Endometriosis: A condition in which endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) grows outside the uterus, causing pain, especially before and during menstruation.
Epididymis: The tube that leads from the testes to the vas deferens. Sperm are stored in the epididymis before ejaculation. It’s tightly coiled on top of and behind the testes.
Epidural: An injection of painkillers used during childbirth.
Erectile tissue: Spongy tissue in the penis/clitoris that stiffens when filled with blood.
Erection: A “hard” penis—when it becomes full of blood and stiffens. See “vasocongestion.”
Erotic: Sexually arousing.
Estrogen: A hormone made in the ovaries, and in much smaller amounts in the adrenal glands at the top of your kidneys, and sometimes even in fat tissue. Estrogen plays a part in puberty, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy. Many people take extra estrogen after menopause or as part of transgender care.
Excitement: The body’s physical response to desire and to stimulation. The second stage of the sexual response cycle.
External sex and reproductive organs: The sex organs and structures that you can see. These include the vulva, penis, and scrotum.
F:
Fallopian tube: One of two narrow tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus during ovulation.
Family planning: Making plans and taking actions, like using birth control, to have the number of children you want, when you want them.
Female condom: A polyurethane pouch that goes inside the vagina or anus for pregnancy and/or STI prevention. Female condoms are sometimes called internal condoms or referred to by their brand name, FC2 Female Condom®.
Feminine: Characteristics and ways of appearing and behaving that a culture associates with being a girl or a woman.
Feminism: The belief that people of all genders should have equitable economic, political, sexual, and social rights.
Femme: An identity associated with a gender presentation that is considered “feminine.”
Fertility: The ability to have children or cause a pregnancy.
Fertility cycle: Another way of saying the menstrual cycle. The monthly pattern of ovulation, the shedding of the lining of the uterus (menstruation), and the body’s preparation for another ovulation.
Fertility rate: The number of live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–44).
Fertilization: The joining of an egg and sperm.
Fetus: Develops from the embryo at 10 weeks of pregnancy and receives nourishment through the placenta.
First trimester: The first three months of pregnancy.
Foreplay: Kissing, rubbing, stroking, and/or touching that leads to sex. Foreplay can prolong and/or increase sexual excitement and pleasure.
Foreskin: A tube of skin that covers and protects the glans (head) of the penis, and rolls back when the penis becomes erect. A circumcised penis has had the foreskin removed.
G:
G-spot (Gräfenburg spot): An area inside the vagina that’s highly sensitive to touch, along the upper wall of the vagina. Stimulation of the G spot can lead to intense sexual arousal and orgasm for some people.
Gay: When someone is only attracted to people of the same gender.
Gender: A social and legal status of male or female. A set of expectations from society about behaviors and characteristics. Each culture has standards about the way that people should behave based on whether they’re male or female.
Gender affirming surgery: Surgery on sex organs or secondary sex characteristics to match one’s gender identity.
Gender assignment: The medical and legal description of one’s sex, determined at birth.
Gender binary: The idea that there are only two categories of gender (male and female) that are mutually exclusive and different from each other.
Gender fluidity: The flexibility of gender expressions and identities that may change over time or even from day to day. A gender fluid person may feel male on some days, female on others, both male and female, or neither. A gender fluid person might also identify as genderqueer.
Gender identity: An individual’s inner feelings and outer expressions of their gender.
Gender nonconforming or non-binary: When a person’s gender expression doesn’t fit inside traditional male or female categories (sometimes called the gender binary). These labels can include someone who identifies as both male and female, neither male nor female, or some other gender altogether. It’s not the same as being transgender and should only be used if someone self-identifies as gender nonconforming or non-binary.
Gender norms: Social standards on appropriate feminine and masculine behavior.
Gender roles: Social standards on appropriate feminine and masculine behavior.
Gender stereotype: Exaggerated expectations of the way boys/men or girls/women should behave.
Genderqueer: A term for people who don’t identify as a man or a woman or whose identity lies outside the traditional gender binary of male and female. Some people use genderqueer, gender nonconforming, and non-binary interchangeably, but others don’t. Genderqueer has a political history, so many use the term to identify their gender as non-normative in some way. For example, someone could identify as both cisgender female and genderqueer.
Genes: Microscopic chains in your cells that carry information about you that’s unique to you, but includes pieces from your biological family—everything from eye color, to height, to body type, to personality.
Genital herpes: A common STI in the area of the anus, cervix, penis, vagina, or vulva. Very often there are no symptoms, while the most common symptom is a cluster of blistery sores. Since it’s a virus, there is no cure, but there is treatment available.
