Kiklou Dictionary

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Body Affirmation

The Body Positive Movement is an activism movement that advocates that every body is beautiful as it is, independent of social rules and judgments.
This movement; While it is a struggle for existence for the individual who feels excluded, it also aims to destroy the taboos and stereotyped perceptions in the society. Against body politics, in which the perception of beauty is narrowed down and a single body is idealized; It defends the existence of any body that is fat, thin, hairy, cracked, stained, disabled, black, yellow, white, female, male, non-binary, trans, LGBTI+ and excluded from society.

Cycle Awareness

Menstrual cycle awareness; It is the general name of the studies carried out to ensure that menstruating individuals live freely in society without being oppressed and meet their menstrual needs naturally.
Cycle awareness also finds its place as menstrual awareness . Along with the aim of social awareness, it also includes reconciliation with one's body.

ecofeminism

Ecofeminism or ecological feminism is a concept that emerged in the 1970s with the nuclear nonproliferation movement and environmental activism. Ecofeminism, which puts the damage to the environment into practice on the axis of women's exploitation and women's empowerment, argues that all living things are interrelated; The damage done to the world underlines the strong links between exploitation of the planet and sexist exploitation.

Endometriosis/Chocolate cyst

Endometriosis is the localization of the tissue called the endometrium, which covers the inside of the uterus, in the organs outside the uterus. The organs in which it is seen in order of frequency are ovaries, tubes, vagina, intestines and bladder. It is most commonly seen in the ovaries with a rate of 60-75%. Symptoms of endometriosis include painful menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, pain during and after sex in and out of the vagina. With the normalization of these pains in the person, the diagnosis and treatment process of the disease may be prolonged. The disease has no known cause, but is more likely to occur in genetically predisposed women. In addition, environmental factors are also effective in the emergence of the disease.

endometrium

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The endometrium is the innermost layer of the uterus that responds to reproductive hormones and results in menstrual blood when shed. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer.

Femtech (Female Technology)

In short, it means creating innovative and useful solutions by shaping the benefits of developing technologies to balance gender inequalities according to the needs of women. Its purpose is for women and everyone else whose biological sex is female; to provide services that will ensure a good life, work, development and rest, which are the basic human rights, and to carry out activities that will support women to have a greater say.
For more information, you can check our Femtech blog post .

Free Bleeding

Free Bleeding, which is brought to our country as a free bleeding movement, is the movement of not trying to stop menstrual bleeding with any menstrual product and normalizing menstrual blood.
This practice, which has existed for centuries, was almost forgotten by the imposition of menstrual products. Until Kiran Gandhi ran the 2015 London Marathon on her period day without using any menstrual products.
This movement contributed to two important issues. The first is that individuals who are left behind from their daily life due to menstrual poverty can continue their routines without fear, and the second is that individuals who have access to menstrual products can refuse these products if they do not prefer them.
For more information on menstrual awareness activism, check out the Kiklou Blog.

Sanitary pad

Sanitary pad; It is a menstrual product that traps menstrual blood that is fixed to panties or panty-like clothing. The "hygienic" part in the phrase implies that menstruation is something dirty that requires hygiene.
Various remedies have been tried over the ages to manage menstrual bleeding.
Among the traditional solutions produced using creativity; There are leaves of raw materials such as corn, moss, animal skin/skin and grass fibers.
The ancestors of the pads produced today were started to be produced in the USA in the 1880s. These pads, which were first connected to underwear, were developed and evolved over time to meet today's different needs.
Since the first production, unfortunately, women still hesitate to buy pads from the markets and try to hide their menstruation from the society.

HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccine is designed to develop protection in the body against the HPV virus and to control the virus. With the protective vaccines developed for HPV, the contagiousness of HPV is eliminated and the vaccine starts to protect the body.

It is aimed to reduce the rate of cervical, other HPV-related cancers and precursor lesions with vaccines. Three vaccine types have been developed for this purpose. These; Gardasil are the Gardasil-9 and Cervarix vaccines.

Today's vaccines have been developed against the most cancer-causing types of HPV and have high protection. The vaccination age begins at the age of 9 years. Vaccination of the individual before his active sexual life begins, provides protection from the HPV virus that he may encounter during his active sexual life and prevents the spread of the virus in the society. The HPV vaccine can be given to anyone, regardless of gender.

