Medical procedure or medication used to terminate a pregnancy prematurely.

The deliberate termination of a pregnancy by medical means.

Describes hurtful or inappropriate behavior that occurs without consent.

A serious illness that develops when the immune system has been severely damaged by an HIV infection. Modern medications can prevent HIV from developing into AIDS in the first place.

Relating to the anus, the external opening of the rectum, through which stool exits the body.  

The entire external area around the anus, which is often very sensitive and can also be part of the erogenous zones.

A sexual practice, during which the anus is stimulated, for example, with a penis, finger, tongue or a sex toy.

The consultation with a doctor during which all the important information about medical history and current symptoms is asked and reported by the patient.

A physical and psychological state triggered by sexual stimulation or thoughts, which can lead to an increase in sexual desire.

Antiretroviral therapy; used by HIV patients to reduce the viral load in the body.

medical procedures to achieve pregnancy when natural methods are not possible

Umbrella term for sexual practices that involve bondage & discipline, dominance & submission, or sadism & masochism, and which are practiced with mutual consent. 

Refers to the classification of people into the two gender categories “male” and “female.”

Refers to derogatory comments about body shapes and appearance, as well as disparagement and discrimination based on body shape.

Care work refers to activities in which people care for or support others. This includes, for example, looking after children, caring for relatives, doing household work, or providing emotional support. Care work is important for social cohesion. It is often performed without pay in a private setting, but is also sometimes paid work, for example in daycare centers, care facilities, or the social services sector.

A form of sexual harassment in public that often consists of unwanted shouts, whistles, or comments about a person's appearance.

A fluid from the cervix that changes in quantity and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle and is important for understanding fertile and infertile phases.

Structured, thread-like structures in the cell nucleus that carry the genetic material of an organism. They consist of DNA and proteins and contain genes that control the development and function of the body.

A disease is chronic if it begins slowly and lasts for a very long time or recurs repeatedly instead of disappearing quickly.

A prefix that describes a person's gender identity as matching the sex assigned to them at birth.

A penis that belongs to a cisgender person, i.e., a person who was assigned male at birth and also identifies as a man.

A vagina that belongs to a cisgender person, i.e., a person who was assigned female at birth and also identifies as a woman.

Refers to everything related to the medical treatment, examination, and observation of patients. The term is often used when something is directly related to diseases, their diagnosis, or therapy.

Coercion means that someone forces another person to do something they don't actually want to do. The coercion takes the form of violence or threats, for example, to cause hardship or fear.

An examination in which a thin camera is inserted through the anus into the intestine to look for any changes or abnormalities.

Infections can be transmitted through contact with pathogens that are contained in bodily fluids. Infection can also occur when the contact is indirect -- for example, when you touch a surface that has germs on it and then touch mucous membranes (eyes or mouth). 

Using the former name of a trans* person after they have adopted a new name.

A photo of a penis.

a fluid that comes out of the vagina. Discharge is totally normal. It keeps the vagina moist and clean and protects from infection. The amount, color, and consistency of discharge can vary during the menstrual cycle. 

The unjust prejudicial treatment, disadvantaging or denigration of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as gender, origin, sexual orientation, or religion.

DNA contains all the important information that a cell needs to function. It also determines the characteristics of an organism. DNA consists of a long, spiral-shaped chain in which genetic information is stored. 

The expulsion of semen (seminal fluid) from the penis, usually as a result of sexual arousal and orgasm.

Helping a person or group gain self-confidence, power, and control over their own lives and decisions.

Relationship forms based on mutual consent and transparency, involving romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person.

Areas of the body that can trigger sexual arousal or pleasure when touched, e.g., penis, vagina, breasts, mouth.

A person who offers paid companionship for social events, travel, or leisure activities. These services often involve simply providing company and do not always include sexual services.

Often referred to as the “female” hormone. Important for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, but also for bones, blood vessels, libido, and erectile function in people with penises..

