Faith-based organization (FBO)
Faith-based organizations (FBO) is the term used to define faith-based or faith-inspired non-governmental organizations working on development-related issues. The term includes preferred instead of, e.g. churches, synagogues, mosques, as well as for other forms of religious organizations actually providing social services (e.g. in health, education, humanitarian relief, etc.). The term is increasingly used in global development contexts and, as it is inclusive (non-judgmental about the validity of any expression of faith) and moves away from historical (and typically Western) patterns of thought.
Fallopian tube
The tube extending from the uterus to the ovary? also called the oviduct . They are the tubes the ova travel down to get from a female's ovaries to her uterus.
Family planning
The conscious effort of couples or individuals to plan for and attain their desired number of children and to regulate the spacing and timing of their births. Family planning is achieved through contraception and through the treatment of involuntary infertility.
Fecundability
The probability of conception in one menstrual cycle among women who menstruate regularly but do not use contraception.
Fecundity
The physiological capacity of a woman or man to produce or beget a live child. See also fertility, which is actual reproductive performance.
Female Circumcision (don't use)
This term draws a parallel with male circumcision and, as a result, creates confusion between these two distinct practices.
Female condom
A soft, loose fitting polyurethane sheath which is placed inside the vagina to reduce the risk if STI transmission and unintended pregnancy.
Fertility
The actual reproductive performance of an individual, group or society.
Fertility awareness
A method of contraception in which couples avoid sexual intercourse during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle. This method depends on the ability of the couple to identify the fertile phase and the couple's motivation and discipline to practice abstinence when required.
Fertility rate
The measure which relates the number of births in a given period to the number of women of reproductive age. The general fertility rate relates the births in a particular period, usually a year, to women aged 15-49 years at that time.
Fertilization
Union of the female egg and male sperm? usually occurs in one of the fallopian tubes.
FGM/C
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical purposes. Intended to reflect UNFPA uses the term FGM/C. Also referred to as female genital mutilation (FGM) to emphasize that the practice is a violation of women's and girls' rights or female genital cutting (FGC) to reflect the importance of using non-judgmental terminology with practicing communities. UNFPA uses the term FGM/C. Includes the following categories as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) - Type I: partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (clitoredectomy), Type II: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision) Type III: infibulation. See Infibulation.
Fibroid
Benign tumour of muscular and fibrous tissues, which may develop in the wall of the uterus.
Fistula
An injury in the birth canal that allows leakage from the bladder or rectum into the vagina, leaving a woman permanently incontinent, often leading to isolation and exclusion from the family and community. See also Obstetric fistula.
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Formerly called Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). A condition characterized by a range of various mental and/or physical birth defects and, in severe cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the infant. Milder symptoms such as learning disabilities are caused by alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman. More severe cases are caused by chronic and excessive alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman.
Foetus
The fertilized egg in the womb that has grown beyond eight weeks.
