HIV/STI Glossary
Choosing not to do something, such as not eating certain foods, not smoking cigarettes, or not engaging in sexual contact.
A serious condition that prevents the body from fighting off infection. People with AIDS get infections that the body would usually fight off easily.
A person who actively works to support a cause. For example, a child advocate works to protect the rights and well-being of children.
Cancers that are more common in persons who have HIV. These include lymphoma, Kaposi
Health problems that are related to infection by HIV. These include chronic fevers, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, herpes, white sores inside the mouth, and fungus infection of the mouth and throat.
When a male puts his penis into the anus of another person.
A substance that kills or slows down the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Some antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases.
Molecules in the blood or other body fluid that find and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other toxins.
Substances, such as bacteria or viruses, which cause the immune system to produce antibodies.
A substance or process that destroys or slows the growth of a virus.
The opening at the end of the digestive tract from which semi-solid matter is expelled.
An unpleasant feeling that is typically associated with uneasiness or worry.
When a person who has an infection or disease does not experience symptoms of the infection or disease. People who are asymptomatic may not know they are infected, and you cannot tell by looking at them.
The first anti-HIV drug.
Microscopic single-cell organisms. Many bacteria do good things such as add flavor to food and help break down garbage. Other bacteria do bad things, such as make people sick. Many sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria.
A vaginal infection that occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is upset. It is sometimes transmitted or made worse by sexual intercourse. Symptoms include a foul-smelling discharge, pain, itching, and burning. BV can be easily cured with prescription antibiotics. If left untreated, BV can cause infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Any fluid in the human body, such as blood, urine, saliva, tears, semen, breast milk, or vaginal secretions.
A group of diseases in which cells display uncontrolled growth.
A disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. This is a common kind of cancer in women.
The lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina.
A small sore at the place a disease-causing organism enters the body.
The most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Chlamydia is passed from person to person through body fluid exchange. The main symptoms are a discharge or pain when urinating. Men typically have symptoms, but women frequently do not show any symptoms. Chlamydia can be cured with prescription antibiotics. If untreated, Chlamydia can damage reproductive organs and impact fertility.
Of long duration or occurring again and again.
Slang term for gonorrhea.
Sexual intercourse.
Two or more drugs or treatments used together to fight an infection or disease. Combination therapy is often used to treat AIDS.
A protective covering for the penis that is used to prevent pregnancy and the spread of infection.
Sure about something.
Secret or private. Information that will not be shared openly. Medical visits and records are confidential.
When an infection or illness can be passed from one person (or animal) to another.
To make something impure or unclean.
Methods or devices that are intended to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.
To have sexual intercourse.
see Pubic Lice.
The act of using the mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate the female genitals.
To restore to health or to recover fully from an infection. Some infections can be cured, while others can only be treated and never leave the body completely.
Having to do with the skin.
A chain of molecules that carries the genetic information that allows cells to reproduce.
The process of identifying an infection or disease by evaluating a patient
A flowing, dripping, or oozing of fluid from the body, especially an unusual or large amount of fluid.
A condition of ill health in humans, plants, or animals. The term broadly refers to any irregular condition that impairs normal function.
The process of cleaning a part of the body with a stream of water or other fluid.
The ability of microorganisms to continue to live and multiply even in the presence of medication that would usually kill them. This occurs because microorganisms can sometimes change themselves so that the medication is no longer effective.
The amount of time that something exists or lasts.
The earliest stage in the development of an organism, before it has assumed its distinct form. In humans this is from the moment of fertilization until about eight weeks after fertilization, whereafter the organism is called a fetus.
Associated with a particular place, people, or condition. Some diseases are common to localities. For example, malaria is common to the tropics. Other diseases are associated with particular groups of people. For example Tay Sachs is associated with those of eastern European Jewish decent.
Organic molecules that increase the rates of chemical reactions.
An outbreak of a disease that affects a higher number of people than what is considered a normal occurrence.
The branch of medical science that studies the spread and control of diseases.
Eliminating others from participation. Practicing exclusivity in a sexual relationship means both partners have sex only with each other.
The date that food, drink, medicine, or other consumable item is considered unsuitable for use.
