Birth Control Choices and Pregnancy Definition of Key Terms
Term | Definition |
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Abstinence | The decision to refrain from sexual activity. It is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. |
Barrier Contraception | Methods of birth control that prevent sperm from reaching the egg, such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. |
Conception | The process of becoming pregnant, which involves the merging of a sperm and an ovum, leading to fertilization. |
Fertilization | The fusion of sperm and egg nuclei, resulting in the formation of a zygote. |
Fetus | The developing human from roughly 8 weeks after conception to the moment of birth. |
Implantation | The embedding of the fertilized egg (zygote) into the lining of the uterus, allowing it to grow and develop. |
Miscarriage | The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb, typically before 20 weeks of gestation. |
Placenta | The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby and removing waste products. |
Spermatogenesis | The process of sperm cell production in the male reproductive organs. |
Sterilization | A permanent form of contraception that involves surgical procedures like tubal ligation or vasectomy to prevent pregnancy. |
Tubal Ligation | A surgical procedure for women in which the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or sealed to prevent pregnancy permanently. |
Vasectomy | A surgical procedure for men in which the vas deferens are cut or sealed to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate, thereby preventing pregnancy. |
Infertility | The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. It may be due to various factors affecting either or both partners. |
Birth Control Pill | A hormonal contraceptive taken orally to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. |
Intrauterine Device (IUD) | A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can be hormonal or copper-based and offers long-term contraception. |