Reproductive Choices

the merging of a sperm and an ovum

the process by which sperm cells are produced

the fusion of sperm and egg nucleus

a fertilized egg

in embryonic development, a ball of cells with a surface layer and an inner cell mass

the embedding of the fertilized ovum in the uterine lining

the prevention of conception; birth control

birth control devices that block the meeting of egg and sperm, either by physical barriers, such as condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps, or by chemical barriers, such as spermicide, or both

a latex sheath worn over the penis during sexual acts to prevent conception and/or the transmission of disease; the female condom lines the walls of the vagina

a substance that kills or neutralizes sperm, inserted into the vagina in the form of a foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film

a small dissolvable sheet saturated with spermicide that can be inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix

a bowl-like rubber cup with a flexible rim that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus during sexual intercourse; used with a spermicidal foam or jelly, it serves as both a chemical and physical barrier to sperm

a thimble-size rubber or plastic cap that is inserted into the vagina to fit over the cervix and prevent the passage of sperm into the uterus during sexual intercourse; used with a spermicidal foam or jelly, it serves as both a chemical and a physical barrier to sperm

preparations of synthetic hormones that inhibit ovulation; also referred to as birth control pills or simply the pill

an oral contraceptive that releases synthetic estrogen and progestin at constant levels throughout the menstrual cycle

an oral contraceptive that releases different levels of estrogen and progestin to mimic the hormonal fluctuations of the natural menstrual cycle

an oral contraceptive containing a small amount of progestin and no estrogen, which prevents contraception by making the mucus in the cervix so thick that sperm cannot enter the uterus

a device inserted into the uterus through the cervix to prevent pregnancy by interfering with implantation

a birth control method in which sexual intercourse is avoided during those days of the menstrual cycle in which fertilization is most likely to occur

types of oral contraceptive pills, usually taken within 72 hours after intercourse, that can prevent pregnancy

a surgical procedure to end a person's reproductive capability

a surgical sterilization procedure in which each vas deferens is cut and tied shut to stop the passage of sperm to the urethra for ejaculation

the suturing or tying shut of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy

the blocking of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy

a surgical sterilization procedure in which the fallopian tubes are observed, with a laparoscope inserted through a small incision, and then cut or blocked

method of ending a pregnancy within nine weeks of conception using hormonal medications that cause expulsion of the fertilized egg

a procedure in which the contents of the uterus are removed by means of suction and scraping

a medical procedure in which the contents of the uterus are removed through the use of instruments

health care to prepare for pregnancy

an organism in its early stage of development; in humans, the embryonic period lasts the second to the eighth week of pregnancy

the innermost membrane of the sac enclosing the embryo or fetus

the human organism developing in the uterus from the ninth week until birth

an organ that develops after implantation and to which the embryo attaches, via the umbilical cord, for nourishment and waste removal

a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg has implanted itself outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube

a pregnancy that terminates before the twentieth week of gestation; also called spontaneous abortion

an infectious disease that may cause birth defects if contracted by pregnant woman; also called German measles

labor that occurs after the twentieth week but before the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy

a method of childbirth preparation taught to expectant parents to help woman cope with the discomfort of labor; combines breathing and psychological techniques

the process leading up to birth

the surgical procedure in which an infant is delivered through an incision made in the abdominal wall and uterus

the inability to conceive a child

the introduction of viable sperm into the vagina by artificial means for the purpose of inducing conception