In the female reproductive system, the tubes which lead from the ovaries to the uterus.
The act of using the mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate the male genitals.
The capacity to reproduce.
The union of a human egg and sperm.
A developing organism. In humans the fetal stage of development begins about eight weeks after fertilization, when the major structures and organ systems have formed, and lasts until birth.
A kiss in which one participant's tongue touches the other's tongue and usually enters his or her mouth.
The number of times that something occurs within a set period of time.
A group of plants that have no chlorophyll and live parasitically on other live organisms or on dead organic matter.
Pertaining to the development of the appearance and behavior of organisms.
Related to reproduction.
Small tumors that usually occur on the external genitals or in the tissue within or surrounding the anus. Genital warts are spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. The warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
The various reproductive organs, especially the external ones.
A microorganism that can cause disease.
A bacteria that can infect the genitals, throat, rectum, and eyes. Gonorrhea is passed from person to person through body fluid exchange. The main symptoms are a strong smelling discharge and a burning sensation during urination. Gonorrhea can be cured with prescription antibiotics. If untreated, gonorrhea can damage reproductive organs and impact fertility
The molecules in red blood cells that carry oxygen.
A disease that prevents normal blood clotting. The disease is inherited and mostly affects males.
Inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, alcohol, drugs, or blood transfusions. Although many cases of hepatitis are not a serous threat to health, the disease can become chronic and can lead to liver failure and death.
A virus that causes periodic outbreaks of cold sores or fever blisters on the mouth or around the eyes. Once a person is infected with HSV-1, he or she will have it forever. While there is currently no cure, there are treatments to help reduce outbreaks.
A virus that causes periodic outbreaks of painful sores on the genitals and/or anus. HSV-2 is transmitted from one person to another through sexual and skin to skin contact. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to a child during birth. Like HSV-1, once a person is infected with HSV-2, he or she will have it forever. While there is currently no cure, there are treatments to help reduce outbreaks.
Attracted to the opposite sex. For example, when males are sexually attracted to females and females are sexually attracted to males.
To take forcible control.[PCH1][ns2]
Attracted to the same sex. For example, when males are sexually attracted to males and females are sexually attracted to females.
A living cell that provides nourishment to another organism
A virus that attacks the body
A group of viruses
The body
A natural or acquired resistance to a specific disease. Immunity can be partial or complete, long lasting or temporary.
A vaccination designed to protect against an infectious disease.
Breakdown in the immune system that results in certain parts of the system no longer working. This condition makes it easier for a person to be infected by certain diseases.
The period of time between exposure to an infectious disease and the appearance of the first symptom or sign of disease.
The invasion of the body by disease-producing organisms that cause damage or sickness.
Capable of causing an infection that may or may not be contagious.
Inability to conceive children.
To overrun or swarm about in large numbers, so as to be dangerous, harmful, or unpleasant.
Swelling, redness, heat, or pain that occurs as a reaction to injury or infection.
A contagious virus that causes respiratory inflammation, dry cough, headache, fever, and muscle pain. Commonly called the flu.
Something passed from one generation to another. The risk for some diseases is inherited. That is, the risk of developing the disease can be passed from parent to child.
A method of contraception in which a woman is injected with a synthetic hormone once every twelve weeks. The hormone stops the woman from producing eggs; thus the sperm has nothing to fertilize.
Drugs that are injected, or shot, into the body by a syringe or needle. For example, heroin.
Pertaining to the inside of a vein. Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. Intravenous drugs are those injected into one
An animal without a backbone.
An AIDS-related cancer caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. It typically appears as pink or purple spots on the surface of the skin. It can also occur inside the body, especially on the intestines, lymph nodes, and lungs. Kaposi
The period of time that an infecting organism is in the body but not producing any noticeable signs or symptoms.
A particular kind of rubber made from the milky sap of plants.
A gathering where people engage in fellatio.
A liquid that, among other tasks, removes bacteria from cells.
Lymph flows through vessels in the body called lymphatic vessels. These vessels meet in bean shaped filters called nodes.
A type of cancer that often begins in the lymph nodes.
The act of two people kissing and touching for an extended period of time.
Tending to become worse over time and result in death.
