Sexuality and Sexual Health: Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

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Abstinence, sexual: The voluntary decision not to engage in sexual relations of any kind. In some cases, the decision not to engage in penetrative sex. Reasons for abstinence include periodic abstinence for contraception, disease, or pregnancy prevention, and abstinence for religious reasons.
AIDS: An epidemic disease caused by an infection by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Anal sex: Sexual activity characterized by anal stimulation or penetration with finger, penis, objects, lips, mouth, or tongue.
Anilingus: Oral stimulation of the anal area.
Anorgasmia: In women, persistent or recurrent delay in or absence of orgasm following a normal sexual excitement and plateau stage.
Arousal: See Excitement.
Arthritis: An inflammatory condition that affects joints.
Axillary intercourse: Inserting the penis under the armpit.
Autoerotic asphyxiation: Self-strangulation during masturbation. Partial asphyxiation enhances orgasm during masturbation. This practice can inadvertently result in death. It is sometimes practiced by adolescent males and often appears to be associated with cross-dressing (dressing in women’s clothing).
Autofellatio: Fellatio performed on oneself.

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Bartholin’s glands: Two small, round structures on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete a mucus-like fluid during sexual arousal, providing vaginal lubrication.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate that causes urinary difficulties.
Bestiality: Sexual contact with animals. This can involve various types of body contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse.
Bisexual: 1. Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of both sexes.; 2. A person who identifies himself or herself as having a sexual orientation toward both sexes.
Body rubbing (dry humping): Rubbing bodies together, especially sexual organs, sometimes leading to orgasm.
Bondage and discipline: A sexual encounter or role play involving elements of sadism and masochism in which one partner, who is submissive, is bound or restrained, and then disciplined, chastised, or punished physically or mentally by the dominant partner. Such acts are generally found to be sexually arousing for both partners and mutually agreed upon or negotiated beforehand.

Celibacy: 1. Abstinence from sexual intercourse.
2. Abstinence from all sexual activity and sexual relations.
Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that protrudes into the vaginal canal and allows passage of menstrual flow from the uterus and passage of sperm into the uterus.
Circumcision: The act of cutting off the prepuce, or foreskin, of males or the external structures of females. See also Male circumcision and Female genital cutting.
Climacteric: 1. A period of life characterized by physiological midlife changes for women and men.; 2. The period of time immediately preceding menopause and continuing for 15 or more years beyond menopause.
Clitoridectomy: Removal of part or all of the clitoris (associated with female genital cutting).
Clitoris: An erectile, hooded organ at the upper joining of the labia that contains a high concentration of nerve endings and is very sensitive to stimulation.
Coitus (sexual intercourse, copulation, vaginal intercourse): Insertion of the penis into the vagina, followed by rhythmic movement often leading to orgasm.
Coitus interruptus: Withdrawal of the penis during penile-vaginal intercourse before ejaculation.
Condom: A flexible sheath (usually made of thin latex or polyurethane) designed to cover the penis (male condom) or vulva (female condom) during sexual intercourse for contraceptive purposes or as a means of preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Coprophilia: Sexual response related to the smell or taste of feces or to seeing someone defecate.
Coronary artery disease: The process by which the coronary arteries become narrowed or completely occluded. Ultimately, this is the underlying cause of a heart attack.
Cowper’s glands: Two pea-sized glands at the base of the penis under the prostate that secrete a clear alkaline fluid into the urethra during sexual arousal and before orgasm and ejaculation.
Cunnilingus (oral sex on a woman): Stimulation of the external genitals of the woman with lips, mouth, or tongue. This practice may or may not be continued to orgasm.
Cybersex: Sex-related products, services, and activities involving the Internet. Includes sexual fantasy between individuals or groups through games, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging services, and other sources.

