Documentation & Glossary
Documentation
Glossary of Terms
AmenorrhoeaA cessation or absence of menstrual periods.
Basal body temperature
The body temperature taken first thing in the morning and used for charting in the Sympto-Thermal Method.
Billings Method
A type of natural family planning developed by Drs. John and Lynn Billings and based largely on observations of the cervical mucus. Also called the Billings Ovulation Method or the Ovulation Method.
Birth control
A means of family planning. The voluntary limitation or control of the number of children conceived.
Calendar Method
The initial and archaic form of natural family planning. It was less reliable as it depended on the regularity of the cycle lengths. Also known as the Rhythm Method and the Ogino-Knaus Method.
Couple to Couple League (CCL)
The largest U.S. provider of natural family planning services. It teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method.
Cervical mucus
A viscous slippery fluid released at the cervix and appearing at the entrance to the vagina. Its presence is a sign of fertility.
Cervix
The neck of the womb.
Contraception
The prevention of conception. Some but not all view it as synonymous with artificial contraception implying the use of means such as hormonal drugs, sperm barriers or surgery.
Corpus luteum (yellow body)
The new structure in the ovary that results from the transformation of the follicle after ovulation. It secretes the hormone progesterone in addition to estrogen
Creighton Model
A type of natural family planning described as a standardized modification of the Billings Ovulation Method.
Egg (Ovum)
The female reproductive cell (gamete).
Embryo
A fertilized egg where cell division has started.
Endometrium
The mucous lining that covers the internal wall of the uterus. Shed during menstruation.
Estrogen (Or Oestrogen)
The hormone responsible for the feminine characteristics in women. It is present during the whole menstrual cycle but especially abundant before ovulation, when it stimulates the fertility signs
Family planning
Usually synonymous with birth control.
Fertility awareness
Using knowledge of fertility signs and symptoms to be aware of the state of a woman's fertility. An important component of natural family planning.
Fertility cycle
The repeating monthly sequence of menstruation and ovulation where fertility systematically changes as the days progress. On average, 28 days in length.
Fertility rate
The average number of children per woman. The replacement level is 2.1. The current fertility rate in Canada is 1.54.
Fetus (or Foetus)
From the Latin for 'offspring.' It is the medical term for the child in the womb (after 8 weeks.)
Foetus
See fetus.
Gamete
Reproductive cell, either female (ovum)or male (sperm).
Hormone
A chemical substance produced in the body that regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
Humanae Vitae
From the Latin for 'human life.' A Roman Catholic encyclical letter issued by Pope Paul VI in 1968. It reaffirmed that abortion, sterilization and artificial contraception are unlawful in the eyes of the Church.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
A method of natural family planning that is reliable during early breastfeeding, providing that certain criteria are met.
Luteinizing Hormone ( L.H.)
The hormone that stimulates the release of the egg.
Menopause
The permanent cessation of female menstrual cycles. The end of fertility.
Menstruation (or Period)
The bleeding that marks the end of a cycle.
Natural birth control
Family planning methods that do not use pharmacological, surgical or mechanical means, or behaviours that interfere with the natural end of the sexual act.
Natural family planning
The observation of the natural fertility cycle to achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
NFP
Natural Family Planning.
Ova
Plural of Ova (egg), see egg.
Oestrogen
See estrogen.
Ogino Knaus Method
See Calendar Method. Named after two scientists who developed it.
Ovum
See egg. Ovum becomes ova in the plural
Ovulation
The release of an egg (ovum) from an ovary.
Ovulation Method
See Billing’s Method.
Period
A common term for menstruation.
Periovulatory
Immediately prior to ovulation, (within 24 hours before ovulation.)
Pregnancy
The nine month period after fertilization, during which a woman carries one or more offspring in her womb.
Pre-menopause
The time period approaching menopause.
Progesterone
The hormone that is secreted by the yellow body ( or corpus luteum, depending on what you have chosen in the pages) during the second part of the cycle, after ovulation. It dominates estrogen and blocks its effects, in such a way that the fertility signs disappear. It also blocks any further ovulation later in the cycle. In every cycle, it prepares the uterus in case of fertilization. If the egg is fertilized, it increases to help sustain the pregnancy.
Prolactin
The hormone that stimulates milk production in the new mother.
Relatively infertile period
The period of time before ovulation, with no signs of fertility, where the probability of pregnancy is very low but not zero. The word “relatively” is used in comparison to the 'definitely' infertile period after ovulation.
Rhythm Method
See Calendar Method.
Serena
A Canadian natural family planning organization that teaches and develops the Sympto-Thermal Method. Founded in 1955 in Quebec. Pioneer of the Sympto-Thermal Method.
Sex
1. The division of organisms into male and female.
2. A common term for sexual intercourse.
Sperm (Spermatozoa)
The male reproductive cell (gamete).
Spermatozoa
See sperm.
Sympto-Thermal Method (ST Method; STM)
The method of natural family planning taught by Serena. Requires the observation of several signs and symptoms (sympto) of fertility/or infertility, in addition to morning temperatures (thermal).
Theoretical effectiveness
The effectiveness of a method of avoiding pregnancy when used perfectly.
Use effectiveness
The effectiveness of a method of avoiding pregnancy in typical use.