Sexual Health Glossary

Sexual Health Glossary

A:

Abdomen -- The part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, reproductive organs, and other organs.

Abstinence -- Choosing not to have any kind of sexual activity. Someone who practices sexual abstinence does not run any risk of contracting a STD/STI or having an unwanted pregnancy.

Acute -- Refers to intense, short-term symptoms or illnesses that either resolve or evolve into long-lasting, chronic disease manifestations.

Acyclovir (Zovirax®) -- An antiviral drug used in the treatment of herpes simplex virus 1 (fever blisters, cold sores), herpes simplex virus 2 (genital herpes), and herpes zoster (shingles); and used in the suppression of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. Acyclovir comes in the form of pills, ointment or injection. The drug functions as a nucleoside analog, but must be converted to an active (phosphated) form by the thymidine kinase enzyme produced only by cells infected by certain herpes viruses, including varicella zoster virus (shingles) and herpes simplex-1 and -2. Acyclovir causes few side effects--occasionally nausea, diarrhea or headaches. It is now available in a generic form.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) -- The late stage of the illness triggered by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the official definition published by the CDC, a person receives an AIDS diagnosis when he or she has a CD4 (helper T-cell) count of less that 200 and/or certain opportunistic infections common with advanced immune deficiency.

Alternative Medicine -- A catch-all phrase for a long list of treatments or medicinal systems including traditional systems such as Chinese medicine, homeopathy, various herbals and other miscellaneous treatments that have not been accepted by the mainstream, or Western, medical establishment. Alternative medicine is also referred to as complementary medicine. The designation "alternative medicine" is not equivalent to "holistic medicine," which is a more narrow term. See Holistic Medicine.

Anal sex -- When a man puts his penis in another person's anus. This is also called anal intercourse.

Analgesic -- Refers to a compound that reduces pain. Aspirin and the opiates are examples of analgesic drugs.

Antibiotic -- A substance, especially one similar to those produced by certain fungi for destroying bacteria, that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. An antibiotic is used to combat disease and infection.

Antibody -- A disease-fighting protein in the blood created by the immune system.

Antiretroviral -- A substance that stops or suppresses the activity of a retrovirus such as HIV.

Anus -- The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.

Asymptomatic -- Without signs or symptoms of disease or illness.

Asymptomatic transmission of herpes -- The spread of virus from one person to another during a time when a person has no signs or symptoms.

Autoinoculation -- The spread of a microorganism such as a virus from one part the body to another. Autoinoculation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) -- The spread of HSV from one part of the body to another. This can result when a person with active herpes deposits a significant amount of virus onto some other vulnerable part of the body--most often a mucous membrane.

AZT (Retrovir, Zidovudine) -- A drug used to treat HIV infection. AZT is approved for the initial treatment of HIV infection. AZT is increasingly administered in combination with other antiviral drugs. Possible side effects include bone marrow suppression leading to anemia, leukopenia or neutropenia nausea, muscle weakness and headaches.

B:

Bacterial STD/STI -- STD/STI caused by bacteria, such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Bacterial STDs/STIs respond effectively to antibiotic treatment, yet they remain epidemic in the population.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) -- The most prevalent cause of vaginal symptoms among women of childbearing age, BV, previously called nonspecific vaginitis, is characterized by a strong fishy odor and a gray, watery discharge.

Balanitis -- An inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis. The inflammation can be due to infection, harsh soaps, or failure to properly rinse soap off while bathing. Men with uncontrolled diabetes are at risk of developing balanitis.

Balanoposthitis -- Inflammation of the head and foreskin of the penis.

bDNA (branched DNA) -- A test developed by the Chiron Corp. for measuring the amount of HIV (as well as other viruses) in blood plasma. bDNA is similar in results but not in technique to the PCR test.

Benign -- Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy -- The removal of a sample of tissue that is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Birth control -- Used to refer to contraception.

Bisexual -- A term to refer to a person who is sexually attracted to both males and females.

Bladder -- The hollow organ that stores urine.

C:

Cancer -- A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Candida -- A group of yeast-like fungi, in particular Candida albicans, that infect the mouth as well as other mucous membranes in the esophagus, intestines, vagina, throat and lungs. Oral or recurrent vaginal candida infection is an early sign of immune system deterioration.