The HPV vaccine is very important, especially since it provides protection against many types of cancer.

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Clitoris

Clitoris; It is an erogenous organ that contains thousands of nerve cells and usually looks the size of a pea. Although this organ, which is located at the upper junction of the labia minora in the vulva, appears as a small hill from the outside, it has wings of 10-20 cm on the inside and consists entirely of nerve cells. This organ, whose only function is to increase sexual pleasure, can enlarge and turn red when stimulated. Orgasm can only occur by stimulating the clitoris, this orgasm is called clitoral orgasm.

labia

labia; These are the fleshy folds on the vulva. Since the appearance of these curved pieces of meat resembles a lip, the word "labia", which means lip in Latin, is used. There are two types of labia in the vulva. The first is the major labia (outer lips) on the outside and surrounding the vulva, and the second is the minor labia (inner lips) on the inside. The task of the labia is to provide protection against foreign and unwanted factors by surrounding the external genitalia and urethra.

menarche

Menarche describes the first menstrual cycle, which is the starting point of the menstrual story of everyone who has a period, and is associated with the onset of puberty. However, the body has already begun to change before menarche. The first period is not the trigger of the change; It is a normal consequence of the change process. Menarche is not and should not be a source of fear, embarrassment, panic, anxiety (we're looking at you, slap!). It is natural, beautiful, healthy.

Menophobia (fear of menstruation)

Menophobia is the fear of having a period. Since menophobia is a psychological problem, not a biological one, it can develop regardless of gender. This fear often arises from the inadequate and misinformed information about the body of the person experiencing the menstrual cycle. Its appearance in people who do not have periods is also due to incomplete and wrong information about menstruation in the society. Menstrual-related factors, such as seeing the person having their period in pain, seeing blood stains, can trigger the fear of menstruation in people who do not have their period.

Menopause

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines menopause as the absence of menstruation for one year as a result of decreased ovarian function. According to the symptoms; The pre-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal periods are experienced alternately. The age of menopause worldwide has been determined as 45-55 years. The formation of menopause begins with the decrease in the amount of follicles in our ovaries, and in this process, estrogen production gradually decreases. Over time, estrogen production ceases and the ovaries shrink. Thus, there will be no more menstrual cycles for the rest of our lives.

Menstrual Cup

menstrual cup/ menstrual cup; It is made of medical silicone. The cups are twisted and inserted into the vagina. The ka, which opens at the entrance of the vagina and creates a vacuum in the vagina, keeps the menstrual bleeding from the uterus. The containers, which can be used for approximately 12 hours without being removed, offer a waste-free menstrual alternative.

Mittelschemrz (Ovulation Pain)

“Mittelschmerz” is a German word. The word that we can simply translate as "middle pain" is actually a medical term for ovulation pain. Since ovulation occurs roughly in the middle of the cycle, "Mittelschmerz" , which is recorded in the literature as "middle pain", is seen in 1 out of 5 women. It usually manifests as unilateral pain and sharp cramps in the ovaries and groin.

Pap Smear Test

The PAP smear test is an effective early detection method and screening for cervical cancer, which is one of the most common cancer types. His name is Dr. Named after George Papnicolaou (1883–1962), the test screens for cancer or precancerous changes in the cervix. It is recommended to have a smear test every three years starting from the age of 21, and once a year if an active sexual life is in question.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS/PCOS, namely Polycystic Ovary Syndrome , is a hormonal disorder seen in individuals of reproductive age and with female reproductive organs. With the rise in androgen level, the ovulation cycle is disrupted. With the disrupted ovulation cycle and imbalance in hormones, small fluid accumulations occur in the ovaries. Fluid accumulations called follicles can be seen on ultrasound examination, but this is where the name of the syndrome comes from. Although the causes of PCOS, which means "many cysts seen in the ovaries", are not yet certain, it is known to trigger some conditions.

Pink Tax

There are two main branches of the pink tax. The first of these is the high tax imposed by the state, especially on menstrual products. The second is that manufacturers or vendors independent of the state sell the same products at higher prices by making products that are actually used by men, so-called women. Among these products are personal care products such as razor blades, shampoo and soap, and we can see the price difference in areas such as haircuts as a "pink tax".

perimenopause

perimenopause; The premenopausal period is defined as the preparation phase for menopause. It corresponds to the period that can last between 4-8 years before the 12-month non-menstrual phase. During this period, hot flashes, excessive sweating and menstrual irregularity may be experienced during menopause. The menstrual cycle continues; but the eggs are not as prone to fertilization as they used to be.