Describes a route of transmission for pathogens (disease-causing agents): bacteria, viruses, or parasites in fecal matter (stool) enter the body via the mouth. This happens, for example, when food or water are contaminated with tiny traces of stool and are then ingested or when hands, likewise contaminated, come into contact with the mouth.

Refers to the murder of women and girls because they are female. Often, but not always, associated with intimate partner violence or domestic violence.

An umbrella term for various practices in which external parts of the female genitalia are injured, partially removed, or altered for non-medical reasons. FGM/C is performed in some regions for traditional, social, or cultural reasons, but is recognized worldwide as a human rights violation.

Describes the gender to which a person feels they belong. This may differ from the gender assigned at birth.

Medical procedures that alter a person's body to better match their gender identity. They can affect different areas, such as the chest, genitals, or face.

Organs in the body that produce sex cells. In people with ovaries, they produce egg cells, and in people with testes, they produce sperm. Gonads also produce certain hormones that are important for physical development and reproduction.

The medical specialty that deals with the health of the female reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, vagina) as well as the breasts.

The assumption or belief that heterosexuality (sexual attraction between men and women) is the normal or only sexual orientation.

Stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which, if left untreated, weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

Stands for human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause various diseases such as genital warts or cervical cancer.

Describes processes, methods, or technologies that make information visible in the form of images

Refers to an approach that includes all people and ensures that no person is excluded or disadvantaged, regardless of their identities or abilities.

The process by which pathogens (such as viruses or bacteria) enter the body and multiply there. An infection may or may not lead to symptoms of illness.

The medical term for a procedure in which a drug is introduced into the body (muscle, vein, or under the skin) using a needle.

Means that something or someone is used for one's own purposes, often without regard for what the person or thing actually wants or what it is intended for. In other words, one uses someone or something as a “tool” to achieve one's own goals.

A hormone that the body needs to absorb sugar from the blood into the cells. This keeps blood sugar levels balanced. People with diabetes have too little insulin or their bodies cannot use it properly.

Vaginal bleeding that occurs outside of the normal menstrual period and can have various causes, also called spotting.

Means “into a vein”; for example, in the case of an injection or infusion, when medication or fluid is administered directly into the bloodstream.

Kink refers to sexual practices or preferences that deviate from traditional norms. Kink-shaming is the stigmatization or condemnation of individuals because of these preferences.

Refers to the final or advanced stage of a disease or development. At this stage, symptoms or changes are usually clearly pronounced and more difficult to treat than in earlier stages.

The term refers to a person's sexual desire or drive, the intensity of which varies from person to person and depending on their life circumstances.

Small, bean-shaped filter stations of the immune system. They are located in many places in the body and clean the lymph fluid of pathogens and other foreign substances.

When lymph fluid cannot drain properly from the body and accumulates in one area. This can lead to swelling, usually in the arms or legs. Lymphatic congestion occurs when the lymphatic system is overloaded or damaged, for example after surgery or infection.

The community of all tiny organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live on and in our bodies. There are particularly large numbers of them in the intestines. Among other things, the microbiome aids digestion, protects against pathogens, and supports the immune system.

Chronic, burdensome stress caused by experiencing prejudice, discrimination, and stigmatization due to belonging to a social minority.

Addressing or referring to a person (intentionally or unintentionally) incorrectly by using pronouns, names, or labels that do not correspond to their actual gender identity.

An imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce very accurate images of the inside of the body. Unlike X-rays, it does not involve any exposure to radiation. An MRI helps doctors to clearly identify organs, tissue, and possible diseases.

Men who have sex and other sexual activities with men.

An important booklet containing all the essential information about the course of a pregnancy and the health of mother and child.

A surgically constructed penis (also called a neophallus) that was created as part of gender-affirming surgery (e.g., for trans* men).

Surgically constructed testicles that were created as part of gender-affirming surgery (e.g., for trans* men).

A surgically constructed vagina that has been created as part of gender-affirming surgery (e.g., for trans women).

A surgically constructed vulva that has been created as part of gender-affirming surgery (e.g., for trans* women).

New cases in which people have become infected with a pathogen. The term is often used in statistics to show how many people have been newly infected within a certain period of time.