Candidiasis -- An infection due to candida yeast. The symptoms of oral candidiasis (thrush) and vaginal candidiasis (formerly called monilia) include pain, itching, redness and white patches in their respective sites. Some common treatments are clotrimazole, nystatin and miconazole.

Carcinoma -- Cancer that begins in the lining or covering of an organ.

Carcinoma in situ -- Cancer that involves only the cells in which it began and that has not spread to other tissues.

Catheter -- A flexible tube that is placed in a body cavity to insert or withdraw fluids.

Cauterization -- The use of heat to destroy abnormal cells. Also called diathermy or electrodiathermy.

CD4 -- The protein structure on the surface of a human cell that allows HIV to attach, enter, and thus infect a cell. CD4 receptors are present on CD4 cells (helper T-cells), macrophages and dendritic cells, among others. Normally, CD4 acts as an accessory molecule, forming part of larger structures (such as the T-cell receptor) through which T-cells and other cells signal each other.

CD4 Cell -- A type of T-cell involved in protecting against viral, fungal and protozoal infections. Other names for CD4 cell are T-helper cell or helper T-cell.

CD4 Cell Count -- The most commonly used surrogate marker for assessing the state of the immune system. As CD4 cell count declines, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases.

Celibate -- Choosing not to have sex or abstaining from sex.

Cell culture -- A diagnostic test for many kinds of viruses. In a cell culture for HSV, a swab of the patient's herpes lesion is placed in a dish containing normal skin cells to see if HSV will grow.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-- The federal public health agency serving as the center for preventing, tracking, controlling and investigating the epidemiology of AIDS and other diseases.

Cervical Dysplasia -- An abnormal tissue growth on the cervix which may progress to cancer if not treated in time. Cervical dysplasia is detected through a Pap test.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia -- A general term for the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how much of the cervix contains abnormal cells. Also called CIN.

Cervix -- The lower, cylindrical end of the uterus that forms a narrow canal connecting the upper (uterus) and lower (vagina) parts of a women's reproductive tract.

Chancroid -- A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease caused by the Hemophilus ducreyi bacterium. It appears as a pimple, chancre, sore or ulcer on the skin of the genitals. The lesion appears after an incubation period of three to five days and may facilitate the transmission of HIV.

Chemotherapy -- Treatment with anticancer drugs.

Chlamydia -- The most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. As many as 85 percent of cases in women and 40 percent of cases in men are symptomless. If undetected and untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications in women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Chronic -- Refers to symptoms and diseases that last for an extended period of time without noticeable change. CIN -- See Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Circumcision -- A procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis.

Clinical -- Refers to physical signs and symptoms directly observable in the human body.

Clinical Trial -- A study done to test an experimental medicine in human beings to see if it is safe and effective.

Clitoris -- A female sexual organ found where the labia minora, or inner lips of the vagina, meet, partially hidden by the labia. It is highly sensitive, and can be a source of sexual pleasure and female orgasm.

CMV -- See Cytomegalovirus

Cold sores -- Otherwise known as "fever blisters" and herpes type-1 infection.

Colposcopy -- A procedure in which the vagina and the surface of the uterine cervix is examined through a lighted microscope (colposcope) for signs of cervical dysplasia or cancer. Colposcopy is a more accurate alternative to Pap smears, but requires considerably more skill to perform.

Come out -- The usually voluntary public revealing of a person's sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Complementary Medicine -- Non-mainstream health care provided in addition or instead of standard medical practice. See also Alternative Medicine.

Condom -- Male: A cover for the penis, worn during sex to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Only a latex condom is recommended for protection against disease. Female: There is also a "female condom" that lines the vagina, which is worn by the woman during sex for similar protection. Condoms are highly effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy if used consistently and correctly.

Condyloma Acuminatum -- A projecting warty growth on the external genitals or the anus caused by infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is usually a benign or non-cancerous growth. Condyloma acuminatum is also referred to as genital warts or verruca acuminata.

Conization -- Surgery to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix and cervical canal. Conization may be used to diagnose or treat a cervical condition. Also called cone biopsy.

