+ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The stage of a HIV infection at which the immune system is so compromised by the HIV virus that the infected person might be susceptible to fatal infections.

+ Anonymous Testing

Any testing where you do not have to give your name to get tested for STDs or HIV.  

+ Birth Control

Any method used intentionally to prevent pregnancy.  

+ Cervix

The end of the uterus, which extends to the vagina.

+ Chlamydia

A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria . Symptoms in females, if any, include discharge, bleeding after intercourse and between periods, and pelvic pain. Symptoms for males, if any, include discharge, a burning sensation while urinating, and swollen or painful testicles.

+ Condom (male)

The most common form of contraception. A barrier put on the male's penis to prevent the sharing of bodily fluids (such as blood, saliva, or semen) during sex.

+ Contraception

Intentional prevention of pregnancy and STDs through the use of various devices, agents, hormones, sexual practices, or surgical procedures.

+ Discharge

Any fluid released from the genital area of the male or female.

+ Emergency Contraception   

Pills that you can take within 72 hours after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.   You can only get these pills through a prescription from a doctor.

+ Family Planning

The use of birth control to regulate the number of children in a family. However, many health centers use the term "family planning" to refer to a broad range of sexual and reproductive health services for both guys and girls, including sexual health exams and sexually transmitted disease screening.

+ Genital Warts

A sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. Symptoms may include a wart found on the skin or mucous membranes of the anus and the external genital organs.

+ Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. Symptoms include discharge and painful or difficult urination, though women often show no symptoms.

+ Gynecologist

A doctor who is specially trained to take care of problems related to the female reproductive organs.

+ Hepatitis B

A sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Symptoms, if any, include nausea, fever, loss of appetite, darkened urine, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, and yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin.  

+ Herpes

A sexually transmitted disease caused by viruses. Symptoms include recurrent outbreaks of small, painful, blister-like sores on the skin or mucous membranes.  

+ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A virus that attacks and slowly damages the body's immune system. HIV can lead to the life-threatening condition called AIDS.

+ Informed Consent

Consent by a patient to a medical procedure after s/he understands the relevant medical facts and the risks involved.

+ Minor

A person that is under legal age.   In New York State, a person that is under the age of 18.

+ Pap Smear

A test for cancer in the cervix.  

+ Prenatal Care

The medical care of a pregnant woman who is planning to deliver a healthy infant.

+ Rectum

The end of the large intestines which extends to the anus.

+ Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

Diseases caused by bacteria or viruses that can be transmitted through sexual contact.

+ Sliding Scale

A payment option where the health center talks to you about your financial situation, and charges you a fee that is proportional to your income.  

+ Speculum

An instrument used to widen the opening of the vagina for a pelvic exam.

+ Spermicide

An agent that kills sperm.   It can come in the form of jelly, foam, cream, tablets, etc

+ Urologist

A doctor who is specially trained to care for disease of the urinary tract and urogenital system.

+ Vagina

The female genital tract, leading from the opening of the vulva to the cervix of the uterus.

+ Vulva

The external female genital area.