A sexual practice in which a person's genitals or anus are stimulated with the mouth or tongue.

The peak of sexual arousal, accompanied by an intense feeling of pleasure and usually rhythmic muscle contractions in the pelvic area.

Treatment is considered outpatient if you do not have to stay in the hospital, but can go home immediately after your appointment or treatment.

The process by which a natural behavior, trait, or condition is classified as a disease or disorder and treated medically, even though it is not necessarily so.

Social structure in which men have historically had more power.

Stands for polycystic ovary syndrome and is a hormonal disorder in women that can lead to irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and hormonal imbalance.

A number that indicates how reliable a contraceptive is: a low value means that it is very effective.

The insertion of a body part (e.g., penis, finger) or an object into a body orifice (e.g., vagina, anus, mouth).

Stands for post-exposure prophylaxis and is an emergency drug treatment that should be taken after possible exposure to HIV in order to prevent infection.

Umbrella term for sexual acts in which the genitals are intensively stimulated using hands, mouths, or bodies without penetration occurring.

A measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a liquid is.

“Playing doctor” refers to curious and playful behavior of young children, in which they explore their own bodies or those of other children. This involves, for example, discovering differences between bodies or asking questions.

Stands for premenstrual syndrome and describes physical and mental symptoms that occur a few days to two weeks before the start of the monthly menstrual period.

A mostly negative, preconceived opinion about a person or group that is based not on knowledge or experience, but on broad generalizations and assumptions.

Stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a preventive drug treatment taken before possible exposure to HIV in order to prevent infection.

Means “first” or “main”

The prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease or condition, based on medical or psychological knowledge.

Words that replace names (e.g., he, she, they, xier) and are used to indicate a person's gender identity.

Relating to the interplay of psychological factors (feelings, thoughts, behavior) and social influences (relationships, environment, society).

A surgical procedure that attempts to reverse a previous sterilization (infertility treatment) in order to restore fertility.

Describes an experience that brings back old, unprocessed traumatic memories and puts the person back into a state of psychological shock.

All practices and measures that reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or unwanted pregnancy, e.g., sex with a condom.

Means “second,” “subordinate,” or “following something else.”

“Toys” used for sex and masturbation.

Sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos.

A casual, rather noncommittal relationship that falls somewhere between friends with benefits and a committed relationship.

A stigma is a strongly negative perception or prejudice that affects a group of people and marginalizes them in society or makes them look bad (e.g., in the case of certain illnesses or lifestyles).

The social process through which a negative and derogatory characteristic is attributed to a person or group, leading to exclusion and discrimination.

Describes the arousal of sensory perceptions, thoughts, feelings, or physical reactions. Stimulation can originate from external stimuli (e.g., sounds, light, touch) or internal processes.

Derived from the English term “sexually transmitted infections,” it refers to infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. Colloquially, the term “sexually transmitted diseases” is often used, but this is not technically accurate.

The process of declaring certain topics, terms, or actions taboo in a society so that they cannot be discussed or shown in public.

Often referred to as the “male” hormone. Plays a role in fertility, libido, muscle development, and mood.

Abbreviation for sex toys, i.e., “toys” used for sex and masturbation.

In the context of trans* individuals, this is the process of aligning social, legal, or physical characteristics with one's own gender identity.

An examination method that uses sound waves to produce images of organs in the body (e.g., internal organs or during pregnancy).

Means to pee, that is to excrete urine from the body via the urethra.

The medical specialty that deals with the urinary organs (kidneys, bladder, urinary tract) in all humans and also treats the reproductive organs such as the penis, testicles, vas deferens, and prostate.

The environment inside the vagina, e.g., the pH value and which bacteria live there. A healthy vaginal microenvironment is slightly acidic and characterized by certain lactic acid bacteria. It protects against infections and helps to keep the vagina in balance.

The amount of virus present in a person's body. This is usually measured in the blood or other bodily fluids. A high viral load means that there are many viruses in the body, and a low viral load indicates that there are fewer.