Letter : A
* Abortifacient
Any chemical agent that induces abortion.
* Abortion
The ending of a pregnancy and expulsion of the contents of the uterus. This can occur either by induction or spontaneously (when it is known as a miscarriage).
* Abstinence
To refrain from having sex.
* Acculturation
The process of adapting to a society by incorporating the beliefs, behaviors and customs of that culture.
* Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The disease involves weakening of the immune system until it is unable to fight opportunistic infections.
* Acrosomal reaction
The release of enzymes from a sperm's acrosome.
* Acrosome
The covering of the head of the sperm that contains enzymes that allow it to penetrate the ovum.
* Actual failure rate
The average failure rate of a contraceptive. This takes into account not only actual failure of the device, but also human error and non-use.
* Adolescence
The stage of development that occurs during puberty.
* Adrenogenital syndrome
Also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A genetic condition in which a female is born with genitals that look like a male's due to an abnormally functioning adrenal gland.
* Adultery
Sex between a married person and a person other than their spouse.
* Afterbirth
The placenta and amniotic sac, which is expelled after the infant during childbirth.
* Agape
A Greek word meaning altruistic love.
* Age of consent
The age at which a person is deemed legally capable of giving consent to sexual interactions.
* AIDS
Acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
* AIDS dementia
Infection of the brain by HIV, resulting in the impairment of mental functioning, as well as changes in both mood and behavior.
* Alpha-feto protein screening
A blood test that helps determine the existence of neural tube defects.
* Alveoli
Glands that produce milk in the female breast.
* Ambisexual
A more contemporary term for bisexual.
* Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation.
* Amniocentesis
A diagnostic procedure in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn by needle from the uterus of a pregnant woman. The fluid and fetal cells are then analyzed for chromosome defects.
* Aamniotic fluid
The fluid within the amniotic sac that surrounds the embryo or fetus.
* Amniotic sac
The pouch that contains the amniotic fluid.
* Amyl nitrate
A drug that is inhaled to prolong or intensify orgasm. Its use is potentially very dangerous, and is now illegal to sell in many states.
* Anal intercourse
Sexual behavior in which one person's penis is inserted into another's anus.
* Anilingus
Stimulation of the anus with mouth and tongue.
* Anaphrodisiac
A substance that decreases sexual desire.
* Anatomical sex
The apparent gender of an individual based on the appearance of sexual organs.
* Androgens
The "male" sex hormones. Actually produced by women as well (though in smaller quantities and with little absorption).
* Androgen replacement therapy
The administration of testosterone. This is done to increase sex drive in men with androgen deficiencies.
* Androgen-insensitivity syndrome
A condition in which a male is born with testes but is unable to absorb testosterone As a result, his body tends toward a female appearance.
* Androgyny
Possessing both masculine and feminine characteristics.
* Anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder in which the individual engages in extreme behaviors to remain very thin.
* Anorexic
A person with anorexia.
* Anorgasmia A sexual dysfunction in which an individual is unable to have orgasms. More prevalent in women.
* Antigay prejudice
Negative attitudes and behaviors toward homosexuals.
* Anus
The opening of the rectum.
* Apgar score
A medical rating of a newborn's condition based on heart rate, respiration, color, reflexes, and muscle tone.
* Aphrodisiac
A substance that is alleged to increase sexual desire.
* Areola
The ring of darkened skin around the nipple of the breast.
* Artificial insemination Placing semen into a woman's vagina or uterus by a means other that intercourse for the purpose of inducing pregnancy.
* Asexual
Without sexual feelings, desires or qualities.
* Asphyxophilia
A sexual preference for activities that involve oxygen deprivation.
* Ass
Slang expression for buttocks.
* Asshole
Slang expression for anus.
* Assigned gender
The gender that one is ascribed by others, irregardless of genetic or anatomical gender.
* Asymptomatic
Having no symptoms.
* Atypical sexual behavior
Sexual activity that is not one of the more common activities.
* Autoerotic asphyxia
A form of sexual behavior in which the individual masturbates while depriving him or herself of oxygen through hanging, strangulation, or other means. This activity is incredibly dangerous and causes many inadvertent deaths each year.
* Autoeroticism
Sexual behavior that is done by oneself such as masturbation.
* Axillary hair
Armpit hair.
* Axillary intercourse
A sexual variation in which a man thrusts his penis in the armpit of his partner.
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Letter : B
* B&D
An acronym for bondage and discipline.
* Bacterial vaginosis
A vaginal infection caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis.
* Bag
Slang term for scrotum
* Balls
Slang term for testicles.
