Glossary
A
Absorbent
Something that can soak up liquid (like a pad or tampon).
Applicator
A plastic or cardboard tool to help you insert a tampon.
Arousal
Physical and emotional changes in the body when someone is turned on, such as increased blood flow, sensitivity, and lubrication.
Antibiotics
Medicines that kill or stop the growth of bacteria (used to treat infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea).
Anxiety
Persistent worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life.
Academic pressure
Stress related to assessments, grades, expectations, or fear of failure.
B
Burnout
Emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, often related to study, work, or financial pressure.
Bulk billing
When a service accepts the insurer’s payment as full payment, meaning no out-of-pocket cost.
C
Cramps
Pain or tightening in your lower belly during your period.
Consent
Freely given, clear, and ongoing agreement to take part in sexual activity. It can be withdrawn at any time.
Cultural Norms
Shared beliefs or rules in a community about what is considered acceptable behaviour.
Cultural adjustment
The emotional and psychological process of adapting to a new culture, language, and social norms.
Crisis
A situation where someone feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk of harming themselves or others.
Counselling
Talking with a trained professional to explore feelings, challenges, and coping strategies. Often short-term.
Community mental health services
Local organisations offering low-cost or free mental health support.
Crisis helpline
A phone or online service offering immediate support during emotional distress or crisis.
Confidentiality
Your medical information is private and cannot be shared without your permission.
Cap / Annual Limit
The maximum amount your OSHC will pay for a service each year before you pay full costs.
Claim
Requesting money back from your OSHC after paying upfront, using a receipt or invoice.
Clinic Finder
A tool on your OSHC provider’s website or app that shows nearby clinics that accept your insurance.
D
Discharge
Fluid or mucus from the vagina that helps keep it clean and changes during your cycle unusual or smelly discharge should be checked by a doctor.
Depression
Ongoing low mood, loss of interest, low energy, or feelings of hopelessness lasting weeks or longer.
Direct Billing / Bulk Billing
The clinic bills your OSHC directly, so you usually pay nothing or only a small amount.
E
Erection
When the penis becomes firm and enlarged because blood fills the spongy tissue, usually during sexual arousal.
ED
Ongoing difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex.
Emotional distress
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or unable to cope, especially during stressful life events.
Early intervention
Getting support early, before problems become severe.
Emergency services (000)
Australia’s emergency number for immediate danger.
F
Fertile Window
The days in your cycle when pregnancy is most likely to happen (usually 5 days before ovulation + the day of ovulation).
Financial stress
Ongoing worry about money, rent, tuition fees, or daily living costs.
G
Gynaecologist
A doctor who specialises in women's reproductive health (e.g. periods, pregnancy, vaginal pain).
Gap Fee / Out-of-Pocket Cost
The amount you pay when a provider charges more than your OSHC covers.
GP
Your main healthcare provider who treats common issues, prescribes medication, and refers you to specialists.
H
HPV
A very common STI that can affect anyone and may cause genital warts or cancer.
Homesickness
Emotional distress caused by being away from home, family, or familiar culture.
Housing insecurity
Unstable or unsafe accommodation that contributes to stress and anxiety.
I
Interpreter services
Free language support available when accessing many health and crisis services.
Invoice
A document showing services and costs, needed to claim money back from OSHC.
L
Lubrication
Natural fluid released by the vagina during arousal to reduce friction.
Loneliness
Feeling socially disconnected or lacking meaningful relationships, even when surrounded by people.
LGBTIQA+ inclusive services
Mental health services that provide safe and affirming support for sexuality and gender diversity.
M
Menstrual Cycle
The monthly process where your body prepares for a possible pregnancy. It includes your period and the days before and after.
Menstrual Cup
A soft silicone cup you put inside your vagina to collect blood. You wash and reuse it.
Mental health
A person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, act, cope with stress, and relate to others.
Mental illness
A diagnosable condition that significantly affects mood, thinking, or behaviour, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
MHCP
A GP-written plan for Medicare-eligible patients to access subsidised psychology sessions.
Multicultural mental health services
Services designed to support people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Mental health apps
Mobile apps that support wellbeing through mindfulness, mood tracking, or coping strategies.
Medicare
Australia’s public health system, only available to citizens, permanent residents, and some international students.
MBS
A government list of standard medical fees that OSHC usually bases reimbursements on.
O
Ovulation
Ovulation is when your ovary releases an egg. This is when pregnancy can occur, usually mid-cycle, about two weeks before your period.
Online counselling
Professional mental health support provided through chat, video, or messaging platforms.
OSHC
Health insurance required for international students in Australia that helps pay for medical care.
P
PMS
Emotional or physical symptoms (like mood swings or bloating) that happen before your period.
PMDD
A more serious form of PMS that can strongly affect your mood. You should talk to a doctor if you feel this way.
PEP
A 4-week course of HIV medication taken within 72 hours after possible exposure to prevent infection.
PrEP
Medication taken by HIV-negative people to greatly reduce the risk of getting HIV before exposure.
Psychologist
A mental health professional trained to assess and treat mental health conditions using therapy.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health and can prescribe medication.
Pre-existing condition
A health condition that existed before your insurance policy started.
Peer support
Support from people with similar experiences, often informal or group-based.
Pathology Test
Lab tests like blood or urine checks, usually ordered by a GP or nurse practitioner.
PBS
A government program that reduces medicine costs for people who are eligible for Medicare.
Prescription
A doctor or nurse practitioner’s authorisation to buy certain medicines from a pharmacy.
R
Reusable
Something you can wash and use again (like a menstrual cup or cloth pad)
Resilience
The ability to cope with stress and recover from challenges. It does not mean avoiding stress entirely.
Referral
A letter from a GP or NP allowing you to see a specialist and claim OSHC benefits.
Reimburse
Getting money back from your OSHC after paying upfront and submitting a claim.
S
Spotting
Very light bleeding outside your usual period.
STI
Sexually Transmitted Infection (like chlamydia, gonorrhoea). These can sometimes change your usual discharge.
Silicone
A soft, flexible material used in menstrual cups. It's safe for your body.
Safe Period
A myth-based term for times in the cycle when pregnancy is believed to be unlikely, but is not fully reliable.
Stigma
Negative attitudes or shame attached to a topic or group, which can stop people from seeking help.
Suicidal thoughts
Thoughts about ending one’s life or not wanting to live.
Self-help tools
Resources people can use independently to manage stress and improve wellbeing.
Student wellbeing services
University services that support mental health, finances, housing, and adjustment.
Social isolation
Limited social contact or feeling excluded from community life.
Specialist
A doctor focused on one area of medicine who requires a GP or NP referral.
T
TSS
A rare but serious illness that can happen if you leave a tampon in too long. Always remove tampons after 4–8 hours.
Telehealth
Mental health support delivered via phone or video call.
TIS
A free government service that provides interpreters for medical appointments in different languages.
U
University counselling services
Free, confidential counselling provided by universities, usually short-term.
Upfront Payment
When you pay the full cost at the clinic and later claim reimbursement from your OSHC provider.
V
Vaccine
A medical injection that helps your body build protection against certain infections, like HPV or mpox.
W
Wellbeing
A broad concept that includes mental, physical, social, and emotional health.
Warning signs
Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or thinking that suggest someone may need support.
Waiting Period
The time you must wait before OSHC starts covering certain services or conditions.
Y
Yeast Infection
A common infection that can make your discharge thick and whitish and the surrounding skin itchy
Youth mental health services
Services specifically for young people, often aged 12 to 25.
#
24/7 support
Services available at any time, day or night.