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amenorrhea
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absence of menstruation in a person with ovaries and a uterus, who is of reproductive age
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barrier method
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contraceptive method that prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm through the reproductive tract, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization
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cervical cap
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small cup made of silicone that fits snugly over the cervix, blocking sperm from entering and reaching the ovum
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coitus interruptus
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method of contraception, called withdrawal or pulling out, when the penis is withdrawn from the vagina prior to ejaculation
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contraceptive abstinence
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abstaining from vaginal intercourse, with avoidance of semen entering the vagina to fertilize an ovum, preventing pregnancy
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contraceptive implant
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contraceptive device that is placed subdermally, releasing etonogestrel over a 3-year period to prevent pregnancy
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contraceptive sponge
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small, round sponge, with indents on one side and a loop on the other side, that releases a continuous flow of nonoxynol-9 spermicide
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diaphragm
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dome-shaped silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus
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dysmenorrhea
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very painful menstrual cramping that interferes with the person’s daily living
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emergency contraception (EC)
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form of contraception that is effective in interrupting a pregnancy before it begins if administered within a specific time frame after sexual intercourse
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endometrial hyperplasia
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condition in which the endometrium of the uterus becomes very thick, causing unusual bleeding
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external condom
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sheath placed on a penis or sex toy, providing both contraception and STI protection
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female sterilization
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term used to describe a surgical procedure that permanently terminates fertility and pregnancy in a person with a uterus
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ferning
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pattern cervical mucus makes when placed on a glass slide under a microscope
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fertility awareness methods (FAM)
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methods requiring the person who is menstruating to monitor the menstruation cycle and fertile window and to avoid vaginal coitus intimate contact during the fertile window
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internal condom
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soft polyurethane sheath that is inserted into the vagina for contraception and STI protection
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intrauterine contraception (IUC) device (IUD)
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small, plastic T-shaped contraceptive device that is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy
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long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
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long-lasting and easily reversible birth control, including intrauterine contraception devices and contraceptive implants
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male sterilization
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term used to describe a surgical procedure that permanently blocks the small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm so they cannot be ejaculated and cause pregnancy
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medically induced abortion
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termination of pregnancy induced by medications
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menstrual start method
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method in which the patient begins taking COC pills on the first day of their next menstrual cycle
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mittelschmerz
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midcycle abdominal pain related to ovulation
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pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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infection of the female reproductive organs, most often occurring when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries
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perfect use effectiveness
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rate of effectiveness of a contraceptive method measured in clinical trial
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quick start method
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method in which the patient begins taking COC pills on the day of the appointment because they have been deemed “reasonably certain” of not being pregnant due to history taking and point-of-care pregnancy test; with this method, a “backup method” (barrier method) is necessary for the next 7 days.
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reanastomosis
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reconnecting of the vas deferens (or any tissue) after it has been surgically opened
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spermicide
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cream, foam, gel, suppository, or vaginal film that acts as an adjunct therapy when used with barrier methods, destroying sperm by disrupting the cell membrane
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spinnbarkeit
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cervical mucus that is more estrogen dominant, presents as clear, stretchable, and much more amenable to sperm mobility, occurring at ovulation
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Sunday start method
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in which the patient is educated to begin taking COC pills on the Sunday that follows the first day of the next menstrual cycle
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surgically induced abortion
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procedure in which manual dilation of the cervix occurs, followed by emptying of the uterine cavity using a suction curettage
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tubal ligation
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surgical procedure for female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are permanently blocked, clipped, or removed
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typical use effectiveness
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rate of effectiveness of a contraceptive method when used in real life over a year, impacted by persons not following instructions for use every time
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U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (US MEC)
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tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess if a patient is eligible for a type of contraception based on medical conditions or previous medical conditions
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unintended pregnancy
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unwanted or mistimed pregnancy
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vaginal coitus
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penile-vaginal intercourse
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vasectomy
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procedure in which a small opening is made in the scrotum to sever the vas deferens by ligation or cautery, preventing sperm from being ejaculated
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venous thromboembolism
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blood clot that forms within a vein