Glossary
A
- Alopecia
- a term used to describe hair loss that can affect the scalp and hair on the body.
- Amenorrhea
- The absence of menstrual periods. Can be caused by pregnancy, certain birth control methods, menopause, or health conditions. Some people prefer birth control that causes amenorrhea.
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Medications that lower estrogen levels by blocking the enzyme aromatase. Used in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Examples include letrozole, anastrozole, and exemestane.
B
- BRCA gene mutation
- An inherited genetic change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Testing for BRCA mutations can help inform treatment and prevention decisions.
- Barrier methods
- Birth control that physically blocks sperm from reaching the egg. Examples include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and the contraceptive sponge. These are hormone-free options.
- Blood clot risk
- Some birth control methods, particularly those containing estrogen, can increase the risk of blood clots. This risk may be higher for people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications.
- Bone density
- The amount of mineral matter in bones. Some cancer treatments and birth control methods (like Depo-Provera) can affect bone density, which may be a consideration when choosing contraception.
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Unexpected bleeding or spotting that occurs between periods or while using hormonal birth control. Often happens when starting a new method and usually decreases over time.
C
- Cervical cap
- A small silicone cup that fits snugly over the cervix to block sperm. Similar to a diaphragm but smaller. Used with spermicide and fitted by a healthcare provider.
- Learn more about Cervical Cap
- Cervical mucus
- Fluid produced by the cervix that changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Some birth control methods work by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
- Cervix
- The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Some birth control methods, like cervical caps and diaphragms, cover the cervix to prevent pregnancy.
- Chemotherapy
- Cancer treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Can affect fertility and menstrual cycles, making birth control decisions important during and after treatment.
- Combination pill
- A birth control pill containing both estrogen and progestin. Typically taken for 21 days with a 7-day break. Generally not recommended for people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Learn more about The Pill (Combo Pill)
- Contraceptive patch
- A hormonal birth control method worn on the skin that releases estrogen and progestin. A new patch is applied weekly for three weeks, followed by one patch-free week.
- Learn more about Patch
- Copper IUD
- A hormone-free IUD wrapped in copper that prevents pregnancy for up to 10-12 years. The copper creates an environment toxic to sperm. Can also be used as emergency contraception.
- Learn more about Copper IUD (Paragard)
D
- Depo-Provera (the shot)
- An injectable birth control that contains progestin and is given every 3 months. Prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
- Learn more about Shot (Depo-Provera/Depo-SubQ)
- Diaphragm
- A shallow, dome-shaped cup made of silicone that covers the cervix to prevent pregnancy. Used with spermicide. Must be fitted by a healthcare provider.
- Learn more about Diaphragm
E
- Ella
- A brand of emergency contraception pill containing ulipristal acetate. Requires a prescription. Effective up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
- Learn more about Emergency Contraception Pill (ella)
- Emergency contraception
- Birth control used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Options include emergency contraceptive pills (like Plan B or ella) and the copper IUD. Most effective when used as soon as possible.
- Endocrine therapy
- Treatment that blocks or lowers the amount of hormones in the body to slow or stop cancer growth. Also called hormone therapy. Common for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Estrogen
- A hormone that plays a key role in the reproductive system. Combined hormonal contraceptives contain estrogen, which is generally not recommended for people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- External condom
- A thin covering worn on the penis during sex to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Also called a male condom. The only birth control method that also protects against most STIs.
- Learn more about Outer Condom (Penile)
F
- Fallopian tubes
- The tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Eggs travel through these tubes, and fertilization typically occurs here. Tubal ligation blocks these tubes to prevent pregnancy.
- Fertility awareness methods (FAM)
- Birth control methods that involve tracking your menstrual cycle to identify fertile days and avoiding sex or using barrier methods during that time. Also called natural family planning.
- Learn more about Fertility Awareness Methods
- Fertility preservation
- Methods to protect or save eggs, embryos, or ovarian tissue before cancer treatment that might affect fertility. Options include egg freezing, embryo freezing, and ovarian tissue freezing.
H
- HER2-positive
- A type of breast cancer that has high levels of a protein called HER2, which promotes cancer cell growth. HER2-positive cancers are treated with targeted therapies.
- Hormonal IUD
- An IUD that releases a small amount of progestin locally in the uterus. Brands include Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, and Skyla. Lasts 3-8 years depending on the type.
- Learn more about Progestin IUDs
- Hormonal contraception
- Birth control methods that use synthetic hormones (progestin alone or combined with estrogen) to prevent pregnancy. These work by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and/or thinning the uterine lining.
- Hormone receptor-negative (HR-)
- A type of breast cancer where the cancer cells do not have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. People with HR-negative cancers may have more birth control options.
- Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)
- A type of breast cancer where the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone. These cancers can be fueled by hormones, which affects birth control choices.