Genital warts: Soft, flesh-colored growths on or near the penis/vulva, caused by some types of HPV (human papilloma virus). They are usually painless, but may itch.
Genitals: External sex and reproductive organs, like the the vulva, penis, and scrotum.
Glans: The soft, highly sensitive tip of the clitoris or penis. Also called the “head” of the penis.
Gonorrhea: A bacterial STI that’s easy to treat, but if left untreated can lead to infertility, arthritis, and heart problems. Often has no symptoms.
Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in health care for the vulva, vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breasts.
H:
Health care provider: A licensed doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or physician assistant.
Health insurance: A plan or program that helps pay for the medical expenses of their members, like medicine, doctor visits, and surgery.
Heavy petting: Touching a partner’s genitals in a sexual way.
Hepatitis b virus (HBV): A viral infection that can be sexually transmitted. It can lead to dangerous liver problems in some people.
Herpes: A common STI caused by two different but similar viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both kinds can make blistery sores show up on and around the genitals or mouth.
Heteronormativity: The cultural assumption that everyone is straight (heterosexual) until they tell you otherwise.
Heterosexism: The belief that heterosexuality is better than other sexual orientations.
Heterosexual: Being attracted to people of the other gender.
High-risk pregnancy: A pregnancy that is more likely to have complications for the pregnant person or their fetus.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): A chronic virus that breaks down the immune system. Can lead to AIDS if not treated.
Homophobia: Fear or hatred of people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Homosexual: Being attracted to people of the same gender.
Hormonal contraceptives: Birth control methods that use hormones to prevent pregnancy. These include the implant, the hormonal IUD, the pill, the patch, the ring, and the shot.
Hormones: Chemicals that cause changes in our bodies and brains. They n
aturally exist and can also be made in a lab.
Horny: Slang for wanting to have sex or for being sexually aroused.
HPV (human papilloma virus): The most common STI. Some types of HPV may cause genital warts. Others may cause cancer of the anus, cervix, penis, throat, or vulva. Most of the time HPV is harmless and goes away on its own.
Hymen: A thin, fleshy piece of tissue that stretches across part of the opening to the vagina.
Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus.
I:
Immune system: The body’s natural protection against infection and disease.
Implant: A small rod, about the size of a matchstick, that prevents pregnancy for up to four years. A doctor or nurse inserts the implant under the skin of the upper arm. It releases the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Implantation: When a pre-embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. This is when pregnancy begins. Usually starts about six days after fertilization (when egg and sperm meet) and takes three to four days to complete.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Any method of assisted reproduction in which fertilization takes place outside the body (usually in a lab) in an effort to get someone pregnant.
In-clinic abortion: A procedure done in a health center, doctor’s office, or hospital that ends a pregnancy.
Infatuation: Intense, usually short-lived, emotional or sexual attraction to another person.
Infertility: The inability to become pregnant or to cause a pregnancy.
Insemination: Putting sperm into the vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes to cause a pregnancy.
Intact penis: A penis with a foreskin, also called uncircumcised.
Intercourse: Sexual activity in which the penis goes into the vagina (vaginal intercourse) or the anus (anal intercourse).
Internal sex and reproductive organs: The organs inside the body that are responsible for reproduction. Internal reproductive organs that respond to sexual stimulation (like the vagina) are also called sex organs.
Internalized homophobia: Fear of being homosexual or negative feelings towards oneself for being homosexual.
Intersex: A general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions of female or male. Sometimes a female or male gender is assigned to an intersex person at birth through surgery, if external genitals are not obviously male or female. Intersex babies are always assigned a legal gender, but sometimes when they grow up, they don’t identify with the gender selected for them.
Intimacy: The closeness you feel when you share your private and personal self with someone else.
Intimate partner violence (IPV): A pattern of emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse in the context of an intimate relationship. Also called “domestic violence,” “partner abuse,” “relationship abuse,” and “dating violence.”
Intrauterine device (IUD): A tiny device that’s placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It’s safe, long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods available. One IUD, the ParaGard, uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Others use hormones to prevent pregnancy.
J:
Jealousy: Feelings of anxiety about a partner or crush’s attention, love, or commitment. Fear that a partner has feelings for someone else.
Jock itch: A very common fungal skin infection on the scrotum, penis, or groin area. Caused by wearing tight clothing, sweating a lot, or not drying the genitals carefully after bathing. Jock itch can cause a reddish, scaly rash that can become inflamed, itchy, and painful.
K:
Kegel exercises: The tightening and releasing of the muscles that stop urination in order to prevent and improve urinary incontinence, improve sexual sensation, and aid recovery of vaginal muscle tone after childbirth. Because they exercise internal muscles, kegels can be done anywhere, anytime.
