Term

Definition

Post-partum

Six week period following delivery of a child

Post-abortion

Period following induced or spontaneous abortion

Menopause

Menopause occurs when the ovaries cease to produce an egg every four weeks and menstruation ceases.  A reduced estrogen level results, leading to hot flashes, palpitations, night sweats, vaginal dryness, bone loss and other conditions including emotional disturbances.

Post-menopause

Period following menopause (at least 12 months after last menstrual period)

Peri-menopause

Period preceding menopause of at least 12 months

Nulliparous

Never having given birth (but could have been pregnant at one time)

IUS

Intrauterine drug delivery system such as FibroPlant-LNG releasing a medicinal drug in the uterine cavity

IUD

Conventional IUD:  Intrauterine contraceptive device, made of plastic, overlaid with copper wire or tubes for added protection.  On insertion in the uterine cavity, IUDs produce local sterile inflammatory reaction causing lysis of the ovum and sperm, and the prevention of implantation. IUDs also prevent fertilisation due to deleterious effects on spermatozoa as they pass through the uterus.

COC and other hormonal methods

Combined Oral Contraceptive (Pill), injectables, implants.  Hormonal methods that prevent eggs from being released, thicken cervical mucus, and change the endometrium (lining of the uterus).

ERT

Estrogen replacement therapy. Replaces absent or decreased production of estradiol in the ovaries.

HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy. Replaces absent or decreased production of estradiol and progesterone in the ovaries.

LNG

Levonorgestrel, a hormone used in the Pill and also used in FibroPlant-LNG.

STD/STI

Sexually transmitted disease or infection