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a condition that affects a person's emotions, physical health and behavior, usually just before menstruation, and is a range of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.
Typically, PMS symptoms appear 3-4 days or 1 week before your cycle. Usually, after menstruation begins, they calmly disappear.

Uterine cancer

There are two types of uterine cancer. It occurs as a result of uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the endometrium layer, which is the most common form of the uterus and is renewed every month. The resulting cancer cells can reach the lymph nodes, surrounding organs or organs in the distant region with blood flow. Less common uterine cancers are sarcomas. These tumors form in the muscle layer of the uterus. Long, excessive and irregular bleeding before menopause, and bleeding-spotting from the vagina after menopause, when the person should no longer have a menstrual cycle, are among the important symptoms. It is very important to have a regular Pap Smear Test for early diagnosis.

Menstruation (menstruation, period, menses)

The bodies of people with wombs and ovaries are prepared each month for a possible pregnancy. During this monthly cycle, the egg that matures in the ovaries moves towards the uterus by being dragged through the oviducts. If the egg is fertilized, the uterine wall thickens so that the fertilized egg can easily attach to the uterus and develop into a baby. If pregnancy does not occur, the thickened inner wall is released through the vagina. This monthly bleeding is called a period. The origin of the word "menstrual" is based on the French word "régle". "Régle" means rule, order. It is a worthy root for a bodily and natural process that comes regularly every month.

Menstrual Awareness Activism

The menstrual cycle, like many things about the female body, has been marginalized, silenced and tabooed in the patriarchal system. Although making peace with our body is an individual action, guiding other individuals who are removed from society due to their menstrual cycle, opening spaces and raising awareness is referred to as "Menstrual Awareness Activism" .

Menstrual Panties

Menstrual panties ; It is an innovative, environmentally friendly, comfortable menstrual product that is absorbent, liquid-proof, that you can wash in the washing machine and that you can use for years. There is no difference in appearance from normal panties. Thanks to their smart fabric layers, they quickly absorb and trap the liquid.

Menstrual Swimwear

Menstrual swimwear, specially produced for those who want to swim in the sea / pool during their menstrual period , is designed for light bleeding. The honeycomb absorbent layer and the liquid-proof layer on the crotch of the swimsuit ensure rapid absorption and containment of bleeding. You can swim, sunbathe and enjoy your holiday with your menstrual swimsuit.

Period Synchronization

Period synchronization ; It is based on the theory that two or more people who are experiencing menstrual cycles and are in close relationship have their period at the same time. This theory, developed by Harvard doctor Martha McClintock by observing in 1971, has been disproved over time, and in recent years, according to a study conducted with Oxford University, it has been determined that menstrual cycles lasting 28 days tend to be out of synchronization rather than synchronized.

Menstrual Poverty

Menstrual poverty ; It covers the problems of menstruating individuals not being able to access products such as pads and tampons, clean water resources, and education services they need during their menstrual cycle due to financial inadequacy and related conditions. According to researches, at least 500 thousand women around the world are unable to go to school, work or perform their daily life practices due to the poverty of their menstrual cycles.

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Cervix (cervix)

The cervix is ​​the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina and expands during childbirth. It is usually cylindrical and 2-3 cm long.
During menstruation, menstrual blood flows from the uterus through the small opening in the cervix to the vagina and leaves the body through the vaginal opening in the vulva.
The cervix has been anatomically known for about 2,000 years, since the time of Hippocrates.

Speculum

Speculum is a tool made of metal that allows the cervix to be seen, the vaginal walls and the vagina to be examined by placing it in the vaginal canal during vaginal examinations. There are also plastic, disposable versions; but the frightening appearance of the speculum, which we have also read is described as a "can opener for the vagina" and which is one of the reasons many people avoid gynecological examinations, undoubtedly comes from its cold and metallic presence.

Sustainable Waste Free Menstrual

Sustainable waste-free menstruation; It is the general name of choosing sustainable products, not disposable, and having a waste-free menstrual period in the menstrual product preferences developed for the bleeding period. The range of menstrual products today is very diverse: disposable pads, tampons, menstrual cup/disc and menstrual panties . While pads and tampons are the leading products produced with the disposable practice, today there are many companies that produce fabric and reusable pads. Menstrual cup/disc and menstrual panties are at the beginning of reusable and environmentally friendly products. Using sustainable products in the menstrual bleeding we experience every month means not creating regular waste for our world. When you choose sustainable menstrual products, remember that you also take good care of your body and do not deal with short-lived plastics.

