Westover Heights Clinic - Definitions

ANTIBODIES -proteins produced in the body to overcome the toxic effect of antigens (viruses or bacteria).
ANTI-VIRAL -any substance that attacks a virus and suppresses or stops the activity of the virus.
ASYMPTOMATIC - having the virus present without any apparent or recognized symptoms.
CAESAREAN SECTION - delivery of a baby through an incision made in the mother's abdomen.
CERVIX - the neck of the uterus (or womb) that is located at the end of the vagina.
HYSTERECTOMY - surgical removal of the uterus (can also include removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes.
ORAL-GENITAL SEX - any sexual activity that involves direct mouth to genital contact.
ORGANISMS - any form of plant or animal life. Here, we are referring to bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.
URETHRA - the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body that carries urine. In the male, this tube also carries semen out of the body.