Human Reproductive Health Vocabulary

Flashcards covering human reproductive anatomy, the menstrual cycle, methods of contraception, and key terms related to sexual health and identity.

Penis

An external reproductive organ that delivers semen during reproduction and urine during urination. It becomes erect when filled with blood.

Testicles (Testes)

Two organs that produce sperm and the hormone testosterone.

Scrotum

A pouch of skin that holds the testicles and helps keep them at the correct temperature for sperm production.

Epididymis

A coiled tube where sperm mature and are stored.

Vas Deferens

A tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.

Prostate Gland

A gland that produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.

Seminal Vesicles

Glands that produce most of the fluid that makes up semen.

Semen

The fluid containing sperm and secretions from the prostate and seminal vesicles.

Vulva

The external female reproductive organs, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening.

Labia

Folds of skin that protect the vaginal and urethral openings.

Clitoris

A small, highly sensitive organ involved in sexual pleasure.

Vagina

A muscular canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It serves as the birth canal and allows menstrual flow to leave the body.

Uterus

A muscular organ where a fertilized egg implants and a fetus develops during pregnancy.

Ovaries

Two organs that produce eggs and the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Fallopian Tubes

Tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilization usually occurs here.

Egg (Ovum)

The female reproductive cell.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell that can fertilize an egg.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly process in which the body prepares for pregnancy.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from an ovary.

Menstruation (Period)

The shedding of the uterine lining when pregnancy does not occur.

Fertilization (Conception)

The joining of a sperm and an egg to form a fertilized egg.

Implantation

When a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

Pregnancy

The period during which a fertilized egg grows and develops into a fetus inside the uterus.

Breast Self-Exam

A monthly check for lumps or changes in the breasts.

Testicular Self-Exam

A monthly check for lumps, swelling, or changes in the testicles.

Pelvic Exam

A medical examination of the female reproductive organs.

Pap Test (Pap Smear)

A screening test used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

An infection spread mainly through sexual contact.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that attacks the immune system.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

The most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is severely weakened.

ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)

Medicines used to treat HIV and lower the amount of virus in the body.

Antibodies

Proteins made by the immune system to fight infections. HIV tests often detect these.

Window Period

The time after HIV infection before antibodies can be detected by a test.

Abstinence

Choosing not to have sexual activity. It is the only method that is $100\%$ effective at preventing both pregnancy and STIs.

Contraception (Birth Control)

Methods used to prevent pregnancy.

Barrier Methods

Birth control methods, such as condoms, that physically block sperm from reaching an egg.

External Condom

A condom worn over the penis that helps prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Internal Condom

A condom worn inside the vagina that helps prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Diaphragm

A barrier birth control device placed over the cervix and used with spermicide.

Spermicide

A chemical that kills or slows sperm.

Hormonal Birth Control

Birth control that uses hormones to prevent ovulation or make pregnancy less likely.

Birth Control Pill

A daily hormonal medication that prevents pregnancy.

Patch

A hormonal birth control patch worn on the skin.

Ring

A flexible hormonal ring placed inside the vagina.

Injection (Shot)

A hormonal birth control shot that prevents pregnancy for several months.

Hormonal IUD

A small device placed in the uterus that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Vasectomy

A permanent surgical procedure that prevents sperm from leaving the body.

Tubal Ligation

A permanent surgical procedure that blocks or seals the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.

Gender Identity

A person's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or another gender.

Sexual Orientation

A person's pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to others.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Intersex

A person born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

Estrogen

A hormone mainly produced by the ovaries that helps regulate the menstrual cycle and female reproductive development.

Progesterone

A hormone that helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and supports pregnancy if it occurs.

Testosterone

A hormone mainly produced by the testicles that supports sperm production and male reproductive development.