Buffer

Buffer; It is a menstrual product that is placed inside the vagina and used to absorb the menstrual blood from the uterus.
When we look at the past ages, we see that women developed primitive tampons. We can see that women in Rome developed tampons from wool, women in Egypt from soft papyrus, and women in Asia from various plants such as moss. Today's modern tampons were created by Earle Haas in 1860 and offered for sale with a placement applicator.

Social gender equality

Although gender equality is a multi-faceted concept, it generally includes the right to exist in all areas of society in connection with the equal freedom of all genders in the society. The concept, which was developed based on the fact that genders other than men cannot reach basic needs such as education, work, shelter and even living in societies where there is a patriarchal system, has the aim of disrupting this inequality and creating an egalitarian system.

Vagina

Vagina is the name of the canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva, where the external genitalia are located. The vagina has a flexible muscular structure that can expand and contract according to changes in the body, as well as lengthen and shorten.
The bleeding that occurs during the menstrual period is expelled through this channel. At the same time, sperms released from this channel where the penis enters can fertilize the eggs. During the birth process, the baby is born again through the vagina.

Vagina Gas (Queef)

When the penis, fingers or sex toys enter and exit the vagina, air enters an area with no exit and the trapped air creates a sound like air escaping from a balloon. It is the release of air trapped in the vagina.

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge; It is the fluid or mucus secreted from the glands in the cervix and the mouth of the vagina. In a healthy body, this fluid, which takes on the task of keeping the vagina clean and moist, can be secreted from 1 to 4 ml per day.
Vaginal discharges are generally divided into two types as "normal" and "abnormal". Vaginal discharge, which is considered normal; It has a transparent or white color and has a mild odor. No itching or discomfort is felt with the discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge, on the other hand, has a discoloration (eg, brown, green) as well as a foul odor, itching, and burning characteristics. If there are features that are considered abnormal in the vaginal discharge, it may be a symptom of various diseases, so a doctor's examination is very important.

Vaginal Fungus

Vaginal fungus; It is the general name of the infection caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of fungal cells called candida, causing irritation, discharge, intense itching and a heavy odor in the vagina and vulva. The main reason for the formation of this infection is the deterioration of the vaginal flora. There are many beneficial bacteria in the vagina flora, which constantly renews and protects itself, these bacteria are responsible for preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of fungal cells. Excessive use of antibiotics, soap, etc., the vagina other than water. washing with the like, staying in wet swimsuits for a long time and choosing the wrong panties trigger vaginal fungus. Unless it is a very progressive condition, it is easily treated.

Vulva

Vulva; It is the area where the female external genitalia including the clitoris, labia and vagina entrance are located, as well as the urethra where urine output is provided. It does not include the vulva, cervix, uterus, or other interior parts of the female reproductive system. The outer lips that cover the vulva have a structure that especially protects the vaginal entrance.

Vulvodynia (Vulvodynia)

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain with no identifiable cause. Although the description of vulvodynia pain is personal, recipes such as burning in the vulva and stabbing pain are frequently used.
Vulvodynia pain is of two types. One is defined locally and the other as general.
local vulvodynia; It is pain experienced in an area of ​​the vulva or in certain organs.
General vulvodynia occurs spontaneously throughout the vulva. It causes constant pain. Activities that put pressure on the vulva, such as prolonged sitting or sexual intercourse, typically aggravate symptoms.

Egg

Egg; It is a reproductive cell produced in the ovaries in the female reproductive system. On the 14th day of the 28-day cycle, it leaves the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube, which connects the ovary and uterus. This progress takes about 24 hours. If sperm has entered the vagina, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and enters the uterus. If fertilization does not occur, it loses its vitality after 24 hours and dissolves in the body. After 13 days, it is excreted from the body with menstrual bleeding.

Ovulation

Ovulation; It can be defined as the maturation of the eggs in the ovarian reserve and releasing them into the fallopian tubes, which is a kind of channel between the uterus and the ovaries.
It is a natural condition seen in every individual with a healthy female reproductive organ between menarche and menopause.