UnderstandYourCycle

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21/7 Formulation

A formulation of the oral contraceptive pill which contains 21 hormone pills and seven hormone-free pills.

In addition to contraception, some 21/7 oral contraceptives offer other benefits such as reduced acne and bloating, and lighter, more regular periods.

24/4 formulation

A formulation of oral contraceptive pill which contains 24 hormone pills and four hormone-free pills was made available in Australia in September 2008. 24/4 pills contain a low-dose of hormones. The three additional days of hormone pills result in less hormone fluctuation throughout the cycle.

In addition to contraception, 24/4 oral contraceptives offer relief from both the physical and emotional symptoms of the menstrual cycle and is indicated to treat a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Additional benefits include reduced acne and bloating, lighter, more regular periods and less mood swings, depression, anxiety and irritability.

A

Abstinence

A natural method of contraception whereby a man and woman refrain from sexual intercourse during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle in order to avoid pregnancy. Abstinence offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STI) and you should speak with your healthcare professional before using this method of contraception, to ensure you understand your menstrual cycle and are not at risk of pregnancy.

Acne

A common skin disease caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles that is marked by pimples, especially on the face and sometimes on the back and shoulders. Acne is often linked to the menstrual cycle as some women may develop pimples in the two weeks before their period as androgen levels in the body increase. Some oral contraceptive pills which have anti-androgenic properties can reduce acne. Speak with your healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment option for you.

Active pills

See Hormone Pills

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A potentially fatal sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the HIV virus. The virus attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making it susceptible to many kinds of infectious diseases it would normally fight off. If you are concerned you have AIDS, speak with your healthcare professional about a test.

Androgens

Hormones found in both men and women. The main androgen is called testosterone. It helps maintain muscle, bone mass, and a healthy sex drive in both men and women, and helps regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. Since women need a much smaller amount of testosterone than men, they tend to have very low levels of androgens. In women, high levels of androgens can cause unwanted facial and body hair and androgens have also been known to cause acne in both men and women. Some oral contraceptive pills which have anti-androgenic properties which can reduce acne. Speak with your healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment option for you.

Asymptomatic

Not showing any signs or symptoms of a disease. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and Genital Herpes are asymptomatic and can only be detected via a test from a healthcare professional.

B

Bacterial Vaginosis

A common infection of the vagina. BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because you can still get it even if you’ve never had sex, however it can be transferred via sexual contact between women. BV is not transferrable between men and women.

BV is usually characterised by a pearlish/white/grey discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant or ‘fishy’ odour, however it can be asymptomatic. BV is curable and if you are concerned you may have contracted the infection, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Barrier method

A method of contraception which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. Male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms are all barrier methods of contraception.

Birth control pill

See Oral contraceptive pill

Bloating

See Fluid retention

Breakthrough bleeding

Bleeding that is sometimes as heavy as a normal menstrual period but takes place between periods.

C

Cervical cap

A reversible birth control method which is a small, soft rubber cap a woman inserts in her vagina before having intercourse. A cervical cap offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Cervical mucus

A fluid secreted by the cervix, cervical mucus changes in both quality and quantity just before and during ovulation. Oral contraceptive pills help to thicken cervical mucus, slowing down the movement of sperm.

Cervix

The narrow, lower end of the uterus that serves as a pathway between the uterus and the vagina.

Chlamydia

One of the most common and fastest growing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Australia, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and in some cases infertility. Chlamydia is asymptomatic but it is curable. If you are concerned you have Chlamydia, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Combination pill

The most commonly prescribed kind of oral contraceptive pill which contains both oestrogen and progestin.

Conceive

To become pregnant. Conception is the process by which an egg is released, fertilised by sperm, travels to the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall. Taking oral contraceptive pills prevents ovulation and fertilisation.

Condom - Female

A reversible birth control method made from thin latex rubber which is worn over a woman's vagina during oral sex or intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms provide protection against pregnancy and are also the most effective contraception at protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condom - Male

A reversible birth control method made from thin latex rubber which is worn over a man's penis during oral sex or intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the vagina and fertilising the egg. Condoms provide protection against pregnancy and are also the most effective contraception at protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Contraception

Any method or device which prevents a woman from falling pregnant. The oral contraceptive pill, condoms, cervical cap, diaphragms and IUDs are all forms of contraception.