Contraception -- Ways to prevent pregnancy. Some forms of contraception prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), fertilization (meeting of egg and sperm) or implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining. Birth control pills, condoms, and diaphrams are some examples of contraception.

Cross-dressing -- Dressing in a manner more sterotpyically associated with the opposite sex. People who cross-dress generally have no intention or desire to change their anatomical sex, and cross-dressing does not necessarily reflect on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Cryosurgery -- Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissue.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) -- A herpes infection that causes serious illness in people with AIDS. CMV can develop in any part of the body but most often appears in the retina of the eye, the nervous system, the colon or the esophagus.

 D:

 "Date" rape -- When one person forces another person to have sex. In the case of "date" rape, the attacked is an acquainted with the victim, rather than a stranger.

Dental dam -- A sheet of latex that can be used to cover the vagina or anus during oral sex in order to prevent body fluids from passing from one person to another. It is called a dental dam because it was designed to be used for dental procedures. A substitute can be made by cutting off the tip and slitting the side of a latex condom.

Dermatitis -- Inflammation of the skin.

Dilation and curettage -- A minor operation in which the cervix is dilated (expanded) so that the cervical canal and tissue from the uterine lining can be scaped with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette. Also called a D and C. Douching -- Using water or a medicated solution to clean the vagina and cervix.

Dyspareunia -- The medical term for painful sex.

Dysplasia -- Abnormal changes or growth of cells and tissues. See Cervical dysplasia.

Dysuria -- Painful or difficult urination. Dysuria may be due to an STD/STI.

E:

Ejaculation -- When semen is released from the penis during orgasm.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) -- The most common test used to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood, which are indicative of ongoing HIV infection. One type of ELISA is the preliminary test for HIV antibodies (to detect HIV infection). A positive ELISA test result must be confirmed by another test called a Western Blot.

Endocervical curettage -- The removal of tissue from the inside of the cervix using a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette.

Endometrium -- The mucous membrane that lines the uterus.

Epithelial -- Refers to the cell linings covering most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) -- A member of the herpesvirus family that causes one of two kinds of mononucleosis (the other is caused by CMV). It infects the nose and throat and is contagious.

Erection -- A penis that becomes stiff and hard caused by increased blood flow.

 F:

 Fallopian tubes -- Tubes on each side of the uterus through which an egg moves from the ovaries to the uterus.

Famciclovir (Famvir®) -- A prodrug for an acyclovir-like active compound. It is approved for treatment of genital herpes.

FDA -- The Food and Drug Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the testing of experimental drugs and approves new medical products for marketing based on evidence of safety and efficacy. First episode of herpes -- The body's first encounter with a particular type of herpes simplex virus, an event that often produces marked symptoms. There are two types of "first episodes." A primary first episode describes the symptoms that appear in the person who has never been infected with either herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or HSV-2 before. It's sometimes called a "true primary." A nonprimary first episode describes the symptoms that occur in the person who has been infected first with one type of HSV and then later infected with the second.

Fomite -- An object, such as a towel, bicycle seat, or an article of clothing, that is not in itself harmful, but is able to harbor pathogenic microorganisms and thus may serve as an agent of transmission for an infection. Many people think fomites can spread STDs, but there are very few documented cases of fomite transmission of any STD.

Foreskin -- Loose skin at the head of the penis. This skin is sometimes removed in a procedure called circumcision, often performed during infancy.

Fungal Infection -- A range of distinct diseases caused by fungi. Candidiasis, cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis are examples of AIDS-related fungal infections.

G:

Ganglion -- A knot-like grouping of the nerves that serve a particular part of the body. Gay: An adjective used to describe people whose physical and/or emotional attractions are to people of the same sex.

Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) -- Ulcerative lesions on the genitals, usually caused by a sexually transmitted condition such as herpes, syphilis or chancroid. The presence of genital ulcers may increase the risk of transmitting HIV.

Genital warts -- See HPV

Genitals -- The sexual organs on the outside of the body. For a male, this is the penis and testicles. For a female, this is the vulva and clitoris.

Glans -- The head or tip of the penis.

Gonorrhea -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevtion (CDC) estimates that more than 700,000 persons in the U.S. contract gonorrhea each year. Many people who are infected show no signs of the disease. When symptoms are present, they are similar to those of chlamydia infections. Also like chlamydia, gonorrhea may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated, resulting in infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Gonorrhea can cause serious infections in infants who contract the disease from an infected mother during delivery.

