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Glossary Terms: 1-8
vaccine
:
the modified virus of a disease used to bring about resistance to that disease for a period of time, or even permanently. Development of a cancer vaccine is the subject of intense research.
vacuum pump
:
a device that creates an erection by drawing blood into the penis; a ring placed at the base of the penis traps the blood and sustains the erection.
vagina
:
the passage leading from the vulva to the uterus in women.
vaginitis
:
any inflammation of the vagina. Atrophic vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina in which vaginal tissue becomes thin and dry. This condition occurs after menopause and is caused by lack of estrogen. An estrogen cream may be prescribed to relieve this problem. Vaginitis can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
vas deferens
:
one of two muscular tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
vasectomy
:
surgery in which a segment of each vas deferens is removed to prevent release of sperm and thus provide contraception.
Viagra
:
(sildenafil citrate) is a new drug used to treat impotence caused by medical (rather than psychological) problems. Viagra can cause side effects such as headache, flushing, indigestion, sensitivity to light, and other visual problems and should not be used with nitrates, a type of heart medication. Viagra can cause heart attacks in men who already have certain heart conditions.
virus
:
very small organisms that cause infections. Viruses are too small to be seen with a regular microscope. They reproduce only in living cells.
Glossary Terms: 1-8