* Barr body
An inactivated X chromosome that appears as a small, black dot in the cells of genetic females, distinguishing them from male cells.
* Bartholin's glands
Two tiny ducts located on either side of the vaginal entrance. They secrete a small amount of fluid during sexual arousal, but their exact purpose is unclear.
* Basal body temperature (BBT) method
A method of fertility awareness that is based on a woman's morning body temperature.
* Behavior therapy
A school of therapy based on learning theory that focuses on observable behavior and not the unconscious.
* Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Enlargement of the prostate gland. This is a very common condition in older men.
* Berdache
A term used in some cultures for a male who assumes female dress and gender role. In these cultures, these individuals are often thought to be a third gender and have special powers.
* Bestiality
Sexual contact with animals; also known as zoophilia.
* Birth canal
Another term for the vagina; often used when referring to labor and birth.
* Birth control
The regulation of conception, pregnancy, and/or birth.
* Bisexuality
A sexual orientation in which one feels physically and/or emotionally attracted to both males and females.
* Blastocyst
A small mass of cells that results after several days of cell division by a fertilized egg.
* Blow job
Slang term for fellatio (which usually does not involve "blow[ing].")
* Blue balls
Slang expression for pain in the groinal area due to prolonged vasocongestion.
body fluids
Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, urine, feces, saliva and/or tears.
* Bondage and Discipline (B&D)
A sexual activity in which a person is bound while another engages in "discipline" activities, such as spanking and whipping.
* Boner
Slang term for erection.
* Boobs
Slang term for a woman's breasts.
* Braxton-Hicks contractions
Uterine contractions during the last trimester of pregnancy that are often mistaken for labor.
* Breech presentation
A birth position in which the infant's buttocks or feet appear first.
* Brothel
A house of prostitution.
* Bulbourethral glands
Another term for Cowper's glands.
* Bulimia
An eating disorder distinguished from anorexia by binge eating followed by purging in some manner.
* Butch
A term used to describe a lesbian who dresses and acts in a very "masculine" manner. Opposite of femme.
* Butt
Slang expression for buttocks.
* Butt Fuck
Slang term for anal intercourse.
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Letter : C
* C-section
Abbreviation for cesarean section.
* calendar method
A contraceptive method based on calculating "safe" days based on a formula involving a woman's longest and shortest periods.
* call girl
A high-priced prostitute or sex worker who usually works outcall from a home or office as opposed to getting customers on the street or at a brothel.
* candida albicans
The fungus that causes candidiasis, otherwise known as a yeast infection.
* candidiasis
A yeast infection caused by the fungus candida albicans.
* cannula
A tube inserted into the body through which fluids and tissue can be removed. These are often used during abortions and other gynecological procedures.
* carpopedal spasm
A contraction of the hands or feet which occurs during orgasm.
* castration
The removal of the testes or ovaries. In popular use, also refers to the amputation of the penis.
* celibate
Unmarried, or as more popularly used, someone who does not engage in sexual activity.
* cervical cap
A small, rubber, contraceptive barrier device that fits over the cervix. It is smaller than the diaphragm and is held in place by suction.
* cervical dysplasia
A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.
* cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.
* cervix
The tapered, lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
* cesarean section
Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall. Also known as C-section.
* chancre
A red, painless sore that is an early symptom of syphilis.
* chancroid
A painful sore on the penis that is caused by the STD bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi.
* chastity
Sexual abstinence.
* chemical castration
Using drugs to reduce or eliminate a man's sexual impulses.
* cherry
Slang expression for the hymen.
* child-free marriage
A marriage in which the couple have chosen not to have children.
* chlamydia
An infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite being one of the most common STDs in women, it is often asymptomatic.
* chorionic-villi sampling
A medical procedure in which embryonic cells are removed from the tissue surrounding the fetus and then analyzed for evidence of genetic defects.
* cilia
Tiny hairlike fibers that line the fallopian tubes and help move the oocyte along.
* circle jerk
Slang term for male group masturbation (usually referring to a practice of adolescent males).
* circumcision
The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, or, in some cultures, the clitoral hood, clitoris and/or labia.
* clap
A slang term for gonorrhea.
* climacteric
An older term for menopause.
* climax
Orgasm.
* clit
Slang expression for the clitoris.
* clitoral hood
The fold of skin covering the clitoris.
* clitoridectomy
The surgical removal of the clitoris and all or part of the labia. Also known as female circumcision.
* clitoris
A small, highly sensitive sexual organ in the female, located above and in front of the vaginal entrance.
* cock
Slang term for penis.
* cohabitation
Living together; usually referring to an unmarried couple.
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