Stimulation of the genitals by pressing, rubbing, and/or stroking the genital area with the hands or other objects.
Completely developed or fully grown.
A substance intended for use in the treatment, cure, or prevention of infection or disease.
Organisms that can only be seen through a microscope, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Movement from one place to another.
A tiny eight-legged invertebrate animal related to spiders and ticks. Some mites live freely and some live as parasites that can carry disease.
When two persons remain sexually exclusive with one another and have no outside sex partners.
A thin skin-like lining that protects the inside of the body. You can find mucous membranes inside the nose, mouth, lungs, genitals, and many other parts of the body. Mucous membranes make mucus, which keeps them moist.
A change in a gene or DNA that may result in a new characteristic or change the way cells function. During the course of HIV infection, the virus may mutate and become resistant to different drugs.
When two or more people stimulate themselves or one another by pressing, rubbing, and/or stroking the genital area with their hands or other objects.
Muscle pain. The most common cause of myalgia is overuse or over-stretching of a muscle or group of muscles. However, myalgia can result from poor nutrition or viral infections.
Condoms made from the skin or intestine of an animal.
Infections that do not usually cause disease in a healthy immune system. A weak immune system, however, such as in persons living with advanced HIV, presents an "opportunity" for infection.
Sexual activities that involve stimulation of the genitalia by the use of the mouth, tongue, teeth, or throat.
See Oral Sex.
Any living thing.
A pair of organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs.
An outbreak of disease that spreads throughout a wide geographic area and affects a large portion of the population.
A screening test to detect cancer and other irregularities of the female genital tract, especially of the cervix. It is generally recommended that females who have had sex seek regular Pap smear testing.
Loss of voluntary movement as a result of damage to nerves and/or muscles.
An organism that lives on, feeds on, and gets nutrients from another living organism, called the host. The host receives no benefit from the parasite and is, in fact, often harmed.
A condition caused by an infection (usually sexually transmitted) that spreads from the vagina to the upper parts of a woman
The bowl-shaped bony structure located at the base of the spine.
A group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi.
See Sexual Intercourse.
The external male organ of sexual intercourse - used to transfer semen to the female.
Approval to do something.
An outbreak of disease that causes a high rate of death. In the fourteenth century, a plague known as the Black Death destroyed approximately 25% of the European population.
The clear, fluid portion of blood or lymph.
Inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria or viruses.
A synthetic rubber used in the production of a wide variety of products, including condoms.
The state of carrying a developing fetus within the body.
A medicine that requires a written order from a physician or other qualified practitioner before it can be obtained.
The act of keeping something from happening.
Microorganisms that are helpful.
The likely course or outcome of an infection. The prognosis of an infection is what is likely to happen, over time, to a person with the infection.
An enzyme that breaks proteins down to their basic parts. HIV
A single cell microorganism.
The central part of the body, at the front of the pelvis, which includes the genitalia.
Small, flat bodied, wingless, whitish-gray or rust colored parasitic insects. They use their claws to grab and hang onto skin while feeding on the host
A yellowish or greenish fluid that accumulates at sites of infection.
The final straight portion of the large intestine that connects the intestine with the anus.
To infect again. Such as when a person who is cured of an infection gets the infection again.
A way to make something right or to get rid of something hurtful or harmful.
The biological process by which new organisms are produced.
The general opinion that people have of a person or organization.
Related to breathing or the system in the body that takes in and circulates oxygen.
A type of virus that stores its genetic information on a single-stranded RNA molecule instead of on the more usual double-stranded DNA. HIV is an example of a retrovirus.
A chain of molecules that is important in creating proteins.
The watery and usually frothy substance produced in the mouths of humans and most other animals.
A parasite that burrows into the skin to lay its eggs. Scabies are passed from person to person by skin to skin contact, such as while having sex. Scabies can also fall off people and infest items that people use next to their skin, such as clothing or bedding. A person can be infected by putting the infested clothing or bedding next to his or her skin. The main symptoms of infection are intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scabies can be cured using a prescribed lotion or cream.
A sticky liquid containing sperm that comes out of a man
How uncomfortable, painful, or harsh something is.
Traditionally, intercourse occurs when a man
See Sexually Transmitted Infection.