Curable

A disease that can be completely eradicated from the human body after a course of treatment.

D

Day 1 Start

The way in which a woman takes her oral contraceptive pill. The Day 1 Start method means a woman takes the first hormone pill in her pill pack on the first day of her period, no matter what day of the week that is.

Diaphragm

A reversible birth control method in which a soft rubber dome with a flexible rim covers the cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus. A diaphragm should be used along with a spermicide. A diaphragm offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

E

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. Also known as a tubal pregnancy, it can be life threatening.

Egg

The female reproductive cell, also called an ovum. When an egg is fertilised by sperm a woman becomes pregnant.

Embryo

A developing human baby, from the time it is implanted in the wall of the uterus until the eighth week after conception. After eight weeks the embryo is called a foetus.

Emergency contraception (also called the Morning After Pill)

A pill women can take in an emergency to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after another method of contraception has failed. Emergency contraception is not designed to be used as a regular form of contraception. It is only available over the counter at the pharmacy and is most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, however can still be effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus, part of which is shed during a woman's period. At the start of a normal pregnancy, the fertilised egg is implanted in the endometrium.

F

Fallopian tubes

Two tubes linking the ovaries to the uterus. Once an egg is released, the fallopian tubes are where fertilisation of the egg usually takes place.

Fertilisation

The process in which a man's sperm joins with a woman's egg and results in pregnancy.

Fluid retention

Excess retention of water and salt in the body, also known as bloating. Fluid retention can occur before and during menstrual periods.

Foetus

A developing human baby from about 12 weeks after conception to birth.

Follicle

A fluid-filled place inside the ovary where each month, an egg develops. The follicle releases the egg into the fallopian tube where fertilisation usually takes place.

G

General practitioner (GP)

A doctor who focuses on general medical care for individuals of all ages.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital Herpes can be asymptomatic however some people develop painful, highly infectious sores on or around the vagina and penis. Genital Herpes is incurable, however there are medications which can shorten or prevent outbreaks. If you think you have Genital Herpes, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and treatment option.

Genital warts

A highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes painless growths around the penis, anus and vagina. Genital warts is incurable however there are treatment options which can remove the visible wart. If you think you have Genital Warts, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is often asymptomatic. Some women may notice a yellowish or bloody vaginal discharge, burning or itching of the vagina and a need to frequently urinate. Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If you think you have gonorrhea, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Gynaecologist

A doctor who practices gynaecology.

Gynaecology

A branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and routine medical care of the reproductive system in women.

H

Hair follicle

A sheath underneath the skin that surrounds the lower part of the hair root.

HIV

The virus that causes AIDS. HIV is passed from one person to another through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva. HIV (AIDS) is incurable at this time.

Hormone

A substance produced in the human body that circulates in bodily fluids (such as blood) and causes a specific effect on the activity of cells in another part of the body. For example, hormones help regulate reproduction and growth.

Hormone pills

The pills in an oral contraceptive pill pack that actually contain the hormones that prevent pregnancy. Hormone pills (also called active pills) normally differ in colour from the hormone-free pills so you can easily tell them apart.

Hormone-free pills

The pills in an oral contraceptive pill pack that contain none of the hormones that prevent pregnancy. Hormone-free pills (also called inactive or sugar pills) are designed to keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day and you start taking them when you finish the hormone pills (also called active pills) in your packet. You will usually begin your period within a few days of starting the hormone-free pills.

I

Implantation

When a fertilised egg is attached to the endometrium or wall of the uterus.

Incurable

A disease that cannot be cured or completely eradicated from the body. Some incurable diseases have treatment options that can minimise the severity of an outbreak or prevent an outbreak from occurring but the virus will still remain in the body.