I
- IUD (Intrauterine Device)
- A small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are two types: hormonal IUDs (which release progestin) and copper IUDs (which are hormone-free).
- Implant
- A small, flexible rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy. Effective for up to 3-5 years and can be removed at any time.
- Learn more about Implant (Nexplanon)
- Internal condom
- A pouch inserted into the vagina before sex to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Also called a female condom. Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex.
- Learn more about Inner Condom (Vaginal)
L
- LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception)
- Highly effective birth control methods that last for years but can be removed if you want to become pregnant. Includes IUDs and the implant.
- Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)
- A birth control method based on the natural infertility that occurs when breastfeeding. Only effective under specific conditions: exclusive breastfeeding, baby under 6 months, and no return of periods.
- Learn more about Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
- Libido
- Sexual desire or sex drive. Some birth control methods may affect libido, either increasing or decreasing it. Effects vary from person to person.
M
- Menopause
- When menstrual periods stop permanently, usually occurring between ages 45-55. Some cancer treatments can cause early menopause. Birth control may still be needed until menopause is confirmed.
- Menstruation
- The monthly shedding of the uterine lining, commonly known as a period. Some birth control methods can change your menstrual cycle, making periods lighter, less frequent, or stopping them entirely.
- Mini-pill
- A progestin-only birth control pill that doesn't contain estrogen. Must be taken at the same time every day to be effective. Often recommended for people who can't take estrogen.
- Learn more about Mini-Pills (Progestin-Only)
O
- Oncologist
- A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Your oncologist can help you understand how your cancer treatment affects your birth control options.
- Ovulation
- The release of an egg from the ovary, which typically happens once per menstrual cycle. Many birth control methods work by preventing ovulation.
P
- Perfect use
- How effective a birth control method is when used exactly as directed, every single time, with no mistakes. Perfect use rates are usually higher than typical use rates.
- Plan B
- A brand of emergency contraception pill containing levonorgestrel. Available without prescription. Most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Learn more about Emergency Contraception Pill (Plan B)
- Premature ovarian insufficiency
- When the ovaries stop working normally before age 40. Can be caused by cancer treatments. May affect fertility and hormone levels, but pregnancy can still occur.
- Progestin
- A synthetic form of the hormone progesterone used in many birth control methods. Progestin-only methods are often recommended for breast cancer survivors because they don't contain estrogen.
R
- Remission
- When signs and symptoms of cancer are reduced or disappear. Can be partial (some signs remain) or complete (all signs are gone). Remission doesn't always mean the cancer is cured.
- Reproductive endocrinologist
- A doctor who specializes in fertility and reproductive hormones. Can help with fertility preservation before cancer treatment and family planning afterward.
S
- STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
- Infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Only condoms (external and internal) protect against STIs. Other birth control methods do not provide STI protection.
- Salpingectomy
- Surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. Can be used as a permanent contraception method and may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Learn more about Salpingectomy
- Shared decision-making
- A collaborative approach where you and your healthcare provider work together to make decisions about your care, considering both medical evidence and your personal values and preferences.
- Spermicide
- A chemical that kills or immobilizes sperm. Available as gels, foams, creams, or films. Often used with barrier methods like diaphragms or cervical caps for increased effectiveness.
- Learn more about Spermicides
- Survivorship care plan
- A document that summarizes your cancer diagnosis, treatments received, and follow-up care recommendations. Helpful for coordinating care between your oncologist and other healthcare providers.
T
- Tamoxifen
- A medication used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It blocks estrogen receptors on cancer cells. Some birth control options may interact with tamoxifen.
- Teratogenic
- Something that can cause birth defects if a person is exposed during pregnancy. Some cancer treatments are teratogenic, making effective birth control essential during treatment.
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2. These cancers don't respond to hormonal therapies, which may affect birth control options.
- Tubal ligation
- A permanent surgical procedure that closes or blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. Also known as "getting your tubes tied." This is a hormone-free option.
- Learn more about Tubal Ligation
- Typical use
- How effective a birth control method is when used the way most people actually use it—including occasional mistakes like forgetting a pill or not using it correctly every time.
U
- Uterus
- The organ where a fetus grows during pregnancy. Also called the womb. IUDs are placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
V
- Vaginal ring
- A flexible ring inserted into the vagina that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Typically worn for 3-4 weeks depending on the brand.
- Learn more about Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing/Annovera)
- Vasectomy
- A permanent surgical procedure for people with testes that cuts or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. A hormone-free option that doesn't affect sexual function.
- Learn more about Vasectomy
W
- Withdrawal method
- A birth control method where the penis is pulled out of the vagina before ejaculation. Also called "pulling out." Less effective than other methods but hormone-free.
- Learn more about Withdrawal (Pull Out)