Reproductive Terminology

Reproductive system

The organs responsible for reproduction and production of sex hormones and reproductive cells.

Ovary

Female reproductive organ producing ova, estrogen, and progesterone.

Testis

Male reproductive organ producing sperm and testosterone.

Ovum

A mature female reproductive cell.

Sperm

A male reproductive cell.

Oogenesis

The process of producing female gametes.

Spermatogenesis

The process of producing sperm.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg from an ovary.

Fertilization

The fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Zygote

The cell formed when sperm fertilizes an egg.

Embryo

The developing organism during the early stages after fertilization.

Fetus

The developing human from the end of the embryonic period until birth.

Estrogen

Hormone important in female reproductive development and menstrual regulation.

Progesterone

Hormone important for preparing and maintaining the uterine lining.

Testosterone

Hormone important for male reproductive development and sperm production.

Menstruation

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

Menstrual cycle

The recurring hormonal and reproductive cycle involving ovulation and uterine changes.

Menopause

The permanent cessation of menstruation and ovarian reproductive function.

Endometriosis

Tissue similar to uterine lining growing outside the uterus.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal and metabolic disorder often involving irregular ovulation and elevated androgen activity.

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled or other sac in or on an ovary.

Uterine fibroid

A benign tumor of uterine smooth muscle.

Cervical cancer

Cancer arising from cells of the cervix.

Ovarian cancer

Cancer arising in the ovary.

Prostate cancer

Cancer of the prostate gland.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Erectile dysfunction

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.

Infertility

Inability to achieve pregnancy after a specified period of attempting conception.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy occurring outside the normal uterine cavity.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Infection/inflammation of female reproductive organs.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

An infection primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and several cancers.

Chlamydia

A common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Gonorrhea

A bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Syphilis

A bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum.

Genital herpes

A sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus.