Clear, respectful definitions of sexual health terms, anatomy, and concepts.
Choosing not to engage in sexual activity. Can refer to all sexual contact or specifically to vaginal intercourse.
Sexual activity involving penetration of the anus.
The state of being sexually excited. Involves physical changes like increased blood flow to the genitals, elevated heart rate, and mental desire.
A sexual orientation where a person experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.
A sexual orientation where a person is attracted to people of their own gender and other genders.
Methods used to prevent pregnancy, including hormonal methods (pills, patches, IUDs), barrier methods (condoms), and behavioral methods.
The right to make decisions about your own body, including what happens to it sexually.
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
The surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis.
A sensitive organ located at the front of the vulva, above the urethra. Its primary function is sexual pleasure. Most of the clitoris is internal.
A barrier device used during sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Available for external (penis) and internal (vaginal) use.
Voluntary, informed, and enthusiastic agreement to engage in sexual activity. Must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.
Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
Fluid released from the vagina or penis. Normal vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Unusual discharge may indicate infection.
A technique where a person brings themselves close to orgasm and then stops or slows stimulation before climax, often repeated to intensify the eventual orgasm.
The release of semen from the penis, usually during orgasm. Can also refer to female ejaculation (release of fluid from the urethra during sexual arousal).
When the penis becomes firm and enlarged due to increased blood flow, typically during sexual arousal.
Areas of the body with heightened sensitivity that can produce pleasurable sensations when touched. Common areas include the neck, ears, inner thighs, and genitals.
A hormone primarily produced in the ovaries that plays a key role in the development of female sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle.
Sexual activity that precedes intercourse, such as kissing, touching, and oral sex. Helps build arousal and intimacy.
The fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis in uncircumcised individuals.
A small fold of tissue on the underside of the penis where the glans meets the shaft. Highly sensitive and a common area of pleasure.
An area on the front wall of the vagina, a few inches inside, that may produce intense pleasure when stimulated. Also known as the Grafenberg spot.
A person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
The external reproductive and sexual organs. The penis, scrotum, and testicles in males; the vulva, vagina, and clitoris in females.
Chemical messengers in the body that regulate many functions including sexual development, arousal, and reproduction. Key sex hormones include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening. It varies in shape and size, and can stretch or tear from many activities, not just intercourse.
Sexual contact between individuals, typically referring to vaginal penetration by a penis, but broadly includes oral and anal sex.
Emotional closeness and connection between people. Can be physical (touching, sex) or emotional (sharing feelings, vulnerability).
Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by repeatedly contracting and relaxing them. Can improve sexual sensation and help with bladder control.
The folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. The labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips) vary in size, shape, and color.
A person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. Varies from person to person and can fluctuate over time.
A substance used to reduce friction during sexual activity. Can be water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based. The body also produces natural lubrication during arousal.
Self-stimulation of the genitals for sexual pleasure. A normal and healthy part of human sexuality at any age.
The monthly shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in bleeding from the vagina. Part of the menstrual cycle, typically lasting 3-7 days.
Sexual activity involving stimulation of the genitals using the mouth, lips, or tongue. Includes cunnilingus (on a vulva) and fellatio (on a penis).
The peak of sexual arousal, characterized by intense pleasurable sensations, rhythmic muscle contractions, and release of tension. Experiences vary widely between individuals.
The release of an egg from the ovary, occurring roughly midway through the menstrual cycle. The time when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
The group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Important for sexual function and continence.
The male external reproductive organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. Consists of the shaft, glans (head), and foreskin (in uncircumcised individuals).
The area of skin between the genitals and the anus. Contains nerve endings and can be a source of sexual pleasure.
The period of physical development when a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction. Typically occurs between ages 8-14.
The recovery time after orgasm during which a person cannot achieve another orgasm. Varies by individual and tends to increase with age.
Sexual practices that reduce the risk of transmitting or acquiring sexually transmitted infections, such as using condoms and getting tested regularly.
The pouch of skin that holds and protects the testicles, located below the penis.
The fluid released from the penis during ejaculation, containing sperm cells and other secretions.
A person's pattern of emotional and sexual attraction to others. Includes heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, and other identities.
Sexually transmitted infection/disease. Infections spread through sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis.
The two oval organs inside the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.
A hormone produced primarily in the testicles (and in smaller amounts in the ovaries) that drives sexual development, libido, and other functions.
The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In males, it also carries semen.
A hollow, muscular organ in the female reproductive system where a fertilized egg implants and a fetus develops. Also called the womb.
The internal muscular canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Used for intercourse, menstruation, and childbirth.
The external female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. Often incorrectly referred to as the vagina.