Glossary

• Birth Control: Prevention of pregnancy.
• Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus, which protrudes into the vagina.
• Condom: A thin sheath used to cover the penis during sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
• Menstrual Period: The discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus that occurs when an egg is not fertilized (also called menstruation).
• Obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health.
• Pap Test: A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and examined under a microscope.
• Pelvic Exam: A manual examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diseases that are spread by sexual contact.
• Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.
• Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles leading from the uterus to the outside of the body.
• Vulva: The external female genital area.