Gram Stain -- A technique for preparing material for examination under a microscope. This method is used, for example, in diagnosing gonorrhea.

Granuloma Inguinale -- A sexually transmitted disease caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis. Causes ulcerated granulomatous lesions that occur in the inguinal regions and the genitalia.

Gynecologic oncologists -- Doctors who specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs.

Gynecology -- The branch of medicine that involves care of the female reproductive system and breasts.

H:

Helper T-cell -- See CD4 Cell.

Hepatitis -- Inflammation of the liver caused by microbes or chemicals. Often accompanied by jaundice, enlarged liver, fever, fatigue and nausea and high levels of liver enzymes in the blood.

Hepatitis A -- A self-limiting virus-induced liver disease. Hepatitis A is acquired through ingesting fecally contaminated water or food or engaging in sexual practices involving anal contact. Injection drug users who share unclean needles also are at risk. There is avaccine available to prevent hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B - A virus-induced liver disease that infects tens of thousands of Americans each year. The hepatitis B virus is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. This highly contagious virus is spread through sexual contact, sharing contaminated drug needles, blood transfusions, and piercing the skin with contaminated instruments. Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms; others experience fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Hepatitis B may damage the liver, putting people at risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer. Most infections clear up by themselves within four to eight weeks. Some individuals (about 10% of the cases), however, become chronically infected. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C -- Another virus-induced liver disease. It appears to be more common among heterosexuals and injection drug users than hepatitis B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Herpes encephalitis -- A rare, severe illness that occurs when the brain becomes infected with herpes simplex virus.

Herpes gladiatorum -- The presence of herpes lesions on the body caused by herpes simplex virus infection that is transmitted usually through the abrasion of skin in a contact sport, such as wrestling.

Herpes whitlow -- The presence of herpes lesions on the fingers or toes.

Herpes Zoster -- See both Shingles and Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV).

Herpesvirus -- Any one of eight known members of the human herpesvirus family that include: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6), human herpes virus type 7 (HHV-7), and human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8). Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can cause "cold sores" or "fever blisters" on the lips, in the mouth or around the eyes. It is less commonly the cause of genital infections. Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) is usually transmitted sexually and generally causes symptoms in the genital area or the anus.

Heterosexual -- Sexual attraction to people of the opposite sex.

Hir -- a gender-neutral pronoun.

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)-- According the the CDC, at the end of 2006 an estimated 1.1 million persons in the United States were living with diagnosed or undiagnosed HIV/AIDS. An estimated 45,000 people get AIDS each year. HIV damages the cells in the immune system that fight off infections and diseases. As the virus gradually destroys these important cells, the immune system becomes less and less able to protect against illness. Certain life-threatening infections and cancers can then invade the body, causing serious illness and eventual death. However, HIV can live in an infected person's body for years before any signs of illness appear. The virus is spread through the blood, semen and vaginal secretions of an HIV-infected person. Both men and women can pass HIV to a sex partner. The virus can also be passed from person to person through sharing needles. HIV-infected women can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth. Some people contracted the virus through blood products before a successful screening process was begun in 1985. There is no evidence that HIV can spread through other body fluids such as saliva, feces, urine, tears and sweat. Currently, there is no way to get rid of the virus once a person is infected. However, medications can slow the damage that HIV causes to the immune system.

Individuals with the genital sores resulting from certain STD infections are at increased risk of getting HIV infection during sexual contact with an HIV-infected person. HIV infection can complicate and increase the dangers of other STD infection.

HIV-1 -- Human immunodeficiency virus type 1, the retrovirus recognized as the agent that induces AIDS.

HIV-2 -- Human immunodeficiency virus type 2, a virus closely related to HIV-1 that also leads to immune suppression. HIV-2 is not as virulent as HIV-1 and is epidemic only in West Africa.

Holistic Medicine -- Various systems of health protection and restoration, both traditional and modern, that are reputedly based on the body's natural healing powers, the various ways the different tissues affect each other and the influence of the external environment.

Homophobia -- an irrational fear of or dislike of homesexuals.

Homosexual -- Sexual attraction to people of the same sex This term is outdated and considered derogatory and offensive by many gay and lesbian people. The terms gay and lesbian should be used instead.

Hormone -- An active chemical substance formed in the glands and carried in the blood to other parts of the body where it stimulates or suppresses cell and tissue activity.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) -- According to CDC, approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and another 6.2 million people become newly infected each year. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 80 different types. Certain types of HPV cause warts on the hands or feet, while others can cause genital warts on the vulva, vagina, anus, cervix, penis or scrotum. HPV and genital warts are usually spread by direct, skin-to-skin contact during sex. Other types of HPV (not the types that cause genital warts) are strongly linked to cervical cancer. Yearly Pap tests are recommended to detect the abnormal cell growth caused by HPV that may progress to cervical cancer. If detected in time, the progression of cervical HPV can be stopped, and even cervical cancer can usually be treated successfully.

HSV -- Abbreviation for herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 denotes herpes simplex type 1, the usual cause of herpes around the mouth or face ("cold sores," "fever blisters"); HSV-2 denotes herpes simplex type 2, the usual cause of recurrent genital herpes.

Human Papillomavirus -- See HPV.

Hysterectomy -- An operation in which the uterus and cervix are removed.

I:

Immune Deficiency -- A breakdown or inability of certain parts of the immune system to function, thus making a person susceptible to certain diseases that they would have not contracted with a healthy immune system. Immune deficiencies may be temporary or permanent and be triggered by genetic mutation, therapy with immune-suppressive drugs (as during organ transplants) or an infection such as HIV.

Immune System -- The body's complicated natural defense against disruption caused by invading microbes and cancers.

Immunity -- Protection against disease. Immunity can be achieved for many infections--such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and some strains of HPV--through vaccination.

Immunocompetent -- Refers to an immune system capable of developing a normal protective response when confronted with invading microbes or cancer.

Immunocompromised -- Refers to an immune system in which the response to infections and tumors is subnormal.

Immunosuppression -- Weakening of the immune response that occurs with HIV infection as well as with some antiviral or anticancer treatments.

Immunotherapy -- Treatment aimed at reconstituting an impaired immune system. Examples of experimental immunotherapies for AIDS include passive hyperimmune therapy (PHT), IL-2 and therapeutic vaccines.

Impotence -- The inability to attain and/or maintain an erection.

Inflammation -- The body's response to tissue injury or infection which occurs in the affected tissues and adjacent blood vessels. Signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function. Not all of these signs are necessarily present in any given case.

Informed Consent -- The ability of people receiving experimental therapies to make competent decisions about their medical care. Patients are provided with an "informed consent form," which indicates the potential risks, benefits and alternatives to the therapy in question. If a clinical trial is involved, the trial protocol also is outlined, especially what participants will experience. After reading the informed consent form, individuals sign it to indicate that they understand its contents and agree to proceed with therapy under the conditions it outlines.

Intravenous (IV) -- Injected directly into a vein.

Invasive Cervical Cancer -- Cancer that has spread from the surface of the cervix to tissue deeper in the cervix or to other parts of the body.

In Vitro -- Refers to laboratory experiments conducted in cell cultures grown in an artificial environment, for example in a test tube or culture plate.

In Vivo -- Refers to studies conducted within humans or animals, in a living, natural environment.

K:

Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) -- An AIDS-defining illness consisting of individual cancerous lesions caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. KS typically appears as pink or purple painless spots or nodules on the surface of the skin or oral cavity. KS also can occur internally, especially in the intestines, lymph nodes and lungs, and in this case is life-threatening. KS frequently occurs in immuno-compromised patients, such as those with AIDS.

Killer Cell -- A generalized name for immune system cells that kill cancerous and virus-infected cells. Among the killer cells are killer T-cells (cytotoxic T-lymphocytes), NK (natural killer) cells and K-cells.  

L:

Labia -- The inner and outer folds of flesh that cover the vagina.

Laser -- A powerful beam of light used in some types of surgery to cut or destroy tissue.

Latency -- The phenomenon by which disease (such as HSV or HPV) can hide away in the nerve roots in an inactive state, only to reactivate and cause viral shedding or symptoms again.

