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| SEXUAL HEALTH GLOSSARY > A - D |
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A Abdomen -- The part of the body that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, reproductive organs, and other organs. Abstinence -- Refraining from sexual activity. 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. Click here for more information about HIV and AIDS. AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) -- A network of medical centers around the country in which federally-funded clinical trials are conducted to test the safety and effectiveness of experimental treatments for AIDS and HIV infection. ACTG studies are sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). AIDS Dementia Complex -- A frequent cerebral condition in people with AIDS that results in the loss of cognitive capacity, affecting the ability to function in a social or occupational setting. Its cause has not been determined exactly, but may result from HIV infection of cells in the brain or an inflammatory reaction to such infection. 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 (see also). The designation "alternative medicine" is not equivalent to "holistic medicine," which is a more narrow term. See Holistic Medicine. Analgesic -- Refers to a compound that reduces pain. Tylenol, aspirin and the opiates are examples of analgesic drugs. Anesthesia -- Loss of feeling or awareness. A local anesthetic causes loss of feeling in a part of the body. A general anesthetic puts the person to sleep. 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, also known as immunoglobulin. Antibodies coat, mark for immune destruction or render harmless foreign particles like bacteria, viruses or harmful toxins. Antibodies also tag infected cells, making them vulnerable to attack by the immune system. Each antibody attaches itself to a single specific chemical sequence on an antigen. Elements of the body's immune response, these substances circulate in the blood and in other bodily fluids to fight disease-causing microbes. Antigen -- A foreign substance, usually protein, such as a fragment of a virus or bacteria, that stimulates an immune response with antibodies or other defenses. An antigen contains several subunits called epitopes (see) that are targets of specific antibodies and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Antiretroviral -- A substance that stops or suppresses the activity of a retrovirus such as HIV. AZT, ddC, ddI and d4T are examples of antiretroviral drugs. Asymptomatic -- Without signs or symptoms of disease or illness. Asymptomatic transmission of herpes -- The spread of virus from one person to another during a period of asymptomatic shedding, i.e., the body sheds virus in the absence of symptoms. Atrophy -- A wasting or shrinking of cells, tissue, organs or muscle. 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 nucleoside analog used to slow replication of HIV. AZT is approved for the initial treatment of HIV infection. AZT is increasingly administered in combination with other antiviral drugs, especially 3TC (a combination that is under consideration by the FDA as another initial treatment regimen for HIV) as well as ddC (an FDA-approved combination for persons with progressive disease and CD4 cell counts below 300). Possible side effects include bone marrow suppression leading to anemia, leukopenia or neutropenia nausea, muscle weakness and headaches.   B Bacterial STD -- Such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia 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. For more information see the website of the 3M National Vaginitis Association. Balanitis -- Inflammation of the glans penis or clitoris. Balanoposthitis -- Inflammation of the glans penis and overlying prepuce. B-Cell (B-Lymphocyte) -- A type of lymphocyte (see) that is a precursor to plasma cells. During infections, individual B-cell clones multiply and are transformed into plasma cells, which produce large amounts of antibodies against a particular antigen (see) on a foreign microbe. This transformation occurs through interaction with the appropriate CD4 T-helper cells. bDNA (branched DNA) -- A test developed by the Chiron Corp. for measuring the amount of HIV (as well as other viruses) in blood plasma. The test uses a signal amplification technique, which creates a luminescent signal whose brightness depends on the viral RNA present. Test results are calibrated in numbers of virus particle equivalents per milliliter of plasma. bDNA is similar in results but not in technique to the PCR test (see). Benign -- Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Bioavailability -- The extent to which an oral medication is absorbed in the digestive tract and reaches the bloodstream. Biological therapy -- Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Also called immunotherapy. Biopsy -- The removal of a sample of tissue that is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Bladder -- The hollow organ that stores urine. Burkitt's Lymphoma -- A cancerous tumor, frequently involving jaw bones, ovaries and abnormal lymph nodes. The disease is common in Africa and has been associated with Epstein-Barr virus. BV -- See Bacterial Vaginosis. 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. The CD4 cell modulates the immune response to an infection through a complex series of interactions with antigen presenting cells (macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells) and other types of lymphocytes (B-cells and CD8 cells). 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. The normal range for CD4 cell counts is 500 to 1500 per cubic millimeter of blood. CD4 count should be rechecked at least every six to twelve months if CD4s are greater than 500/mm3. If the count is lower, testing every three months is advised. 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. Cellular immune response -- The portion of the body's immune response that involves T-lymphocytes or other cells designed to fight an "antigen" or invading microbe. 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 Smear. 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. More information available. Chemotherapy -- Treatment with anticancer drugs. Chlamydia -- The fastest-spreading STD in the U.S., chlamydia infects as many as four million men and women each year. More information available. 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. Each year, chlamydia causes as many as half of the one million cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Infants born to mothers with chlamydia may be infected with chlamydial conjunctivitis or pneumonia. When symptoms are present, they usually appear within one to three weeks after sex with an infected partner. Symptoms include abnormal genital discharge and burning during urination. Women may experience lower abdominal pain if PID develops as a result of the chlamydia infection. Men may suffer swelling or pain in the testicles. Chronic -- Refers to symptoms and diseases that last for an extended period of time without noticeable change. CIN -- See Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia. 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. 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. Complementary Medicine -- Nonmainstream 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 now 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. The right way to use a condom. 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. Click here for more information on HPV, or call the CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines at 800-227-8922. Click here for HPV Support Groups in your area. 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. Control Arm -- The group of participants in a clinical trial who receive standard treatment or a placebo, against which those receiving the experimental treatment are compared. Controlled Trial -- A clinical study in which one group of participants receives an experimental drug while another group receives either a placebo or an approved standard therapy. When participants do not know which group they are in, the trial is blinded. See also Double-Blind. Cryosurgery -- Treatment performed with an instrument that freezes and destroys abnormal tissue. Cyst -- A sac or capsule filled with fluid. Cystoscopy -- A procedure in which the doctor inserts a lighted instrument into the urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body) to look at the bladder. 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 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. Diathermy -- The use of heat to destroy abnormal cells. Also called cauterization or electrodiathermy. 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. Dilator -- A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening. Disseminated infection -- An infection that spreads over a wider than usual area of the body, frequently afflicting internal organs. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) -- A double-stranded molecule that makes up the chromosomes in the center of a cell and carries genetic information in the form of genes. The genetic code utilized by DNA resides in the varying sequences of four nucleotide molecules: adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. Double-Blind -- A kind of clinical study in which neither the participants nor the doctors know who is receiving the experimental drug and who is receiving the placebo or standard comparison treatments. This method is believed to achieve the most accuracy because neither the doctors nor the patients can affect the observed results with their psychological biases. 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 a STD.
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