Desire: The first stage of the sexual response cycle, characterized by a strong wanting for sexual intimacy or satisfaction. Also called libido.
Dementia: An organic mental disorder characterized by impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking, as well as changes in personality.
Diabetes: Relative or absolute lack of insulin leading to uncontrolled carbohydrate metabolism.
Dry sex: The use of herbs, cloths, or other materials to dry out the vagina and
increase friction during penile-vaginal intercourse. Dry sex increases a woman’s chances of experiencing tears, scrapes, or other damage to the vagina and may increase a woman’s risk of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Dysfunction: Persistent or recurrent inability to react emotionally or physically to sexual stimulation in a way expected of the average healthy person or according to one’s own standards of acceptable sexual response.
Dyspareunia: A condition of women characterized by recurrent genital pain with sexual activity (usually occurs with penetration but can occur during nonpenetrative genital stimulation).

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Ejaculation: The moment when rhythmic contractions of the urethra cause semen to be discharged from the penis.
Endorphins: Naturally occurring hormones in the brain that have pain-relieving effects and can cause a sense of well-being.
Engorged: Filled with blood.
Epididymides: Two tightly coiled tubes against the back of the testes where sperm mature and are stored until they are released during ejaculation.
Episiotomy: A cut made through the skin, tissues, and muscles of the vagina and perineum during childbirth to enlarge the opening through which the baby will pass.
Erectile dysfunction (ED): Persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection. Also called impotence.
Erection: The firm and enlarged condition of a body organ (e.g., penis, clitoris, nipples) when the erectile tissue surrounding it becomes filled with blood.
Erogenous zones: Highly innervated areas of the body that are especially sensitive and responsive to sexual stimulation, thus causing sexual arousal and sexual pleasure. Common areas identified as erogenous zones include neck, earlobes, mouth, lips, nipples, genitalia, buttocks, inner thighs, anus, backs of knees, fingers, and toes.
Erotic: Tending to arouse sexual desire.
Erotic fantasy: Reading, watching, imagining, telling, or acting out erotic fantasies with or without a partner.
Erotic massage: Sensual and sexually arousing body massage, which sometimes includes stimulation of the sexual organs with hands, body, or mouth.
Estrogen: A sex hormone produced in the ovaries that stimulates the development of secondary female sex characteristics and has a role in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and contraception.
Excitement (arousal): This second stage of the sexual response cycle is characterized by increased heart rate and blood pressure, body muscle tension, sexual flush, and erection of the nipples in both sexes. In women, vaginal lubrication and swelling of the vulva also occur. In men, there is scrotal thickening and movement of the testes closer to the body.
Exhibitionism: Sexual arousal achieved by undressing, performing sex acts, or masturbating in front of others; exposing one’s genitalia to strangers as a means of obtaining sexual arousal.

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Fallopian tubes (oviducts): A pair of tubes at the top of the uterus that extend from the upper uterus, extending out toward the ovaries (but not touching them), through which ova (eggs) travel from the ovaries toward the uterus and in which fertilization of the ovum takes place.
Fellatio (oral sex on a man): Stimulation of the penis using the lips, mouth, or tongue. This practice may or may not be continued to orgasm, and the partner may or may not swallow the ejaculate.
Female genital cutting (FGC): A coming-of-age ritual in some countries that involves the cutting and removal of a girl’s external genital organs (e.g., clitoris) or the partial or total removal of external genital structures (labia minora, labia majora), sometimes including stitching and narrowing of the vaginal opening. Also called female circumcision or female genital mutilation (FGM).
Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD): Persistent and recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response until completion of sexual activity.
Fertility awareness: A form of contraception that involves abstinence from intercourse during fertile periods.
Fetishism: Sexual arousal occurring in response to any nonsexual object or practice or to a nongenital body part. Fetishes vary widely and might include items of clothing (such as shoes, boots, or undergarments), materials (such as leather, rubber, or silk), or body parts (such as hair, feet, or legs).
Fisting: Inserting a hand into the rectum or vagina of a sexual partner, forming a fist during or after insertion.
Foot fetishism: Sexual arousal dependent upon viewing, handling, or kissing the feet and toes.
Foreplay: 1. Physical and sexual stimulation (such as kissing, touching, stroking, and massaging) usually preceding sexual intercourse. (Sometimes referred to as outercourse when this stimulation is engaged in without intercourse.); 2. Physical and sexual stimulation preceding orgasm.
Foreskin: A retractable tube of skin that covers and protects the glans of the penis
Frottage: Sexual arousal achieved by rubbing against another person (particularly by rubbing against a stranger in a public place).

