STIs & Contraception – Core Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms on sexually transmitted infections and contraception from the lecture notes.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Any infection that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Mucous Membranes

Warm, moist body linings (urethra, vagina, mouth, anus) that secrete mucus and are vulnerable to infection.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms; some cause disease and can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia

Most frequently reported bacterial STI in the U.S. caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, often infecting mucous membranes of genitals, rectum, and throat.

Syphilis

Four-stage bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum that can damage many organs if untreated.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Serious infection of reproductive organs, often a complication of chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis in people with testes, sometimes caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Overgrowth of vaginal bacteria causing odor, discharge, and irritation; not an STI but sexually associated.

Candidiasis

Yeast infection caused by overgrowth of Candida fungi, leading to itching and cheesy discharge.

Jock Itch

Fungal infection of the groin, more common in sexually active individuals.

Parasite

Organism that lives on or in a host and relies on it for nutrients.

Protozoa

Single-celled parasites; cause infections like trichomoniasis.

Helminths

Parasitic worms that infect humans.

Ectoparasites

Parasites such as lice or mites that live on the skin’s surface.

Trichomoniasis

Common curable protozoan STI causing discharge, itching, and irritation.

Pubic Lice

Ectoparasites (Phthirus pubis) that feed on blood and cause intense itching in the pubic area.

Scabies

Infestation by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that burrow under skin and cause rash and itching.

Virus

Submicroscopic infectious agent that requires a host cell to replicate; many viral STIs are incurable.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Family of viruses; low-risk strains cause warts, high-risk strains are oncogenic and can lead to cancers.

Oncogenic

Cancer-causing (e.g., high-risk HPV strains).

Gardasil

HPV vaccine protecting against several common cancer-causing and wart-causing HPV types.

Cervarix

HPV vaccine especially effective in people living with HIV.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)

Virus usually causing oral cold sores; spread mainly by nonsexual contact.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)

Virus usually causing genital herpes; transmitted primarily through sexual contact.

Prodromal Symptoms

Early signs (tingling, itching) that precede a herpes outbreak.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Virus that can be sexually transmitted and causes liver infection.

Acute Hepatitis

Short-term HBV infection usually cleared by the immune system.

Chronic Hepatitis

Long-term HBV infection that can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Retrovirus that attacks the immune system’s CD4 cells; can lead to AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

Advanced stage of HIV infection marked by severe immune suppression and opportunistic illnesses.

Retrovirus

Virus (like HIV) whose genetic material is RNA and uses reverse transcriptase to integrate into host DNA.

Reverse Transcriptase

Enzyme that converts viral RNA into DNA inside host cells; target of HIV drugs.

CD4 (T-Helper) Cells

White blood cells coordinating immune response; primary target of HIV.

Opportunistic Infection

Illnesses that occur when the immune system is weakened, common in AIDS patients.

HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)

Combination drug regimen that suppresses HIV replication and prolongs life.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Daily medication taken to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Emergency antiretroviral treatment started within 72 h after possible HIV exposure.

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

Concept that people with undetectable HIV viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually.

Contraception

Deliberate methods to prevent pregnancy resulting from sexual intercourse.

Barrier Method

Contraceptive that physically blocks sperm from reaching an egg (e.g., condoms, diaphragms).

Hormonal Method

Contraception supplying synthetic estrogen and/or progesterone to inhibit ovulation.

Non-Hormonal IUD

Copper intrauterine device (ParaGard) that impairs sperm and prevents fertilization for up to 10 years.

Fertility Awareness

Behavioral method that tracks cycle to avoid sex during fertile days.

Sterilization

Permanent surgical contraception such as vasectomy or tubal ligation.

Combined Oral Contraceptive

Pill containing estrogen and progestin taken daily to prevent ovulation.

Progestin-Only Pill (POP)

‘Mini-pill’ containing only progestin; thickens cervical mucus and sometimes suppresses ovulation.

Triphasic Pill

Combination contraceptive pill that varies hormone doses to mimic natural cycle.

Extended-Cycle Pill

Oral contraceptive designed for fewer withdrawal bleeds per year (e.g., Seasonale).

NuvaRing

Flexible vaginal ring releasing estrogen and progestin for three weeks.

Ortho Evra Patch

Transdermal contraceptive patch delivering estrogen and progestin weekly.

Implanon / Nexplanon

Progestin-only implant placed in arm, effective up to three years.

Depo-Provera

Progestin injection given every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.

Lunelle

Monthly injectable contraceptive combining estrogen and progestin.

Mirena

Hormonal IUD releasing progestin; effective up to five years and treats heavy periods.

Kyleena

Smaller progestin IUD effective up to five years, often preferred by nulliparous users.

ParaGard

Copper IUD providing 10 years of non-hormonal contraception.

External (Male) Condom

Latex, polyurethane, or lambskin sheath worn on penis to block sperm and reduce STI risk.

Internal (Female) Condom

Polyurethane or latex pouch inserted in vagina (or anus) providing barrier protection.

Spermicide

Chemical (often Nonoxynol-9) that immobilizes or kills sperm.

Diaphragm

Latex dome fitted over cervix and used with spermicide to block sperm entry.

FemCap

Silicone cervical cap shaped like a sailor’s hat, used with spermicide.

Contraceptive Sponge

Foam device containing spermicide placed over cervix for up to 24 h protection.

Outercourse

Sexual activities excluding penetration, reducing pregnancy risk.

Standard Days Method

Fertility awareness technique avoiding unprotected sex on cycle days 8-19.

Ovulation Predictor Kit

Home urine test detecting LH surge to identify fertile window.

Withdrawal Method

Behavioral contraception where penis is removed before ejaculation.

Vasectomy

Surgical cutting or sealing of the vas deferens to prevent sperm in ejaculate.

Tubal Ligation

Surgical blocking or cutting of fallopian tubes to prevent egg-sperm meeting.

Emergency Contraception (EC)

Methods used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy (e.g., Plan B, Ella, copper IUD).

Plan B

Levonorgestrel EC pill delaying ovulation; most effective within 72 h of intercourse.

Ella

Ulipristal acetate EC pill effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

Sperm Positive

New Zealand program accepting sperm donations from HIV-positive men with undetectable viral load.

Comstock Laws

1873 U.S. statutes that banned mailing of contraceptive information as ‘obscene.’

Margaret Sanger

Nurse and activist who pioneered U.S. birth-control movement and founded Planned Parenthood.

Griswold v. Connecticut

1965 Supreme Court case legalizing contraception for married couples under right to privacy.

Eisenstadt v. Baird

1972 Supreme Court decision extending contraception access to unmarried individuals.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Protein that binds sex hormones; levels can rise with some pills and lower libido.