Glossary

Every Word - Words and their Meaning

A B C D E F G | H I J K L M N O | P Q R S T U V W Z

A
Abortion	the end of a pregnancy, either through a miscarriage or by an operation to remove the embryo or foetus from a woman's uterus. Many people believe the woman has a right to choose whether or not to have the baby. Others oppose abortion because they believe the foetus is a potential baby. If you are pregnant and not sure what to do, see The Word Help Page or go to Need Help Now.
Abstinence	not doing something, e.g., not having sex.
Abuse	See Sexual Abuse
Acne	spots, pimples, zits. Many teenagers get them. Your doctor can give you cream or antibiotics to help.
ADDICTION	Being dependant on a substance which is harmful physically or mentally.
AIDS	Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome -- a condition caused by a virus called HIV which attacks and weakens the body's immune (defence) system making it a target for infections and diseases. HIV is usually passed on through unprotected vaginal intercourse, unprotected anal intercourse, or sharing intravenous drug needles or syringes. There is no cure for AIDS, but it can be prevented by practising safer sex. Safer sex can mean cuddling, kissing, petting, massage and mutual masturbation, or using a condom during sexual intercourse.
ANAL INTERCOURSE	When a penis is put into another person's anus. Both men and women are able to have anal intercourse. If someone who is HIV positive has anal intercourse without a condom there is a very high risk that the virus will be passed on.
Anal Sex	Sexual activity that involves contact with the anus.
Anus	the hole at the end of your back passage or rectum, through which your body rids itself of solid waste.
B	Back to the top
Balls	another word for testicles.
Bases (first, second, third or fourth base)	The idea of bases comes from softball or baseball, with the idea of running from 1st to 2nd to 3rd base then finally "home".  Some people class the bases differently.  For example, first base might be kissing or a first meeting, second base perhaps kissing, third base is petting and perhaps sex as the 'home run'.
Birth control	another term for contraception.
Bisexual	someone who can be sexually attracted to both men and women.
Bladder	the place in your body where urine (pee) is stored.
BLOW JOB	a term sometimes used for oral sex on a man's penis, also called fellatio.
Breasts	also called boobs, bust, tits, bosom. Breasts start to develop in puberty -- usually between the ages of 9 and 17. Sometimes one breast grows faster than the other. A mother's breasts can produce milk for her baby. Every girl and woman's breasts are different sizes and shapes. Some boys start to develop breasts during puberty. This is caused by hormones, and when the hormones settle down the 'breasts' will go away.
C	Back to the top
Cervical smear	a test for women to check for any changes in the cervix (the neck of the uterus) which may lead to cervical cancer. A nurse or doctor slides a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum into the woman's vagina and scrapes a small smear of tissue from the surface of the cervix. This is then tested for unusual cells. It is recommended that all women should have a checkup after they been having sexual intercourse for more than a year. Most people find this embarrassing the first time, but it can save your life. It is usually painless, though it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable.
Cervix	(also called the neck of the uterus).This is a ring of muscles at the top of the vagina. It has a very small opening to allow the blood to pass through it during menstruation. It also allows sperm to pass through during unprotected sexual intercourse. Because the opening is so small a tampon cannot get lost inside the body. During birth the cervix expands to allow the baby out of the uterus.
Chastity	when someone has no sexual contact.
Chlamydia	a sexually transmissible infection. (see Be safe: avoiding diseases and infections) or Need Help Now.
Circumcision	a small operation some males have to remove the foreskin from the penis. If you have been circumcised it won't make any difference to your sexual enjoyment.
Clap	a term for the STI called gonorrhoea.
CLIMAX	another word for orgasm or the peak of sexual excitement
Clitoris ('Clit')	The clitoris is just inside the inner labia and is the most sensitive sexual part of a woman's body. It feels like a small bump, and can be covered by a hood of skin. When stimulated the clitoris helps a woman to have an orgasm, because it is full of nerve endings. (See Angles on Anatomy: female anatomy)
Come/Cum	another word for a man or woman having an orgasm or climax. Sometimes used as another word for semen.