Intrauterine device or IUD

A reversible birth control method usually made of flexible plastic that is put in a woman's uterus by her doctor. It is not known exactly how IUDs work. They seem to prevent pregnancy either by stopping sperm from reaching the egg or by stopping the egg from attaching to the uterus. Most doctors prefer to use IUDs only in women who have already had a baby. IUDs offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

J

K

L

Low-dose birth control pills

Modern oral contraceptive pills have lower doses of oestrogen than the first birth control pills introduced in America in the 1960s. An oral contraceptive pill is considered low dose if it has 0.035 micrograms or less of oestrogen.

M

Menopause

The time a woman's periods cease (usually around age 40 or 50) and she is no longer able to fall pregnant. Menopause is also referred to as 'the change of life.'

Menstrual cycle

A monthly cycle (usually around 28 days) occurring in every woman between puberty and menopause. The menstrual cycle involves the build-up of the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining of the uterus is shed via a period. Some women can experience physical and emotional changes throughout the menstrual cycle as a result of PMS and PMDD.

Menstruation

See Period

Mini-Pill

Oral contraceptive pills, also known as progestin only pills (POPs) that do not contain an oestrogen. POPs are slightly less effective than combination pills.

Morning after Pill

See Emergency Contraception

N

Natural contraception

A method of contraception which involves planning sexual intercourse around the menstrual cycle in order to avoid pregnancy. Natural contraception offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can be unreliable in preventing pregnancy. Before using natural contraception, speak with your healthcare professional to ensure you understand your menstrual cycle and are not at risk of pregnancy.

O

Obstetrics

A medical specialty that concentrates on childbirth.

Oestrogen

A hormone produced primarily in a woman's ovaries, oestrogen aids in the development of female sex characteristics and plays an important role in reproduction.

Oral contraceptive pill

One of the most effective reversible birth control methods, oral contraceptives are also known as the Pill or birth control pills. Oral contraceptive pills contain hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. Even if an egg is released, oral contraceptive pills also make it difficult for sperm to fertilise the egg.

Oral contraceptives are available in 21/7 formulation and 24/4 formulation and contain both hormone pills and hormone-free pills. Depending on the type of hormones in a particular oral contraceptive, the oral contraceptive pill can offer additional non-contraceptive benefits such as reduced acne and bloating, lighter more regular periods. The 24/4 formulation of pills reduces hormone fluctuation throughout the cycle and is approved to treat a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Oral contraceptive pills offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Ovarian cyst

A fluid-filled mass on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are relatively common and can be detected in a routine gynaecological exam. This kind of cyst usually develops when a follicle has grown large (as one or more do during ovulation) but has failed to release an egg. Most ovarian cysts are benign, but those that are judged to be abnormal or cancerous should be removed.

Ovaries

The pair of female reproductive organs that produce and release eggs and release the hormones oestrogen and progesterone into the body.

Ovary

One of the ovaries.

Ovulation

The release of a mature egg, by an ovary. At birth, a woman's ovaries contain about a million follicles, each with an immature egg in the centre. Over the course of her reproductive life, only a few hundred follicles will actually develop into mature eggs. After ovulation, the egg is swept up by one of the fallopian tubes and begins travelling toward the uterus, where it can be fertilised by sperm.

P

Pap smear

A test in which cells are taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope for abnormalities and cervical cancer.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

One of the most common causes of infertility in women, PID is characterised by inflammation of the female reproductive tract, especially the fallopian tubes. It is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and tends to occur more often in women who use intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Period

Occurs once a month in women who are not pregnant and is when the lining of the uterus is shed via a monthly discharge of blood from her vagina. A woman has her period from puberty to menopause.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

A common health problem for women whereby cysts on the ovaries increase the production of androgens. PCOS is not a sexually transmitted infection and cannot be transferred between sexual partners. Women with PCOS can have irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, excessive facial or body hair and in some cases difficulty falling pregnant. Some oral contraceptive pills can help with PCOS, however if you think you may have the condition, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The physical and emotional changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, usually one to two weeks before a woman gets her period. PMDD is a severe form of PMS characterized by intense emotional and physical symptoms that occur between ovulation and menstruation. The symptoms of PMDD are severe enough to impact daily activities, school, work or personal relationships. Click here to see the symptoms of PMDD.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The physical and emotional changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, usually one to two weeks before a woman gets her period. The changes usually occur after ovulation and end when a woman gets her period. Click here to see the symptoms of PMS.

