B
Bioadhesion -- The property of our drug delivery technology that causes it to adhere to the body's mucosal membranes.
Buccal -- Pertaining to or directed toward the cheek.
C
Cervix -- The opening to the uterus. Sperm enters here to fertilize an egg.
D
Delivery method -- A manmade system with the purpose of delivering a drug or another chemical directly to a specific part of the body.
Desmopressin -- A potent antidiuretic used to treat diabetes and bedwetting.
Dysmenorrhea -- Difficult and painful menstruation.
Emotional lability -- An unstable, fluctuating emotional state. Mood swings; moodiness.
E
Endocrinology -- The scientific study of the function and pathology of the endocrine glands, which include the thyroid, pituitary gland, ovary, testes etc.
Endometrial hyperplasia -- Thickening of the endometrial lining due to an overgrowth of mucosal cells.
Endometriosis -- A condition that diverts cells needed to build the endometrium to the ovaries or to other organs.
Endometrium -- The lining of the uterus, which develops throughout the menstrual cycle to accept and nourish the embryo after conception.
Epithelial surfaces -- The covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including the lining of vessels and other small cavities, consisting of cells joined by small amounts of cementing substances.
Estrogen -- One of the hormones produced in the ovaries.
F
Fallopian tubes -- The tiny tubes that join the ovaries to the uterus, through which a mature egg will travel at ovulation.
Fibroids -- Benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. May cause irregular vaginal bleeding.
H
Hormones -- Chemical substances having a specific regulatory effect on the activity of a certain organ or organs. The term was originally applied to substances secreted by various endocrine glands and transported in the bloodstream to the organs. It is sometimes extended to include those substances that are not produced by the endocrine glands but that have similar effects.
I
Impotence -- The inability to achieve or sustain a penile erection.
Infertility -- The inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term after one year of unprotected intercourse.
M
Menstrual cycle -- The 28- to 32-day cycle in which the endometrial lining of the uterus is first shed, then replenished to prepare for the next ovulation. If pregnancy does not occur after ovulation, the endometrial lining is shed, in the process known as the "period," and the cycle begins again.
Menstruation -- The shedding of the endometrial lining by bleeding.
Metabolites -- A somewhat toxic waste product of metabolism.
N
Nonoxynol-9 -- A common spermicide that is often used with condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps to more effectively prevent pregnancy.
O
Orally -- Pertaining to the mouth, taken through or applied in the mouth, as an oral medication or an oral thermometer.
P
Peptide -- Any of various natural or synthetic compounds containing two or more amino acids linked together chemically by peptide bonds. Among the biological peptides are many with physiological or antibacterial activity.
Perineal -- Pertaining to the region between the thighs; specifically, in the female between the vulva and the anus, in males, between the scrotum and the anus.
pH -- A numbering system for measuring how acidic or alkaline (basic) a liquid is. A pH of 7 is neutral, like water. Higher numbers indicate higher alkalinity (and lower acidity); lower numbers indicate higher acidity (and lower alkalinity).
Polycarbophil -- The main ingredient of Columbia?s BDS. A gel with high buffering ability, which helps maintain the normal acid balance (pH) of the vagina. Polycarbophil also has bioadhesive properties, meaning it adheres to body tissues. Polycarbophil has been used in medical and health care products for many years by thousands of women worldwide.
Polymer -- A macromolecule made of repeating units (monomers).
Progesterone -- The female hormone produced after ovulation to prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for an embryo.
R
Reproductive endocrinologist -- An OB/GYN who specializes in the treatment of hormonal disorders that affect reproductive function.
S
Somnolence -- Sleepiness, also unnatural drowsiness.
Spermicide -- An agent that is destructive to spermatozoa (sperm). Used for contraception.
T
Testes -- The two male reproductive glands located in the cavity of the scrotum. The testes produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Testosterone -- Male sex hormone (androgen) produced in the testes and responsible for triggering the development of sperm and of many secondary sexual characteristics.
Topically -- Pertaining to a particular surface area, as a topical anti-infective applied to a certain area of the skin and affecting only the area to which it is applied.
(source: http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?action=Home&query=)
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