Medical Terminology Simplified

PHARMACOLOGY

The following table lists common drug categories used to treat reproductive disorders, as well as their therapeutic
actions.

Pharmacology • CHAPTER 8 379

Drug Category Action

Female Reproductive System

antifungals

ăn-tĭ-FŬN-gălz

estrogens

ĔS-trō-jĕnz

contraceptives

kŏn-tră-SĔP-tĭvz

oxytocics

ŏk-sē-TŌ-sĭks

spermicides

SPĔR-mĭ-sīdz

Male Reproductive System

erectile agents

ĕ-RĔK-tīl

gonadotropins

gŏn-ă-dō-TRŌ-pĭnz

Treat vaginal fungal infection, such as candidiasis

Treat symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, vaginal dryness) through hormone replace-

ment therapy (HRT)

Prevent ovulation in order to avoid pregnancy

The most common female contraceptives are oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), also known as

birth control pills.

Induce labor at term by increasing the strength and frequency of uterine contractions.

Destroy sperm by creating a highly acidic environment in the uterus

Spermicides are used as a method of birth control.

Treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) by increasing blood flow to the penis, resulting in

an erection

Increase sperm count in infertility cases

Pronunciation Help Long sound a ̄in ra ̄te e ̄in re ̄birth ı ̄in ı ̄sle o ̄in o ̄ver u ̄in u ̄nite

Short sound a ̆in a ̆lone e ̆in e ̆ver ̆ıin ı ̆t o ̆in no ̆t u ̆in cu ̆t