Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health. Menstrual Period: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus. Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The name for a group of related viruses, some of which cause genital warts and some of which are linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. If left untreated, HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks certain cells of the body’s immune system. Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs. Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection that may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and arthritis. Herpes causes painful, highly infectious sores on or around the vulva and penis. Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus. This identity may or may not correspond to the sex assigned at birth. Gender Identity: A person’s sense of being male, female, or somewhere in between. This infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.Ĭisgender: A term for someone who identifies as the sex that he or she was assigned at birth. See Healthy Relationships for more information on staying healthy and safe with sexual partners.īarrier Method: Birth control that stops sperm from entering the uterus, such as condoms.īirth Control: Devices or medications used to prevent pregnancy.īisexual: Being attracted to people of more than one gender.Ĭervical Cancer: A type of cancer that is in the cervix, the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina.Ĭhlamydia: A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Even if you do not think you are at risk, your doctor may recommend testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia if you are sexually active. If you think you may have an STI or have had sexual contact that may have put you at risk, you should be tested for STIs. You should practice safe sex whether your partner is male or female. If you are sexually active, you should practice safe sex to help protect yourself and your partner against STIs. The only definite way to prevent STIs is to not have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Not mixing sex with the use of drugs or alcohol. Talking about safe sex before having sexual contact with a partner. Using a male condom to cover sex toys before use. (See Birth Control.)Īvoiding getting menstrual blood or semen into cuts or sores. Using condoms, dental dams, or gloves when touching another person’s genitals with your genitals, fingers, mouth, or a sex toy. See Your First Gynecologic Visit for more information. See Cervical Cancer Screening for details. Most STI tests can be done with a urine sample or a swab of your genital area or mouth.Ĭervical cancer screening-All women should have screening for cervical cancer starting at age 21. STI screening tests-If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain STIs. The best age for the HPV vaccine is 11 or 12, but you can get the vaccine starting at age 9.
#Gay definition series
This is a series of shots to protect against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer, precancer, and genital warts.
Girls and boys should get the HPV vaccine. HPV infection increases the risk of cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV vaccine-HPV can be passed from person to person during sex. You also may get the following tests and immunizations: If you talk honestly and openly, your doctor can help get you the resources you need stay healthy and safe. Some of them may seem personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activities (including vaginal, oral, or anal sex).
Your doctor may ask a lot of questions about you and your family. You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit unless you are having problems.
You also may have a general physical exam.
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You can find out what to expect at future visits and get information about how to stay healthy. The first visit may be just a talk between you and your doctor.