Progesterone

The natural hormone found in a woman's body that helps prepares the endometrium or lining of the uterus for implantation of a fertilised egg.

Progestogen

A hormone which can be natural or synthetic but has the same effect on a woman’s body as progesterone.

Progestogen-only implant (Implanon)

A small rod (4cm by 2mm) which is inserted into a woman’s arm. The implant contains progestogen which is released into the body over a three year period and provides protection against pregnancy. The rod can be removed at any time but it must be removed after three years. The progestogen-only implant provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Progestogen-only injections (Depo-Provera)

An injection containing progestogen a woman receives every 12 weeks which provides protection against pregnancy. The injection provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Q

R

Reversible birth control method

A method used to temporarily prevent pregnancy. Examples of reversible birth control methods include oral contraceptive pills, hormonal injections, condoms, spermicide, diaphragms, cervical caps, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Any reversible birth control will have no effect on a woman's ability to have children once she stops using it.

S

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Any infection or disease passed from person to person through sexual contact including oral, anal or vaginal sex. Some common STIs are gonorrhea, Chlamydia, genital herpes, HIV (AIDS), and trichomoniasis. The most common areas of the body to contract STIs are the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, and throat. STIs are also known as venereal disease (VD) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Speculum

A smooth medical instrument used to widen an opening on the body to perform an examination or take a sample. A speculum is used by a doctor in performing a pap smear.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell or 'gamete' used to fertilise a woman's egg during sexual intercourse.

Spermicide

A reversible birth control method in the form of foam, cream, jelly, film, or a suppository. Spermicides need to be inserted deep into the vagina 10 to 15 minutes before intercourse and are effective for only about one hour. Some condoms come with spermicide already in them. Unless used in conjunction with a condom, spermicides offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Spotting

Small, light bleeding that occurs between a woman's period.

Sterilisation

A permanent method of contraception. In women, sterilisation is done through a procedure called tubal ligation (tying off the fallopian tubes) and in men it is called a vasectomy (surgical resectioning of the vas deferens). Reversing sterilisation in both men and women is difficult and may not be successful.

Sugar pills

See Hormone-free pills

T

Testosterone

An androgen or male sex hormone found in men and in small amounts in women. In men, testosterone is necessary for reproductive development. In women, it can cause unwanted facial or body hair. Increased levels of testosterone can lead to acne.

Thrush

A common infection caused by an overgrowth of yeasts in the vagina, mouth or anus. Thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because you can still get it even if you’ve never had sex, however it can be transferred via sexual contact. Thrush is curable and is characterised by severe itching, a thick, white discharge (similar to cottage cheese) and/or pain when urinating. If you are concerned you have thrush, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Trichomoniasis

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can cause pain and itching during urination, an unpleasant odour, and a watery, yellowish discharge. If you are concerned you have trichomaoniasis, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An infection that occurs in both men and women when bacteria from outside the body gets into the urinary tract and causes infection and inflammation. A UTI is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because you can still get it even if you’ve never had sex, however it can be transferred via sexual contact. A UTI can cause a person to feel like they need to urinate frequently, pain or burning when urinating, and blood in the urine. A UTI is curable and if you are concerned you may have one, speak with your healthcare professional about a test and a treatment option.

Uterus

Also called the womb. The uterus is the female reproductive organ in which a baby develops before it is born.

V

Vagina

The canal between a woman's vulva and cervix. The penis is inserted into the vagina during sexual intercourse and a baby passes out of the woman's body through the vagina during childbirth.

Vaginal Ring

A reversible birth control method, the vaginal contraceptive ring is a thin, flexible ring that a woman inserts into her vagina for three weeks of each cycle. The ring releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. The vaginal ring offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

W

Womb

Also called the uterus. The womb is the female reproductive organ in which a baby develops before it is born.

X

Z