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| SEXUAL HEALTH GLOSSARY > R - Z |
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R Radiation Oncologist -- A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer. Radiation Therapy -- Treatment with high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. External radiation is the use of a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Internal radiation therapy is the placement of radioactive material inside the body as close as possible to the cancer. Randomization -- The process by which patients in a clinical trial are randomly assigned to different treatments. Randomization minimizes the differences among groups by equally distributing people with particular characteristics among all the trial arms. Randomized Trial -- A trial in which the participants are randomly assigned to receive one of the treatments under study or a placebo. See Randomization. Rash -- A general term applied to any eruption of the skin, especially those pertaining to communicable diseases. A rash is usually a shade of red, which varies with disease and is usually temporary. Recombinant -- Refers to compounds produced by laboratory or industrial cultures of genetically engineered living cells. The cells' genes have been altered to give them the capability of producing large quantities of the desired compound for use as a medical treatment. Recombinant compounds often are versions of naturally occurring substances. Rectum -- The last 6 to 8 inches of the large intestine. 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. Regimen -- Regulation of diet, sleep, exercise, and manner of living to improve or maintain health. Reiter's syndrome -- A group of symptoms which appear as a complication of nonspecific urethritis. Symptoms include urethritis, arthritis, and conjunctivitis. Remission -- Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. When this happens, the disease is said to be "in remission." A remission can be temporary or permanent. Reproductive system -- In women, the organs that are directly involved in producing eggs and in conceiving and carrying babies. Resectoscope -- A slender telescope with an electrical wire loop or rollerball tip used to remove or destroy tissue inside the uterus. Resistance -- Reduction in a pathogen's sensitivity to a particular drug. Resistance is thought to result usually from a genetic mutation. In HIV, such mutations can change the structure of viral enzymes and proteins so that an antiviral drug can no longer bind with them as well as it used to. Resistance detected by searching a pathogen's genetic makeup for mutations thought to confer lower susceptibility is called genotypic resistance. Resistance found by successfully growing laboratory cultures of the pathogen in the presence of a drug is called phenotypic resistance. High-level resistance reduces a drug's virus-suppressing activity hundreds of times. Low-level resistance represents only a few-fold reduction in drug effectiveness. Depending on the toxicity of the drug, low-level resistance may be overcome by using higher doses of the drug in question. Retrovirus -- A type of virus that, when not infecting a cell, stores its genetic information on a single-stranded DNA. HIV is an example of a retrovirus. After a retrovirus penetrates a cell, it constructs a DNA version of its genes using a special enzyme, reverse transcriptase. This DNA then becomes part of the cell's genetic material. Reverse Transcriptase (RT) -- A viral enzyme that constructs DNA from an RNA template, which is an essential step in the life-cycle of a retrovirus such as HIV. Risk factor -- Something that increases the chance of developing a disease. RNA (ribonucleic acid) -- A single-stranded molecule composed of nucleotide sequences that is similar to the double-stranded DNA. In cells, RNA transmits the code that instructs the cells' chemical machinery to produce structural proteins and enzymes. The RNA segments in the cells represent copies of portions of the DNA sequences in the nucleus. In retroviruses, RNA is the sole repository of the viral genes. Roseola -- Skin condition marked by red spots of varying sizes on the skin. Measles or German measles.   S Sacral ganglion -- The nerve root at the base of the spine. The sacral ganglion serves as the site of latency in genital herpes infections. Schiller Test -- A test in which iodine is applied to the cervix. The iodine colors healthy cells brown; abnormal cells remain unstained, usually appearing white or yellow. Seroconversion -- Development of detectable antibodies to HIV in the blood serum as a result of infection. It may take several months or more after HIV transmission for antibodies to the virus to develop. After antibodies to HIV appear in the blood, a person will test positive in the standard ELISA test for HIV. Serology -- A test that identifies the antibodies in serum (a clear fluid that is a component of the blood). Seroprevalence -- For HIV, the rate at which a given population tests