Sexual Health, STIs, and Nutrition Basics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering contraception methods, reproductive anatomy, STI transmission and prevention, and sports nutrition concepts from the lecture transcript.

Non-contraceptive benefits of birth control

Secondary benefits provided by birth control beyond pregnancy prevention, including lightening and regulating periods, managing acne, and easing menstrual cramps.

Pre-ejaculate

A fluid released before ejaculation that can carry enough sperm to cause pregnancy even without ejaculation directly inside the vagina.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)

Birth control methods, specifically the intrauterine device (IUD) and Nexplanon implant, that prevent pregnancy for $3$ years or longer with minimal upkeep.

Barrier methods (Condoms and Dental Dams)

Contraceptive devices used during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse that offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unlike pills, implants, or IUDs.

Consent

An explicit agreement between partners that must be freely given, specific, informed, reversible, and mutual, and is never valid if coerced or pressured.

Human reproductive pathway

The sequential process where sperm enters the vagina, travels through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tube, fertilizes an ovulated egg, and the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining.

NuvaRing schedule

A hormonal contraceptive regimen where a flexible vaginal ring is kept in place for $3$ weeks, removed for $1$ week, and then replaced with a new ring.

Emergency contraception

Options used up to $3\text{--}5$ days after intercourse to prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation; includes pills (such as Plan B or ella) and emergency IUD insertion.

Fallopian tubes

The paired female reproductive structures that transport an ovulated egg toward the uterus and serve as the typical site for fertilization.

Uterus

The muscular reproductive organ located above the cervix where a fertilized egg implants and pregnancy normally develops.

Cervix

The lower anatomical opening of the uterus that connects to the vaginal canal.

IUD strings

Thin threads attached to an intrauterine device that extend through the cervix into the upper vagina to assist with monitoring and device removal.

Vaginal canal

The muscular passage connecting the external vaginal opening to the cervix.

STI vs. STD

A terminology transition from 'disease' to 'infection' adopted by experts to reduce unnecessary stigma, reflecting that infections frequently exist without outward symptoms or pathology.

Bodily fluids transmitting HIV

Specific body fluids capable of transmitting HIV: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk (saliva and urine cannot transmit the virus).

Modes of HIV transmission

The primary behavioral and biological pathways for HIV transmission: unprotected vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles or injection equipment, and parent-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Bacterial STIs

Infections caused by bacteria (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea) that are generally curable using appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Viral STIs

Infections caused by viruses (such as HIV or herpes) that can be managed with medications but cannot be fully cured.

Sexual activity risk ranking (HIV transmission)

A simplified risk hierarchy ranging from lowest to highest: oral sex (generally lowest), vaginal sex, and anal sex (generally highest).

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A viral infection spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with infected skin, sores, or mucosal secretions, managed by antivirals to reduce outbreaks without curing the virus.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

An emergency course of antiretroviral medications that must be initiated within $72$ hours after a potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

A daily preventive medication taken by individuals before possible exposure to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

The medical consensus stating that a person living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who maintains an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually.

Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN)

A qualified food and nutrition specialist credentialed by passing a standardized national examination and completing $1{,}200+$ hours of supervised practice.

Vegetable serving guideline

The nutritional recommendation to consume at least $3$ servings of vegetables daily according to the 5 Major Food Groups.

Protein satiation

The physiological effect of adding dietary protein to meals to induce satiety and prolong the feeling of fullness.

Dietary fiber benefits

Functional nutritional attributes that include regulating blood glucose levels, lowering blood cholesterol, and facilitating gastrointestinal digestion.

Hunger-Fullness Scale target range

A target zone between $3\text{--}7$ on the scale used to recognize comfortable hunger and fullness without reaching extreme hunger or painful fullness.

Associated Students (AS) Food Pantry

An on-campus SDSU nutritional support service providing students with free basic staples including oats, rice, tuna, peanut butter, and bread.

Third-party supplement certifications

Independent testing programs—such as NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport, and USP—that evaluate sports supplements for purity, safety, and label accuracy.

Pre-workout fueling (30–60 minutes)

Fast-digesting carbohydrates (such as fruit, applesauce, or sports drinks) consumed shortly before training to deliver readily available energy.

Pre-exercise gastrointestinal considerations

The dietary practice of avoiding high-fat and high-fiber foods $1\text{--}2$ hours prior to exercise to minimize the risk of upset stomach and digestive distress.

Whole grain daily recommendation

The dietary standard requiring at least half ($50\%$) of total daily grain intake to come from whole grain sources.

Anabolic window

A post-workout recovery period for consuming protein and carbohydrates that modern research demonstrates is more flexible than the strict $1$-hour window previously claimed.

Four goals for fueling exercise

Core nutritional objectives for activity fueling: adequate energy intake (calories), balanced macro/micronutrients, strategic meal frequency, and evidence-based supplementation.