Anonymity
You will not be named or identified in any way.
Blood borne virus
An infection that can be transferred from one person’s blood stream to another’s. Examples of blood borne viruses are HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C.
Bodyzone Clinic
The name of one of the Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics run by the Provider Services Unit
Cap
Caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing into the entrance of your womb
Cervical smears
A cervical smear is a method of preventing cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix early on. A cervical smear does not test for cancer, but checks for cell changes that may, if left untreated, develop into cancer.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection which is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis
Diaphragms
Diaphragms are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing into the entrance of your womb
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is when a man keeps having difficulty getting or keeping an erection. He may then have difficulty having sex or performing other sexual activities such as masturbation. Erection problems are very common.
Female sterilisation
Considered to be a permanent method of contraception where a womans fallopian tubes are cut or blocked which stops the females eggs travelling down them to meet sperm.
Genito Urinary Medicine
Genitourinary medicine (GUM) is the branch of medicine concerning the male and female sexual organs and the urinary system (that stores and removes urine from the body). Genitourinary medicine includes urinary system infections such as cystitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia, and other infections of the genitals such as thrush.
Gynaecology
Gynaecology is a term used to describe a medical doctor who specialises in the female reproductive system and its health/diseases.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infection which leads to inflammation of the liver. It is the most common type of viral hepatitis. It mostly affects children and young adults. The virus is usually caught by putting something in your mouth that has been contaminated with the stools (faeces) of someone with hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is usually a short term infection and though the symptoms can be unpleasant, it is very rarely serious.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus which spreads through the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B is considerably more infectious than HIV, with many people not even realising they have been infected with the virus. This is because symptoms may not develop immediately, or at all. A blood test is carried out to detect the virus. The virus is present in body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluid. It can be passed from person to person, through unprotected sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs. Infected mothers can also transmit the virus to their baby during childbirth. The hepatitis B virus can go on to cause a long-term illness. This is very common in babies and young children, but it can also occur in adults. If you develop chronic hepatitis B, you may remain well, but you may pass on the virus because you are a carrier.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection. Very rarely it can also be passed on through other body fluids, such as through having unprotected sex. Drug users sharing needles are particularly at high risk, but also anyone whose blood has come into contact with the blood of someone infected with hepatitis C. The virus is not transmitted through normal social contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing kitchen utensils, or via a toilet seat. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C but treatment can clear the infection in approximately half those infected.
HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted virus (STI) that attacks the body's immune system, which provides a natural defence system against disease and infection. HIV infects special cells, called CD4 cells, which are found in your blood, and are responsible for fighting infection. After becoming infected, the CD4 cells are destroyed by HIV. Although the body will attempt to produce more CD4 cells, their numbers will eventually decline and the immune system will stop working. This leaves a person who is infected with HIV with a high risk of developing a serious infection, or disease, such as cancer. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a term that is used to describe the latter stages of HIV, when the immune system has stopped working and the person develops a life-threatening condition, such as pneumonia. The term 'AIDS' was first used by doctors when the exact nature of the HIV virus was not fully understood. However, the term is no longer widely used because it is too general to describe the many different conditions that can affect somebody with HIV. Specialists now prefer use the terms 'advanced', or 'late stage' HIV infection.
Infertility
Infertility is when a couple do not get pregnant despite having regular unprotected sex. You will only be diagnosed as infertile if you have not managed to have a baby after two years of trying. If you have never conceived a child, it is known as primary infertility. Secondary infertility is when you have had one or more babies in the past, but you are having difficulty conceiving again.
Intermediate Care Unit
A residential Intermediate Care Unit is a half way house between hospital and home or home and hospital allowing a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and independence - free of charge up to a maximum of 6 weeks.
Interventions
A term used to describe a form of treatment that is recommended in order to help a patient’s recovery.
Intra-uterine systems
An intra-uterine system (IUS) is a small T-shaped plastic contraceptive device that releases the female hormone progestogen into the body. It is similar in shape to an intrauterine device (IUD), which releases copper into the body to prevent pregnancy. The IUS is proven to be over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It normally works for up to five years.
IUD’s
An IUD (Intrauterine device) is a rigid T shaped contraceptive device made from plastic and copper that fits inside the womb. It used to be called a coil or a loop.
Male sterilisation
Considered as a permanent method of contraception whereby the tubes that carry the sperm are cut, thus stopping sperm being present in the semen that is ejaculated. Following the short operation it can take several months for all the sperm to clear from the semen, therefore contraception must be used until you have had two consecutive negative sperm tests.
Menopause
The menopause is the name given to the end of menstruation (periods). The menopause involves the end of egg production (ovulation), which occurs as a result of falling levels of the female sex hormone, oestrogen, which regulates menstruation.
NHS Blackburn with Darwen
The organisation formally called Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Primary Care Trust
Open door
You can access the service without the need for an appointment. See also: walk-in.
Open referral
anyone can refer a patient to the service, in the case of Speech and Language Therapy services parental concent must be gained when referring children.
Pre-menstrual tension (PMT)
Premenstrual Tension (also called premenstrual syndrome, PMS) is the name given to the set of physical, and emotional symptoms that appear in the days leading up to a woman's period.
Self referral
You can refer yourself directly to the service by contacting the service directly.
Secondary care
The step up from community care (Primary Care) to hospital admission and care.
Signposting
When a healthcare professional or other professional advises a patient to access a particular service.
Sub-dermal implants
A hormone releasing rod that is inserted under the skin on the inside of the upper arm, just above the elbow. It is used as a long-acting reversible method of contraception. It remains active for 3 years; it is them removed from the body.
tPCT
Teaching Primary Care Trust
Vasectomy Counselling
Before you commit to having a vasectomy you will be counselled by a vasectomy counsellor. The counselling will consist of a guided discussion with an independent trained person regarding the procedure
Vasectomy Surgery
A vasectomy is a simple and highly effective method of contraception. It is sometimes known as male sterilisation (please see Male Sterilisation in this section).
Walk-in
You can access the service without the need for an appointment. See also open door and open referral.
Weaning
Substituting baby milk in a babies diet for other food.