L:
Labia: The lips of the vulva.
Labia majora: The outer lips of the vulva.
Labia minora: The inner lips of the vulva.
Labor: The process of childbirth, including everything from the contractions of the uterus and dilation of the cervix to delivery of the infant and finally the placenta.
Lesbian: A woman who’s sexually or romantically attracted to other women.
LGBTQ+: Stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or, alternatively, “queer”).
Libido: Feeling of sexual desire.
Love: A strong caring for someone else. It comes in many forms. There can be love for romantic partners and also for close friends, for parents and children, for pets, for nature, or for something religious/spiritual.
Lube/lubricant: A water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based product used to increase slipperiness and reduce friction during sex.
Lust: Sexual desire for someone.
M:
Mammogram: Breast cancer screening that takes X-rays of the breasts to detect cancer before they can be felt.
Marriage: The socially and legally recognized union of a couple as spouses.
Masculine: Characteristics and ways of appearing and behaving that society associates with being a boy or a man.
Mastectomy: The surgical removal of a breast.
Masturbation: Touching one’s own body/genitals for sexual pleasure.
Medication abortion / medical abortion: The use of a combination of drugs to end a pregnancy. Also called the “abortion pill.”
Menopause: When menstruation stops because of hormonal changes. Usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but sometimes menopause happens earlier due to certain medical conditions.
Menstrual cup: A latex or silicone receptacle that fits in the vagina to collect menstrual flow.
Menstrual cycle: The time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus grows, an egg is released by the ovaries, and the uterine lining sheds.
Menstrual flow: Blood and discharge that are passed out of the uterus through the vagina during the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Method effectiveness: How well a particular type of birth control prevents pregnancy.
Miscarriage: When an embryo or fetus dies before the 20th week of pregnancy.
Misogyny: Dislike, contempt for, or hatred of women.
Monogamy: When two people decide to have sex only with each other and no one else.
Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting that happens during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Morning wood: Slang for having an erect penis when waking up. People who have penises can have several erections at night as part of their sleep cycle. Very often, when they wake up, they’re still erect. Also called “nocturnal penile tumescence.”
Morning-after pill: Emergency contraception that can be used within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected vaginal sex to decrease the chance of pregnancy.
Multiple orgasms: The occurrence of more than one orgasm within one sexual experience.
Mutual masturbation: When people masturbate in each other’s presence.
N:
Nipple: The dark tissue in the center of the areola of each breast in someone of any gender. Nipples can stand erect when stimulated by touch or cold. The nipples can also release milk in people who are breastfeeding.
Nocturnal emission: Commonly known as a “wet dream”; ejaculation while sleeping, which most often occurs during puberty.
Nocturnal orgasm: A sexual climax during sleep.
Nurse practitioner: A registered nurse who has been trained to provide primary health care, including many services also performed by doctors.
NuvaRing: The brand name of the hormonal birth control ring available in the U.S. The NuvaRing is placed inside the vagina, and needs to be replaced each month.
O:
Oral contraceptive: Another name for the birth control pill.
Oral herpes: An infection of the mouth with herpes simplex
virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2. Symptoms are commonly known as cold sores.
Oral sex: Sex involving the mouth and genitals, including cunnilingus, anilingus, and fellatio.
Orgasm: The peak of sexual arousal, when all the muscles that were tightened during sexual arousal relax, usually causing a very pleasurable feeling.
Out: Short for “out of the closet.” Being open about your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Outercourse: Sexual activity that doesn’t include vaginal or anal sex.
Outing: Revealing someone else’s sexual orientation or gender identity that they may not have shared or wanted to be shared.
Ovaries: The two organs that store and release eggs. Ovaries also produce hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Over-the-counter: Available without a prescription from a nurse or doctor.
Ovulation: When an ovary releases an egg.
P:
Pansexual: Having sexual or romantic attraction to people of all genders.
Pap smear: A term commonly used to describe a Pap test, which looks for abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous growths on the cervix.
Pap test: A test to look for abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous growths on the cervix. Sometimes called a Pap smear.
Parental consent: A requirement that one or both parents give permission for a minor (someone under the age of 18) to do something. Many states have mandatory parental consent laws regarding abortion services for minors. Most states don’t require parental consent for services like birth control or STI testing.
Pelvic exam: A physical exam of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. May include a Pap or HPV test, but not always.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries that can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. It’s often caused by untreated STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Penis: A reproductive and sex organ that’s made of spongy tissue. The spongy tissue fills with blood during sexual excitement, a process known as erection (getting hard). Urine and semen pass through the penis.
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