This is a glossary of commonly used terms.
- A.I.D.S.:AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person is considered to have AIDS when their immune system has become so weak that it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope. A person can only develop AIDS as a result of acquiring the HIV virus (see HIV).
- Abortion:Ending a pregnancy by removing the embryo from the womb.
- Age of consent:The age at which the law allows sexual intercourse. In Scotland the age of consent is 16 years old. See section on law for further details http://www.sandyford.org/sexual-health-and-relationships/sexual-health-and-the-law.aspx
- Anatomical:How body is structured.
- Arousal:When a person feels sexually stimulated.
- Birth Control:A term some people use for contraception.
- Bisexual:A term used to describe a sexual orientation where a person is attracted to members of the same and opposite sex. For example, a female who is sexually attracted to both males and females.
- Body image:A term which refers to a person's perception of their own physical appearance. In many cases this can be dramatically different to how they actually appear to others.
- Breast:Refers to the upper region of the torso. The breasts of a female contain the mammary glands, which secrete milk used to feed infants.
- Celibate:Someone who chooses not to have a sexual relationship. They may previously have had sexual relationships.
- Cervix:The ring of muscles at the bottom end of the female's womb.
- Circumcision:Removal of the foreskin from a male's penis. This is done sometimes for religious reasons and for others medical.
- Clitoris:The most sensitive part of a female's genitals. It is above the opening to the vagina and is about the size of a pea, a collection of nerve endings. The clitoris produces feelings of pleasure and excitement when stimulated.
- Coming Out:A process of working out your sexual orientation, identifying your self as lesbian, gay or bisexual and becoming comfortable enough to disclose this to other people. Not everyone who is attracted to people of the same sex, or perhaps just one person of the same sex is comfortable with the terms, lesbian, gay or bisexual.
- Condom- male:A condom is a sheath worn over the penis to prevent unwanted pregnancy or infection.
- Confidentiality :Matters discussed with a professional worker are kept private. In Scotland young people have a right to confidentiality the same as adults, which means the professional worker will keep the conversation private. However if the professional worker thinks that the young person or someone else is at risk, the professional worker would discuss the situation with the young person and in certain situations they might need to pass some information on. Where possible this will happen with the young persons knowledge and permission. See law section for more details. http://www.sandyford.org/sexual-health-and-relationships/sexual-health-and-the-law/consenting-to-medical-treatment-age-of-legal-capacity-.aspx
- Consent:To give permission.
- Contraception:A way of preventing pregnancy. It is used by males (condoms) or females (various types both hormonal and barrier see contraception section) who have sexual intercourse but do not want a baby. Condoms also protect against infection. See contraception section for further details http://www.sandyford.org/contraception-and-reproductive-health/contraception.aspx
- Dams:Dams are rectangular sheets of latex used during sexual activities as a safe sex technique. They are most commonly recognized for their use during cunnilingus (oral sex performed on the female genitals) and analingus (oral sex performed around the anus), to protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
- Discharge - Penile discharge :is the loss of fluid that is not urine or semen from the urethra at the tip of the penis. It can vary in amount and colour and usually indicates an STI. Local sexual health or youth services can offer support.
- Discharge - Vaginal Discharge:is a fluid produced by glands in the vaginal wall and cervix. The amount and appearance of vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle and is normal. An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, an abnormal odour or consistency of the fluid, or pain that accompanies vaginal discharge can all be signs of infection or other disorders. Local sexual health or youth services can offer support.
- Eggs:The tiny cells inside the ovary, babies are made when an egg is fertilised by sperm
- Ejaculation:Ejaculation is the ejecting of semen from the penis, and is typically accompanied by orgasm. It is usually the result of sexual stimulation, but may also occur spontaneously during sleep, this is called a nocturnal emission or wet dream.
- Embryo:The start of a baby in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Emergency contraception :A way of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex (sex without using contraception or when contraception has failed for example a condom has split). A way of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex (sex without using contraception or when contraception has failed for example a condom has split). There are 2 types of emergency contraception, emergency pills (sometimes wrongly called the morning after pill) and the IUD (coil). The pill can be taken up to 72 hours after sex, or the coil can be inserted up to 5 days later. However these do not protect from sexually transmitted infections.
- Endometriosis:The presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus at other sites in the pelvis can be painful local services can help.
- Epididymis:A tube that connects the testes to the vas deferens in males.
- Erection:When the penis becomes hard, this is caused by an increase in blood flow to the penis. Penis erection sometimes results from sexual stimulation and/or sexual arousal, but it can also occur for other reasons.
- Erogenous:Part of the body sensitive to sexual stimulation
- Erotic:That which tend to arouse sexual desire or excitement
- Etopic pregnancy:A pregnancy where the foetus has developed outside of the uterus, or womb
- Fallopian tubes:Are two very fine tubes leading from the ovaries into the uterus. Eggs travel from the ovaries through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.
- FGM:Female genital mutilation (FGM), often incorrectly called female circumcision, refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other intentional injury to the female genital organs, most commonly for cultural or religious reasons.
- Foetus:An unborn baby of at least 8 weeks old growing in the womb.
- Foreplay:Stimulation preceding sexual intercourse. Some people confuse safer sex with foreplay however safer sex such as kissing and stroking does not need to lead to sexual intercourse.
- Foreskin:The foreskin is a retractable fold of skin and mucous membrane that covers the penis head when the penis is not erect.
- Gay:A word that describes people who are sexually or romantically attracted to people of the same sex, a person who is homosexual. Gay can apply to men or women. The word can be used in positive or negative ways depending on who says it and why.
- Gender-reassignment:The process of change from one gender to another.
- Genitals:The external anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction in both females and males.
- H.I.V.:HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases. HIV is a viral infection which if undiagnosed damages and destroys the immune system. This damage increases the risk of certain types of infections and tumours. When these additional problems develop this is known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV at present is incurable and there is no vaccine however, treatment options for HIV are constantly improving and can keep people well for many years by delaying the damage to the immune system although the virus can still be passed to others via blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk.
- Hetrosexual:Heterosexuality is sexual or romantic attraction between opposite sexes.
- Homophobic:Homophobia is used to describe the fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. It can also mean hatred, hostility, disapproval of, or prejudice towards homosexuals, or homosexual behaviour or cultures.
- Homosexual:Homosexuality refers to sexual behaviour or attraction between people of the same sex. The term Gay is more socially acceptable.
- Infertility:Inability of a female to conceive or in a male to induce conception.
- Labia majora:The larger of the two pairs of skin folds enclosing the vulva.
- Labia minora:The smaller of the two pairs of skin folds enclosing the vulva
- Labour:When a baby starts to be born and leaves its mother's womb.
- Lesbian:A lesbian is a female who is romantically and sexually attracted to other females.
- Love:To have strong emotional feelings of affection and care for a person or thing. This may or may not include or lead to sexual feelings.
- Lubricant:A substance recommended for use with condoms to stop them drying out/breaking. Must be water based or silicon based. NEVER use oil based substances with condoms as this will weaken them. The use of lubricant can enhance sexual pleasure.
- Lust:Desire for sexual activity not always an emotive feeling for others.
- Masturbation:The act of arousing yourself sexually or to cause another person sexual arousal by the manual stimulation of the genitals.
- Menstruation:Menstruation is a phase of the menstrual cycle in which the uterine lining (endometrium) is shed. Menstruation is the most visible phase of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles are counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding, because the onset of menstruation corresponds closely with the hormonal cycle.
- Miscarriage:A pregnancy which ends early because something is wrong. The baby will often die but sometimes survives with specialised medical help.
- Morning After Pill:(this term is not encouraged as it suggests can only be used the morning after) see Emergency Contraception.
- Nipple:The small projection near the centre of the mammary gland containing the outlets of the milk ducts through which young mammals obtain milk from the adult female. There is a corresponding projection of the male breast.
- Oral Sex:Using the mouth and tongue on a partners genitals to give sexual pleasure.
- Orgasm:The feeling of pleasure at the peak of sexual excitement.
- Ovaries:An ovary is an egg-producing reproductive organ found in females.
- Paedophile:A person who displays paedophilia.
- Paedophilia:Sexual desire directed towards children.
- Penis:The penis is the male external sexual organ. The penis is a reproductive organ and additionally serves as the external organ of urination.
- Periods:The shedding of the lining of the womb appears like dark blood. Usually every 28 days but often takes time to become regular in young females.
- Pornography or porn:Is the explicit depiction of sexual subject matter, especially with the sole intention of sexually exciting the viewer.
- Pregnancy:Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more offspring, known as a foetus or embryo, inside the uterus of a female human. Childbirth usually occurs about 38 weeks from fertilization, i.e., approximately 40 weeks from the start of the last menstruation. Thus, pregnancy lasts about 9 months.
- Prostate:A muscular gland that is situated at the base of the male urethra. The main function of the prostate is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that, along with spermatozoa, constitutes semen.
- Prostitute:A person who is paid to have sex. Sometimes called sexworker.
- Puberty:Is used to describe the changes that take place when a child grows into an adult. Both physical and emotional changes will take place to enable the body to be ready to reproduce.
- Pubic Hair:Pubic hair is hair in the frontal genital area, the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs; these areas form the pubic region.
- Rape:Rape is when a person is forced to have sexual activity against their will. This is against the law.
- Ready:Having thought through the consequences of any actions you may take and being prepared to deal with the outcome and take responsibility for this. Never be pushed into an action you feel uncomfortable with as this would suggest you aren't ready.
- Relationships:To be connected with someone. There are many different types of relationships. These may be through family, school, interests, friends, and many more. Good relationships are based on respect, trust and talking to each other.
- Reproductive System:The reproductive system is a system of organs which work together for the purpose of making a baby. The major organs of the human reproductive system include the external genitalia as well as a number of internal organs.
- Respect:Showing a high regard by acting in a positive way to another person for example by listening and talking to them and accepting them for who they are. We are all different and have different opinions and that is ok.
- Safer sex:Sexual activities which include kissing, licking, massage, masturbation ensuring body fluids do not exchange in the process, this includes using a condom when having vaginal or anal sex. Safer sex protects form STIs.
- Sanitary towel:A sanitary towel, sanitary pad, sanitary napkin, menstrual pad or pad is an absorbent item worn by a female while she is menstruating or any other situation where it is necessary to absorb the flow of blood from the vagina.
- Scrotum:The sac that holds the testes and epididymis outside the abdominal cavity in males.
- Semen:Whitish fluid ejaculated from the penis at sexual climax.
- Seminal Vesicles:Either of a pair of glandular pouches that lie one on either side of the male reproductive tract and in the human male secrete a fluid into the ejaculatory duct.
- Sex:Can mean all types of sexual activity not just sexual intercourse. The word Sex also defines a person's biological make up e.g. male or female.
- Sexual Abuse:Is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another.
- Sexual Health:(Wider than intercourse which many people connect the word sex to)
- Sexual Intercourse :Refers to the act of penetration during sexual activity.
- Sexual Orientation:Refers to how a person identities themselves romantically, their sexual attractions and relationships and not narrowly to their sexual behaviour.
- Sexuality:Is how humans think, feel and act as sexual beings.
- Sperm:A sperm is the male "gamete" or sex cell. It combines with the female "gamete," called an ovum, to form an embryo. The formation process is called "fertilization
- STI:A sexually transmitted infection (in the past referred to as a STD, sexually transmitted disease, or VD, venereal disease) is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans or animals by means of sexual contact, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex.
- Tampon:A tampon is a plug of cotton or other absorbent material inserted into a body cavity or wound to absorb bodily fluid. The most common type in daily use is a usually disposable plug that is designed to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to absorb the flow of blood. Tampons have been shown to have a connection to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but sometimes fatal disease caused by bacterial infection. To prevent this tampons need to be changed regularly and removed at the end of the period.
- Testes:Pair of male sex organs that lie within the scrotum and produce sperm and the male sex hormone, testosterone.
- Testicles:See Testes
- Transgender:(Terminology is developing around this field of transgender, transsexual.)
- Transvestite:Transvestism is the practice of cross-dressing, which is wearing the clothing of the opposite sex. A transvestite is someone who cross-dresses.
- TSS:A rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. The symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhoea, headache, and muscle aches. TSS is typically treated with antibiotics.
- Unprotected sex:Sexual intercourse where no form of contraception is used. Those participating in unprotected sex are at high risk of STIs and pregnancy.
- Urethra:A tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. The urethra has an excretory function in both sexes to pass urine to the outside, and also a reproductive function in the male, as a passage for sperm
- Uterus:The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina; the other is connected on both sides to the fallopian tubes. The term uterus is commonly used within the medical and related professions, whilst womb is in more common usage.
- Vagina:The human vagina is an elastic muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva. Its elasticity allows it to stretch during sexual intercourse and during birth to offspring. The vagina connects the vulva to the cervix.
- Virgin:Word used to describe a person who has not had sexual intercourse. This is neither wrong or right as it is an individual choice.
- Vulva:The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the vulva. This includes the labia, urethral opening, clitoris and vaginal opening.
- Wet Dreams:A nocturnal emission is an ejaculation of semen experienced by a male during sleep. It is also called a "wet dream", an involuntary orgasm, or simply an orgasm during sleep.
- Womb:The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina; the other is connected on both sides to the fallopian tubes. The term uterus is commonly used within the medical and related professions, whilst womb is in more common usage.