Women's Health and Social Determinants

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in women's health and social determinants.

Empowerment

The process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you.

Pillars of Empowerment

Key aspects that support empowerment, including economic independence, self-identity, and equality.

Biopsychosocial Perspectives

An approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding health and illness.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Weathering

The cumulative impact of social, economic, and political exclusion on health over time.

Intersectionality

The complex interplay of multiple social identities (e.g., race, gender) that influence experiences and outcomes.

Feminism

A movement advocating for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality.

Waves of Feminism

Historical phases of feminist movements, including first, second, and third waves, each focusing on different issues.

Black Feminist Thought

A body of ideas articulated by Black women that critiques the intersection of race, gender, and class oppression.

Medicalization

The process by which human conditions and problems become defined and treated as medical issues.

Structural Racism

A system in which public policies, institutional practices, and cultural representations perpetuate racial group inequity.

Menstruation

The monthly discharge of blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation, typically occurring around age 12.4 in the US.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary, usually occurring halfway through the menstrual cycle.

Ovaries

The female reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones.

Uterus

The organ in the female reproductive system where a fertilized egg can develop into a fetus.

Fallopian Tubes

The tubes through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Pelvic Exam

A medical examination of the female reproductive organs.

Pap Test

A procedure to test for cervical cancer by examining cells from the cervix.

Vaginal Microbiome

The community of microorganisms living in the vagina, essential for maintaining health.

Lactobacillus

A type of bacteria that helps maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to severe complications.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A virus that can cause cervical cancer and other genital diseases.

Cervical Cancer

Cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A common infection that affects the bladder or urethra, often caused by bacteria.

Yeast Infection

A fungal infection causing itching and discharge, often in the vagina.

Bacterial Vaginosis

A condition resulting from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation that can include severe cramping.

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts.

Von Willebrand Disease

A genetic disorder that causes excessive bleeding due to a clotting factor deficiency.

DES (Diethylstilbestrol)

A synthetic estrogen previously prescribed to prevent miscarriages, now linked to health issues.

Hysteria

A historical diagnosis used to describe various emotional and psychological disturbances in women.

Eating Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits and concerns about body weight.

Cognitive Labor

The mental effort involved in planning and organizing household tasks.

Emotional Support

Expressions of empathy, caring, and trust within relationships.

Appraisal Support

Information that helps individuals evaluate their situation positively.

Instrumental Support

Tangible assistance or services provided to individuals in need.

Informational Support

Advice and suggestions that provide guidance to individuals.

Gender Differences in Mental Health

Variations between men and women in how they experience and express psychological distress.

Masters and Johnson Model

A model for understanding the sexual response cycle that includes four phases.

Sexual Dysfunction

Impairment in sexual response that can cause distress or difficulties.

Birth Control History

The evolution of birth control methods from the late 19th century to present.

Contraceptive Methods

Various techniques used to prevent pregnancy, including hormonal and barrier methods.

Viral STIs

Sexually transmitted infections caused by viruses, which can be harder to treat.

Bacterial STIs

STIs that can often be treated with antibiotics.

STI Prevention

Methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Prenatal Care

Healthcare undertaken by a woman during her pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure.

C-Section (Cesarean Section)

A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen.

Postpartum Depression

A mood disorder affecting women after childbirth.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Health advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.

Breastfeeding Challenges

Common obstacles faced by women when trying to breastfeed.

Abortion Techniques

Methods used for terminating a pregnancy, including medication and procedural options.

Molar Pregnancy

An abnormal pregnancy where tissue grows instead of a fetus.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A potentially dangerous condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Menopause

The end of a woman's menstrual cycles, marking the end of her reproductive years.

Perimenopause

The transitional phase leading up to menopause when hormonal changes occur.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weakened bones that increases the risk of fractures.

Gender Pay Gap

The disparity in earnings between men and women in the workforce.

Paid Parental Leave

Time off work that is paid and allows parents to care for their newborn.

Advocating for Women's Health

Efforts aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for women.

Colorism

Discrimination based on skin tone, favoring lighter skin over darker skin.

Social Support Networks

Groups of people that provide emotional, informational, and practical support.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Needs

Unique health considerations and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Sex education

Instruction on topics related to sexuality, reproduction, and health.

Environmental Toxins

Chemicals in the environment that can negatively impact health.

Cumulative Body Burden

The total exposure to toxic substances accumulated in the body over time.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes and access to care among different population groups.

Community Health Resources

Services provided in the community to support health and well-being.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

A federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income individuals.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

A federal assistance program that provides nutritional support for low-income pregnant women and children.

Medicaid

A state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals.

Medicare

A federal program that provides health coverage for individuals aged 65 and older.

Breastfeeding Support

Resources and assistance for mothers to help them successfully breastfeed.

Cultural Norms and Health

Societal attitudes that influence health behaviors and practices.

Patient Rights

Legal entitlements that protect patients in healthcare settings.

Holistic Health Approach

An approach that considers the whole person (mind, body, spirit) in health practices.

Preventive Care

Healthcare aimed at preventing diseases rather than treating them after they occur.

Women's Health Advocacy

Efforts to promote and protect women's health issues and access to care.

LGBTQ+ Health Disparities

Health inequalities faced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.

Interpersonal Relationships

Connections between individuals that can impact emotional and mental health.

Social Determinants of Health Examples

Factors such as income, education, and environment that affect health outcomes.