positive on the ELISA test for HIV antibodies. The seroprevalence rate is nearly the same as the rate of HIV infection in a given population, leaving out mainly those who were recently infected. Serostatus -- The condition of having or not having detectable antibodies to a particular microbe in the blood as a result of infection -- for example, HSV-1, HSV-2, or HIV. One may have either a positive or negative serostatus. Shingles -- A skin condition caused by reactivation of a Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, usually acquired in childhood (when it appears as chicken pox). It consists of painful, inflammatory blisters on the skin that follow the path of individual peripheral nerves. The blisters generally dry and scab, leaving minor scarring. Standard treatment is with famciclovir or acyclovir. See also Herpes Virus. Side Effects -- Problems that occur when treatment affects healthy cells. For example, common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores. Speculum -- An instrument used to spread the vagina open so that the cervix can be seen. Spermicide -- An agent which kills spermatozoa. Squamous cell carcinoma -- Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Squamous intraepithelial lesion -- A general term for the abnormal growth of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. The changes in the cells are described as low grade or high grade, depending on how much of the cervix is affected and how abnormal the cells are. Also called SIL. Staging -- Doing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer, especially whether it has spread from its original site to other parts of the body. STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) -- Any infection that is acquired through sexual contact in a substantial number of cases. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) -- Any infection that is acquired through sexual contact in a substantial number of cases. Steroids -- A group of drugs, including corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, that affect metabolism. Stomatitis -- Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Surgery -- An operation. Surrogate Marker -- A laboratory measurement of biological activity within the body that indirectly indicates the effect of treatment on disease state. CD4 cell counts and viral load are examples of surrogate markers in HIV infection. Symptom -- Any perceptible change in the body or its functions that indicates disease or the kind or phases of disease. Often STDs produce symptoms; however, particularly in women, there may be no symptoms. Symptomatic reactivation -- The presence of lesions or any other symptoms caused by reactivation of HSV; a "recurrence." Syphilis -- There are an estimated 120,000 new cases of syphilis in the U.S. each year. Syphilis progresses in three stages, with the earliest symptoms appearing in 10 days to three weeks after sex with an infected partner. A painless sore (chancre) may appear on the genitals or in the vagina. Second-stage symptoms include a skin rash and flu-like symptoms. The infection remains even after these symptoms disappear. If left untreated, syphilis lapses into the latent stage, during which it is not contagious and has no symptoms. About one-third of people who reach this stage will develop the severe complications of late, or tertiary, syphilis, which can result in mental illness, blindness, heart disease and death. More information available. Systemic -- Concerning or affecting the body as a whole. A systemic therapy is one that the entire body is exposed to, rather than just the target tissues affected by a disease. T TB (Tuberculosis) -- A lung infection that occurs more often in people with weakened immune systems. TB can be easily passed to others and can lead to death if not treated. TB can be successfully treated with the right medications. T-Cell (T-Lymphocyte) -- Any lymphocyte that matures in the thymus. T4 Cell -- See CD4 cell. T-Helper Cell -- See CD4 cell. Teens -- One in two sexually active youth will contract an STD by at 25. Teens are at high risk for STD infection in part because of biological factors, such as an immature immune system. Behavioral factors that place teens at high risk include early age of first intercourse and multiple partners. Teratogenicity -- The ability to cause defects in a developing fetus. This is distinct from mutagenicity, which causes genetic mutations in sperms, eggs or other cells. Teratogenicity is a potential side effect of many drugs, such as thalidomide. Testosterone -- A naturally occurring male hormone. When administered as a drug it can cause gain in lean body mass, increased sex drive and possibly aggressive behavior. Many men with HIV have low testosterone levels. Therapeutic Vaccine -- An injected therapy consisting of synthetic HIV antigen (e.g., gp160) that is administered to people who already have HIV. It is supposed to heighten and broaden the immune response to HIV, helping to halt disease progression. Thrush -- See Candidiasis. Tissue -- A group or layer of cells that together perform a specific function. Toxicity -- The harmful effects of a given drug that occur during therapy. The term is similar to side effect and adverse reaction. Toxoplasmosis -- A disease caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can affect a number of organs, but it most commonly causes encephalitis (brain inflammation). Transmission -- The spread of disease, including a sexually transmitted disease, from one person to another. Trichomoniasis -- An infection with a flagellated protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. When symptomatic, the infection results in vaginitis in women and urethritis in men. There are an estimated 3 million new cases of trichomoniasis each year. Many infected persons, however, remain asymptomatic. For more information about trichomoniasis, call the National STD and AIDS Hotlines at 800-227-8922. Trigger (factor) -- Any biologic or behavioral event that influences latent HSV to reactivate. Tumor -- An abnormal mass of tissue. Can be cancerous or benign. U Ultrasonography -- A test in which sound waves (called ultrasound) are bounced off tissues and the echoes are converted into a picture (sonogram). Ultrasound -- A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures. During pregnancy, it can be used to examine the fetus. Ureaplasma -- A genus of bacteria found in the human genitourinary tract, occasionally in the pharynx and rectum. In males, they are associated with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) and prostatitis; in females, with genitourinary tract infections and reproductive failure. Ureters -- The tubes that carry urine from each kidney to the bladder. Urethritis -- Inflammation of the urethra. STDs, if they are symptomatic, often cause urethritis. Urologist -- doctor who specializes in the physiology and pathology of the urinary and genital functions of the body Uterus -- The small, hollow pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which an unborn child develops. Also called the womb. 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. More information available. Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) -- The cause of chicken pox in children. Its reactivation in adults causes shingles (see Shingles). Viral Load -- The number of viral particles (usually HIV) in a sample of blood plasma. HIV viral load is increasingly employed as a surrogate marker for disease progression. It is measured by PCR and bDNA tests and is expressed in number of HIV copies or equivalents per milliliter. Viral replication -- The process by which a virus makes more copies of itself. Viral STDs -- Viral STDs, including genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and HIV (the cause of AIDS) -- are as yet incurable, although the symptoms can be treated. Viruses -- Small living particles (much smaller than bacteria) that can infect cells and change how the cells function. Infection with a virus can cause a person to develop symptoms. A virus is a noncellular entity composed merely of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein envelope. Viruses can reproduce only within living cells into which they inject their genetic material. The viral genes then subvert an infected cell's normal chemical processes to create new virus particles, usually killing the cell in the process. The disease and symptoms that are caused depend on the type of virus and the type of cells that are infected. W Wart -- A raised growth on the surface of the skin or other organ. Wasting Syndrome -- A condition characterized by loss of ten percent of normal weight without obvious cause. The weight loss is largely the result of depletion of the protein in lean body mass and represents a metabolic derangement frequent during AIDS. 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 (see). 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. Womb -- The uterus. Wrestler's herpes -- The presence of herpes lesions on the body caused by HSV infection that is usually transmitted through the abrasion of skin during a contact sport, such as wrestling. Also known as herpes gladitorum. X X chromosome -- The chromosome that determines that female sex characteristics will develop in an individual. In the normal female there are two X chromosomes and in the male only one. X-rays -- High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose disease and in high doses to treat cancer. Xeroderma -- roughness and dryness of the skin, mild ichthyosis. x. pigmentosum, Kaposi's Sarcoma. Y Y chromosome -- One of a pair of chromosomes (X and Y) which is present in fetuses which have male sexual characteristics. Yeast Infection -- See Candidiasis. Z Zidovudine -- See AZT. Zoster -- Acute inflammatory disease with vesicles grouped in the course of cutaneous nerves, as in herpes zoster. z. Auricularis -- Herpes zoster of the ear. z. Opthalmicus -- Herpes affecting the opthalmic nerve. Zovirax -- see Acyclovir.
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