Lesbian -- A woman who is physically and/or emotional attracted is to other women. Some lesbians may prefer to identify as gay or as gay women.

Lesion -- A very general term denoting any abnormality on the surface of the body, whether on the skin or on a mucous membrane. Includes sores, wounds, injuries, pimples, tumors, on the skin or elsewhere.

Long-Term Nonprogressor -- An individual who has been infected with HIV for at least seven to twelve years (different authors use different timespans) and yet retains a CD4 cell count within the normal range.

Lubricant -- A slippery substance. Can be oil- or water-based. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful for women who feel pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness. If using a lubricant with latex condoms, use one that is water-based, as oil can weaken the latex.

Lymph Node (Lymph Gland) -- Small bean-shaped organs made up mostly of lymphocytes, lymph fluid and connective tissue. Clusters of lymph nodes are widely distributed in the body and are essential to the functioning of the immune system. They are connected with each other and other lymphoid tissue by the lymphatic vessels.

Lymphadenopathy -- Swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes due to infection or cancer. The swollen nodes may be palpable or visible from outside the body.

Lymphocyte -- White blood cells that mature and reside in the lymphoid organs and are responsible for the acquired immune response. The two major types of lymphocytes are T-cells and B-cells.

M:

MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex) -- A serious opportunistic infection caused by two similar bacteria found in the soil and dust particles. In AIDS, MAC can spread through the bloodstream to infect lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, spleen, spinal fluid, lungs and intestinal tract. Typical symptoms of MAC include night sweats, weight loss, fever, fatigue, diarrhea and enlarged spleen. MAC is usually found in people with CD4 counts below 100. MAC is also called MAI. Macrophage -- A large scavenger cell that ingests degenerated cells and foreign organisms. Macrophages exist in large numbers throughout the body and contribute to the development of acquired immunity by acting as antigen presenting cells. They also ingest and destroy foreign matter coated with antibody. Macrophages can be infected by HIV.

MAI (Mycobacterium Intercellulare) -- See MAC.

Maintenance Therapy -- Extended drug therapy, usually at a diminished dose, administered after a disease has been brought under control. Maintenance therapy is utilized when a complete cure is not possible, and a disease is likely to recur if therapy is halted.

Malaise -- A vague feeling of bodily discomfort and fatigue. This is a common symptom of many illnesses, including many STDs/STIs, and can often be the result of infection or a drug's side effects.

Malignant -- Cancerous; can spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram -- An X-ray of the breast, used to detect breast cancer.

Masturbation -- Self-stimulation of the genitals for the purpose of sexual arousal and pleasure.

Memory T-Cell -- A T-cell that bears receptors for a specific foreign antigen encountered during a prior infection or vaccination. After an infection or a vaccination, some of the T-cells that participated in the response remain as memory T-cells, which can rapidly mobilize and clone themselves should the same antigen be re-encountered during a second infection at a later time.

Meningitis -- An inflammation of the meninges, the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord, usually accompanied by stiff neck and extra sensitivity to light. Septic meningitis, caused by bacteria, can be a serious condition and must be treated immediately. Aseptic meningitis, associated with viral infections such as herpes simplex virus and other causes, generally resolves by itself.

Menopause -- The time in a women's life when menstrual periods stop. Also called the "change of life."

Menstruation -- The periodic discharge of bloody fluid from the uterus occurring at more or less regular intervals during the life of a woman from age of puberty to menopause.

Metastasis -- The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Cells that have metastisized are like those in the original (primary) tumor.

Microbe -- A microscopic living organism, such as a bacteria, fungus, protozoa or virus.

Moisture barrier -- A material, usually latex, used during sexual activity to prevent sexual fluids or blood from passing between people. In addition to condoms for sexual intercourse, moisture barriers for oral sex include household plastic wrap or "dams," such as the SheerGlyde Dam(TM).

Molluscum Contagiosum -- A skin condition caused by a pox virus infection, distinguished by small dome-shaped papules (bumps) on the face, upper trunk or extremities. Current treatment is mainly cosmetic. It often involves application of liquid nitrogen to the papules as a means of excising them.

Mucous Membrane -- Moist layer of tissue lining the digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive tracts -- all the body cavities with openings to the outside world except ears.