An infection that is most often transmitted through sexual contact. Sexual contact includes oral, vaginal, penile, and anal contact. There are many different types of STIs, but the infections are primarily caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are passed from an infected person to his or her partner through the exchange of body fluids or from skin to skin contact. STI are also called sexually transmitted disease (STD) or venereal disease (VD).
Outcome from taking a medication or receiving a treatment which occurs in addition to the desired healing effect. The term usually refers to negative effects, such as headache, skin irritation, or liver damage.
Visible or physical indications of an infection or disease.
Male reproductive cells.
Free from live bacteria or other microorganisms.
To free from microorganisms that can cause infection.
Shame or disgrace attached to beliefs, characteristics, or behaviors regarded as socially unacceptable.
Capable of being affected or infected.
When a cotton swab (similar to a Q-tip) is inserted in the mouth, penis, or vagina to collect body fluid.
Changes from normal function and feeling of the body which may indicate an infection or disease. Symptoms may not be externally visible.
A set of signs and symptoms that characterize a specific condition or illness.
Made artificially by a chemical process.
A bacteria that can infect the genitals, mouth, rectum, and eyes. The infection is transmitted through sexual contact, body fluid exchange, and from an infected mother to a child during birth. Indications of syphilis include painless sores, rash on hands and feet, and flu-like symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Syphilis can be cured with a penicillin injection or prescription antibiotics. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious damage of the brain and central nervous system.
A device used for injecting liquids into the body or for withdrawing fluids from the body.
White blood cells that identify foreign substances (for example, cancer cells) and activate other cells to fight infections.
Sore patches in the mouth caused by fungus. Thrush is one of the most frequent early symptoms of an immune disorder.
A collection of similar cells acting together to perform a particular function.
The extent to which a substance is poisonous or harmful to the body.
A poisonous substance produced by a living organism.
The transfer of blood or blood products from one individual to another, or from a stored supply of blood to a person.
To pass something on or cause something to spread, from one person, thing, or place to another.
To provide medical aid to someone.
Procedures and/or medications that are intended to help an injury or illness.
See Trichomoniasis.
A common STI caused by a protozoan parasite that causes vaginal infections in women and urethral infections in men. Common symptoms include genital itching or burning, frequent or painful urination, and discharge with a strong odor. Men are usually asymptomatic. Transmission can occur even if a person does not have symptoms of infection. Additionally, trichomoniasis can survive on objects like sheets, towels, and underwear and can be transmitted by sharing them. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.
An uncontrolled growth or mass of body cells.
A group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria that is transmitted by bites from lice. Typhus is marked by high fever, rash, brain disorders, and extreme exhaustion. Typhus is not an STI, but the lice can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. There have been a number of typhus epidemics throughout history as a result of wars and other disasters which caused large numbers of people to be gathered together in unsanitary conditions.
Not visible or evident. An infection or disease is undetectable if it is lacking signs or symptoms. Many sexually transmitted infections are undetectable.
The tube through which urine leaves the bladder and through which semen is discharged in the male.
The system that produces, stores, and eliminates urine.
Any infection of the urinary tract. Yeast infections are a common UTI. People sometimes mistake a sexually transmitted infection for a yeast infection.
Disposing of urine from the bladder through the urethra.
A liquid waste product of the body that is discharged through the urethra.
A hallow organ in females where a fertilized egg becomes implanted and develops into an embryo and then a fetus.
Introduction of a substance, the vaccine, into the body for the purpose of producing immunity against a disease.
An altered version of an infectious organism that is put into the body in order to produce an immune response. The immune response protects against future infection by providing the body with
Commonly refers to the female genitals; strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure and the vulva is the exterior genitalia.
Infection of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus. It is sometimes transmitted or made worse by sexual intercourse. Symptoms include pain, itching, redness, and white patches in the vaginal wall.
See Sexually Transmitted Infection.
The study of viruses and viral diseases.
A very small infectious organism. In humans, viruses cause measles, mumps, yellow fever, polio, flu, and the common cold, as well as sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS (HIV), herpes (HSV), and genital warts (HPV).
At risk of being hurt or injured.
See Vaginal Candidiasis.