COME OUT	or "to come out". The process by which a male or a female recognises that they feel they are gay/lesbian or bisexual, and tells others (friends, family, etc.).
Conceive	If one of a woman's ova or eggs is fertilised by a sperm a woman conceives, and a pregnancy starts.
Conception	another word for fertilisation.
CONDOM	A fine rubber barrier which is rolled onto a man's erect penis before sexual contact. It is used as a barrier to stop sperm and infection from passing between sexual partners. Condoms can be used for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Before using a condom always read the instructions on the packet carefully (see Using Condoms). Condoms can be bought in chemists, supermarkets and petrol stations. They are also available from FPA Centres. If a condom comes off during sex , check with your FPA Centres for emergency contraception (ECP and for an STI check.)
Contraception	preventing pregnancy. (See: Be safe: Contraception , and Contraceptives: information about different types)
Crabs	a word used for pubic lice. (see Be safe: avoiding diseases and infections)
Cunnilingus	see oral sex.
D	Back to the top
Dental Dam	A sheet of thin latex used to cover the vulva or anal area to make sure no infections get transmitted when someone has oral sex.
Depo Provera	also called "the injection". Another method of contraception. (See: Be safe: Contraception , and Contraceptives: information about different types)
Diaphragm	a form of contraception for women which needs to be specially fitted by a doctor or nurse practitioner. (See: Be safe: Contraception , and Contraceptives: information about different types)
DISCHARGE	a fluid which comes from the vagina or the opening of the penis. Discharges are natural. But if a discharge has a strange smell or colour, or is itchy it may mean that there is an infection or an STI, and it would need to be checked at an FPA Centre or Sexual Health Clinic.
DRAG QUEEN	a man who dresses flamboyantly like a woman on special occasions or as an entertainer.
E	Back to the top
Eating him/her out	oral sex (cunnilingus) or anal oral sex
ECP	(Emergency Contraceptive Pill): (used to be called the Morning After Pill) a form of contraception which can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, or if a condom has broken or slipped off, to prevent pregnancy. (See: Be safe: Contraception , and Contraceptives: information about different types). If you think you may need Emergency Contraception go to Need Help Now.
Ejaculate	When a male has an orgasm and semen spurts out of his penis. This can start to happen after a young man reaches puberty and the testicles start to make sperm. It is not possible to urinate (pee) and ejaculate at the same time because the bladder (where urine is stored), automatically closes during an erection.
Epididymis	the place inside the testes (balls) where sperm is stored
Endometrium	the lining of the uterus (womb). If a woman becomes pregnant the fertilised egg attaches itself to this lining and an embryo starts to develop. If the egg that the woman produces is not fertilised, the lining of the uterus passes out of her body each month (see menstruation). This is called a period.
Erection	when a man is sexually aroused, blood flows into his penis and this makes it become hard and stiff.
F	Back to the top
Fallopian tube	part of the female reproductive system. (See Angles on Anatomy: female anatomy)
FELLATIO	see oral sex.
Fertilisation	when a sperm from a man meets an ovum (egg) from a woman after they have sex, and a baby starts to develop.
Foreskin	the skin which covers the tip of the penis of a boy or man who has not been circumcised. When the penis is erect the foreskin rolls back, exposing the sensitive tip or glans. Boys who have reached puberty need to wash under their foreskin regularly.
FPACentre	a place where you can get confidential information and advice about sexual health. Anyone can go to an FPA centre. You don't have to be over 16 years old. FPA can help with contraception, pregnancy tests, STI tests and treatment, counselling, cervical smears and premenstrual syndrome.
Fuck	another word for sexual intercourse.
G	Back to the top
Gay	another term for homosexual or lesbian.
Gender	whether you are male or female.
Genitals	the parts of your reproductive system that are outside your body (see Angles on Anatomy). The male genitals include the penis and scrotum, and the female genitals (vulva) include the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening.
Genital herpes	a sexually transmissible infection (see STIs).
Genital warts	a sexually transmissible infection (see STIs).
Glans	The sensitive tip of the penis or clitoris. (see Angles on Anatomy)
Go all the way/ go to bed/ sleep with	terms that mean having sexual intercourse.
Gonorrhoea	a sexually transmissible infection (see STIs).