Myopathy -- Progressive muscle weakness. Myopathy may arise as a toxic reaction to AZT or as a consequence of HIV infection itself.





N

NSP – Needle and syringe program.

Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU) – Inflammation of the urethra, usually caused by an STI.

O

Opportunistic Infections (OI) - Infections that occur in persons with weak immune systems due to AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive drugs.

Ovaries - The pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs are formed. The ovaries are located in the lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus.

Ovulation – The release of an egg from the ovary during the female menstrual cycle.


P

Pap Smear - A test of cells collected from the cervix to look for early changes of cancer and other changes. Sexually active women are recommended to have a regular Pap smear every two years.

Papillomavirus – See HPV.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test - A laboratory method that is used to detect signs of infection. Infections such as chlamydia can be detected by this method.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Inflammation of the internal genital organs and surrounding structures in women, usually caused by an STI. PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and infertility.

Pelvis - The lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones. Organs in a female's pelvis include the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.

Perinatal transmission – Spread of an infection from a mother to her baby during birth.

PID see Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Polymerase Chain Reaction - See PCR.

Precancerous - Not cancerous, but may become cancerous with time.

Premature birth – Occurring before the proper time, usually used to describe births at least 3 weeks early.

Primary HIV infection – the flu-like illness that occurs soon after infection with HIV.

Puberty – The age at which the sex organs become active and external genitals mature to adult form.


R

Rash – Skin breaking out in spots or patches.

Rectum - The last 15 to 20cm of the bowel. The rectum stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus.

Recurrence - The return of symptoms after a time without symptoms. An example of this is outbreaks of herpes after periods of time without herpes lesions.

Reproductive system - The organs involved in reproduction (that is, making babies).

Resistance - Reduction in a bacteria or viruses sensitivity to a drug used to treat it.

Risk factor - Something that increases the chance of developing a disease.


S

Scrotum – The bag containing testicles in men.

Semen – The fluid which is ejected during ejaculation, which normally contains sperm and seminal fluid.

Seroconversion – After infection, the body develops antibodies to that particular infection. When antibodies can be detected in the blood, seroconversion has happened. The time between becoming infected and having detectable levels of antibodies in the blood is called the window period. For HIV, the window period is up to 3 months.

Side Effects – Unwanted effects of drug treatment.

Sign – A medical term used to describe some evidence that can be found when a person is examined. For example, an enlarged liver felt when a doctor examines the abdomen could be a sign of liver disease.

Speculum - An instrument used to support the vagina walls open so that the cervix can be seen. Used to take a Pap smear.

Spermicide - An agent which kills sperm.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) - Any infection that is passed from person to person during sex.

Symptom - Any perceptible change in the body or its functions noticed by a person that could be evidence of disease.

Syphilis –An STI which can cause serious complications if not treated.


T

T-Cell (T-Lymphocyte) – A type of lymphocyte.

Thrush - See Candidiasis.

Transmission - The spread of disease from person to person.

Trichomoniasis - An STI caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

Tumor - An abnormal mass of tissue. Can be cancerous or benign.


 
U

Ureaplasma - A genus of bacteria found in the genitals which can cause infections.

Ureters - The tubes that carry urine from each kidney to the bladder.

Urethritis - Inflammation of the urethra which can be caused by STIs.

Uterus (womb) - The small, hollow pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which pregnancy occurs.

V

Vaccine - A suspension of infectious agents or some part of them, given for the purpose of establishing resistance to an infectious disease. It stimulates development of specific defensive mechanisms in the body which result in more or less permanent protection against a disease.

Vagina - The muscular canal between the uterus and the outside of the body.

Vaginitis - Inflammation of the female vagina.

Viral load - The number of viral particles (usually HIV) in a sample of blood plasma. HIV viral load is used to monitor HIV infection.

Virus -  A microscopic organism that cannot reproduce without a living host cell.


W

Wart - A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ. See genital warts.

Western Blot - A test for detecting the specific antibodies to HIV in a person's blood. It commonly is used to double-check positive ELISA tests. A western blot test is more reliable that the ELISA, but it is harder to do and costs more money.

Whitlow - Herpes infection on the fingers or toes.

Window period – See seroconversion.

Womb - The uterus.