| Acyclovir | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. (See also Zovirax) |
| anal sex | Any contact with the anus for the purpose of erotic stimulation. |
| antibody | A protein based material produced by the body as a defensive response to attack by a bacteria or virus (known medically as antigens). The presence of a specific antibody in the body indicates exposure to the specific virus or bacteria that corresponds to that antibody. |
| antiviral medication | Drugs administered for the purpose of weakening or destroying a virus that has attacked the body. |
| anus | The external opening of the rectum. The opening through which food wastes are expelled. |
| blood test | A laboratory procedure through which a sample of blood is examined using chemical analysis and microscopic study. |
| carrier | A person who is able to transmit a disease, often without having any symptoms of the disease. |
| cervical cancer | Cancerous growth starting at the mouth or entrance of the womb. |
| cervix | The mouth or entrance of the womb. (See womb) |
| complication | Condition that adds to the seriousness of an existing illness. |
| condoms | Coverings worn on the penis for the purpose of preventing pregnancy and preventing the transmission of diseases during sexual intercourse. |
| contamination | The act of transferring harmful substances to a surface. |
| cure | A substance, such as a drug, used as a remedy to restore health. |
| discharge | A secretion of a liquid from the body. |
| Famciclovir | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. (See also Famvir) |
| Famvir | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration; an agency of the U.S. government that tests and approves any substance meant for human consumption. |
| genital | Relating to the external sexual organs. |
| genital area | The area immediately surrounding the external sexual organs. |
| genitourinary | Describing the genital and urinary portions of the anatomy and their function. |
| gynecology | The branch of medicine relating to women's reporductive organs. |
| herpes | A family of viruses causing painful blisters and other symptoms on the skin. |
| herpes simplex 1 | A form of herpes usually causing symptoms on the mouth and lips. |
| herpes simplex 2 | A form of herpes usually causing symptoms on the genital areas; also known as genital herpes. |
| herpes zoster | A form of the herpes virus that causes shingles and chicken pox. |
| HSV | herpes simplex virus |
| labia | One of the external portions of the female genitals. |
| lesion | An open sore. |
| lymph nodes | Infection fighting glands found at several places in the body. |
| obstetrics | Medical specialty having to do with childbirth. |
| oral sex | Contacting the genitals with the mouth, tongue or lips for the purpose of erotic stimulation. |
| penis | External male reproductive organ. |
| recurrence | Repeating episodes of an illness. |
| scrotum | External skin pouch containing the testicles; part of the male reproductive organs. |
| sexually transmitted disease | Condition or illness transmitted during sexual contact between partners. |
| shingles | A painful skin condition caused by a form of the herpes virus. |
| simplex | (See herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2) |
| std | See sexually transmitted diseases) |
| treatment | Management of an illness to control it. |
| undiagnosed | Not discovered by medical examination. |
| urinary passage | Canal through which waste liquids leave the body. |
| vagina | External portion of female reproductive organs. |
| Valacyclovir | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. (See also Valtrex) |
| Valtrex | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. |
| virus | A living organism capable of causing disease. |
| womb | Portion of the internal female anatomy in which a child grows prior to birth. Also known as the uterus. |
| zoster | (See herpes zoster) |
| Zovirax | A drug used in the treatment of viral conditions such as herpes. (See also Acyclovir) |
