Contributor

At a time when sexual issues are in everyone's face, it is advisable to know the language so that you can understand and keep abreast of the developments relating to sexuality in terms of sexual health and practices. As part of proper sex education, the correct terminology should be applied to sexual matters. (Katchadourian and About.com provides an overview of the more common terms from A through H).

Asexual

Not being sexually attracted to others.

Anaorgasmia

The delay or absence of sexual climax (orgasm).

Bacterial vaginosis

The most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis often causes a vaginal discharge that is thin and milky, and is described as having a "fishy" odour. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a combination of several bacteria.

Balanitis

An inflammation of the skin covering the head of the penis.

Candida

A species of fungus that normally lives in small numbers in the vagina, as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of men and women.

Cervical cancer

Cancer that occurs when abnormal cells divide and grow uncontrollably in a woman's cervix, the lowest part of the uterus (womb) through which babies pass when they are being born.

Cervical biopsy

A procedure in which the doctor removes a small amount of tissue from the cervix to be examined more closely.

Chlamydia

A germ that is primarily sexually transmitted and that can infect genital organs.

Colposcopy

An examination of the cervix (lower part of the uterus) and the wall of the vagina. It is performed using a special microscope (colposcope) that gives a magnified view of the tissue lining the cervix and vagina. A special solution may be applied to the cervix that causes abnormal cells to turn white or yellow so they may be more easily viewed.

Date rape

When one person forces another person to have sex. It differs from rape because the victim agreed to spend time with the attacker. Perhaps he or she even went out with his or her attacker more than once.

Dihydrotestosterone

A hormone, similar to testosterone, that is responsible for the embryonic development of the male's external genitals.

Dilation and curettage (D & C)

A process in which the cervix is dilated and then an instrument scrapes the uterine lining, used to treat uterine disorders or abort foetuses.

Dysmenorrohea

Pain experienced before or during menstruation - typically backaches, abdominal cramps and aches in the thighs.

Dyspareunia

Persistent pain during or after sexual intercourse.

Ecoptic pregnancy

The development of a fertilised ovum within the abdomen, but outside of the uterus.

Ejaculatory incompetence

A male sexual dysfunction characterised by the inability to ejaculate during intercourse.

Embryo

Term used to refer to the unborn child during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.

Emergency contraception

Also called emergency post-coital oral contraception (EPOC) or the "morning after pill." It is a form of birth control that may be used by women within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. The most commonly used emergency contraception consists of two doses of hormone pills taken in one day 12 hours apart.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus, which is partially shed during menstruation.

Episiotomy

An incision made, during delivery, between the vagina and anus to give the baby's head more room to emerge and to avoid injury to vaginal tissues.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence)

The inability to attain and/or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. Also known as ED.

Erogenous zones

Areas of the body particularly responsive to sexual stimulation.

Erotica

Sexually oriented materials that the reader or viewer finds sexually arousing and non-offensive.

Oestrogen replacement therapy

Treatment before or during menopause in which a woman takes supplemental oestrogen.

Eunuch

A castrated male.

Exhibitionism

The act of exposing one's genitals to unwilling strangers to feel sexually exposed.

Fellatio

The oral stimulation of the male genitals.

Female circumcision

The removal of part of a female's external genitalia (reproductive organs), usually the clitoris. Also called female genital mutilation.

Foetal alcohol syndrome

A birth disorder caused by the mother's heavy drinking during pregnancy; abnormalities may be serious as mental retardation.

Fetishism

Obtaining sexual arousal primarily from non-living objects or particular parts of the body.

Fibroids

Nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop within the wall of the uterus (womb). Medically, they are called uterine leiomyomata (singular: leiomyoma).

Foreplay

Kissing, touching, genital stimulation and other forms of sexual contact between two people that lead to sexual intercourse.

Foreskin

A loose layer of skin which encircles the glans penis, removed by circumcision for religious, medical or aesthetic reasons.

Fornication

A term for sexual intercourse between two consenting unmarried individuals.

Frigidity

An outdated term once used to describe most sexual dysfunctions common to females.

Frotteurism

A disorder in which the focus of a person's sexual urges is related to touching or rubbing his genitals against the body of a non-consenting, unfamiliar person.

Gene

The DNA molecules, part of chromosomes, responsible for hereditary transmission from parent to child.

Gender

Being male or female.

Gender identity disorder

A disorder in which a male or female feels a strong identification with the opposite sex.

Gender roles

The behaviours and traits that a given culture deems appropriate for females and males.

Gigolo

A man who provides companionship as well as sexual services to women for money.

Grafenberg spot

An erotically sensitive area presumably located in the anterior wall of the vagina. Also called the G-spot.

Gonorrhoea

A serious bacterial infection that is caught by having sex with an infected person. A person can become infected when the bacteria enter any opening in the body, including the penis, anus, vagina or mouth. Gonorrhoea also is called 'clap' or 'drip'.

Handballing (fisting):

The practice of inserting a fist and a portion of the forearm into a partner's rectum.

Hand whores

Prostitutes who masturbate their male clients through massage in a massage parlour.

Hermaphrodite

A person who has both ovarian and testicular tissue, and exhibits genital features of both sexes.

Hepatitis

A disease involving inflammation of the liver. Most types of hepatitis are caused by viruses, but alcohol, drugs and other factors also can cause the disease. Hepatitis can cause damage to the liver, but not always.

Hepatitis B

A type of hepatitis that can be spread from another person who has the virus. Most commonly, it is spread by having sex with an infected person or by sharing a needle.

Herpes

A virus spread by close personal contact, such as kissing or sexual intercourse. There are two types of herpes. The first type is herpes simplex type 1 (or HSV-1). HSV-1 occurs most often on or near the mouth and appears as a chancre or cold sore. The second type, herpes simplex type 2 (or HSV-2), occurs most often on or near the sex organs and is sometimes called 'genital herpes'. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD.

Homosexual rape

A violent crime in which a man is forced by another man to have oral sex or anal intercourse.

Homosexuality

A sexual orientation in which a person is sexually, emotionally and socially attracted toward members of the same sex.

Hysterectomy

A surgical procedure in which the woman's uterus is removed.