Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

47
birth control
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with spermicidal gel; and the basal temperature
method, if used carefully and consistently. See also
barrier method; cervical cap; coitus interruptus;
condom; condom, female; contraceptive; contra-
ceptive, emergency; contraceptive, implanted;
Depo-Provera; diaphragm; intrauterine device;
natural family planning; oral contraceptive.
birth control pill
See 
oral contraceptive.
birth defect
Any defect present in a baby at birth.
Birth defects involve many different tissues, includ-
ing the brain, heart, lungs, liver, bones, and intes-
tinal tract. These defects can occur for many
reasons, including genetic conditions and toxic
exposures of the fetus (for example, to alcohol). All
parents are at risk of having a baby with a birth
defect. Birth defects are now the leading cause of
infant mortality (death) in the US and many other
developed nations. Infrequent, but significant, birth
defects include heart defects, cleft lip and palate,
Down syndrome, and spina bifida. Also known as
congenital malformation or congenital anomaly. See
also 
dysmorphology.
birthmark
A discoloration of the skin that may
or may not be raised and is present at birth. Most
birthmarks are harmless. Occasionally a specific
type of birthmark can be a visible marker for a
more serious health problem. See also 
café au lait;
port-wine stain.
birthrate
The number of live births divided by
the average population, or by the population at
midyear. Also known as crude birthrate.
bisexual 1
An individual who engages in both
heterosexual and homosexual sexual relations.
Bisexual can also refer to the corresponding
lifestyle.
2
In physical biology, bisexual refers to
an individual who was born with gonadal tissue of
both sexes (that is, both testicular and ovarian tis-
sue). Also known as true hermaphrodite.
bisphosphonate
A class of drugs used to
strengthen bone. Bisphosphonates are used to treat
osteoporosis and the bone pain from diseases such
as metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and
Paget’s disease. Bone is in a constant state of
remodeling, whereby new bone is laid down by cells
called osteoblasts, while old bone is removed by
cells called osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates inhibit
bone removal (resorption) by the osteoclasts. The
bisphosphonates include Fosamax (alendronate),
Actonel (risedronate), Boniva (ibandronate), and
Reclast (zoledronate).