Antibiotics: Drugs that treat certain types of infections.
Anus: The opening of the digestive tract through which bowel movements leave the body.
Bacteria: One-celled organisms that can cause infections in the human body.
Bladder: A hollow, muscular organ in which urine is stored.
Complications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.
Computed Tomography (CT): A type of X-ray that shows internal organs and structures in cross section.
Cystitis: An infection of the bladder.
Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.
Estrogen: A female hormone produced in the ovaries.
Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.
Intravenous (IV) Line: A tube inserted into a vein and used to deliver medication or fluids.
Kidneys: Organs that filter the blood to remove waste that becomes urine.
Labia: Folds of skin on either side of the opening of the vagina.
Menopause: The time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.
Penis: The male sex organ.
Preterm: Less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Progesterone: A female hormone that is made in the ovaries and prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy.
Pyelonephritis: A kidney infection caused by bacteria.
Sepsis: A condition in which infectious toxins (usually from bacteria) are in the blood. It is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Symptoms include fever, rapid heart rate, breathing difficulty, and mental confusion.
Spermicide: Chemicals (creams, gels, foams) that inactivate sperm.
Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body.
Ureters: A pair of tubes, each leading from one of the kidneys to the bladder.
Urethra: A tube-like structure. Urine flows through this tube when it leaves the body.
Urethritis: Infection of the urethra, the organ through which urine flows out of the body.
Urinalysis: A test to check a urine sample.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, or urethra.
Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Vulva: The external female genital area.