relationships and self-image.
Sexually Transmitted Infections [STI]: Commonly known as “sexual transmitted diseases,” these include any of various infections that are usually contracted through sexual intercourse or other intimate sexual contact (i.e., oral sex).
Ureter: The long narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.
Urethra: The canal through which urine is discharged from the bladder and through which semen is discharged in men.
Urinary Tract: organs of the body that take part in removing waste from blood and expels it from the body through urine. Urinary tract also monitors and maintains the body’s balance of water, ensuring that tissues receive enough water to function properly and be healthy. Organs of this system include kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
UTI: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in the urinary system. UTIs can be painful and annoying. They can also become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys.
Viral infection: An infection caused by a virus. A virus cannot replicate without a host cell and is not typically considered to be a living organism – unlike bacteria, which can be free-living.
Virus: an infecting particle that cannot reproduce on its own; a virus must take over a living cell to make copies of themselves.
Window period: the time after a person has been infected with a germ but before tests can show the infection is present; this term is most often used when talking about HIV which has a window period of up to three months following infection.