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G-spot (Grafenberg spot): A small area (about 1–2 cm) on the front wall of the vagina that is especially sensitive to sexual stimulation in some women and may be the source of a small amount of fluid ejaculated at orgasm.
Gay: 1. Of or relating to homosexuality.; 2. A person who identifies himself or herself as homosexual.
Gender: Refers to what a person, society, or legal system defines as “female” or “male.”
Gender identity: Refers to the personal, private conviction each individual has about being “feminine” or “masculine.”
Gender roles: The set of socially or culturally defined attitudes, behaviors, expectations, and responsibilities considered appropriate for women (feminine) and men (masculine).
Glans penis (glans): The head of the penis, the glans includes the most highly innervated part of the penis and is covered by the foreskin in men who are not circumcised.
Grafenberg spot: See G-spot.


Heterosexual: 1. Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex.; 2. A person who identifies himself or herself as sexually oriented to persons of the opposite sex.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): A type of retrovirus that is responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Homosexual: 1. Of, relating to, or having a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex.; 2. A person who identifies himself or herself as gay or lesbian.
Hymen: A fold of thin, fleshy tissue that stretches across part of the opening of the vagina in some women.
Hypertension: Arterial disease in which chronic high blood pressure is the primary symptom.
Hysterectomy: The removal of the uterus. Total hysterectomy includes the removal of the ovaries (oopherectomy) and fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) at the time of removing the uterus and cervix. Supracervical (subtotal) hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus while preserving the upper vagina and cervix.

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Impotence: Inability to achieve erection. See also erectile dysfunction (ED).
Incest: Sexual contact between closely related individuals that violates sociocultural or religious norms or laws. (Definitions of the type of kinship within which sex is forbidden vary widely between cultures.)
Incontinence: Loss of bowel or bladder control.
Intercourse: Insertion of the erect penis into the vagina or anus. (May also be used to describe other forms of sexual activity, such as interfemoral intercourse, oral intercourse, or mammary intercourse.)
Infertility: The inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse or to carry a pregnancy to term.
Infibulation: A form of female genital cutting (FGC) that involves removal of some or all of the labia minora, cutting of the labia major, and stitching of the labial surfaces to form a hood of skin covering the urethra and most of the vagina, leaving a small opening.
Inhibited sexual desire (ISD): Persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication-swelling response until completion of sexual activity.
Interfemoral intercourse: Inserting and moving the penis between the thighs.
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Labia majora: Two spongy folds of skin (one on either side of the vaginal opening) that cover and protect the genital structures.
Labia minora: Two erectile folds of skin between the labia majora that extend from the clitoris on each side of the urethral and vaginal openings, covering the vestibule.
Lactational amenorrhea: Exclusive breastfeeding when used as a method of contraception.
Lesbian: 1. Of or relating to female homosexuality.; 2. A woman who identifies herself as homosexual.
Libido: Sexual desire.
Lubrication: Moistening of the vaginal walls; the key indicator of sexual excitement in women.

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Male circumcision: The surgical removal of the retractable skin (foreskin) covering the glans penis.
Male orgasmic disorder: Persistent or recurrent involuntary delay in orgasm and ejaculation or the inability of a man to have orgasm.
Mammary intercourse: Inserting and moving the penis between the breasts.
Mastectomy: Removal of the nipple, areola, and breast tissue. Radical mastectomy involve removal of the chest muscles, lymph nodes under the arm, and additional fat and tissue.
Masturbation: Manual or other nonpenetrative stimulation of oneself or a partner for sexual pleasure. Under some definitions, it may also include penetrative stimulation of oneself.
Masochism: Sexual arousal or orgasm dependent on receiving punishment, discipline, humiliation, or servitude.
Menarche: A woman’s first menstruation.
Menopause: The end of a woman’s menstruation and menstrual cycles.
Menstruation: Cyclic flow of blood, fluid, and tissue out of the uterus and through the vagina approximately every 28 days (usually lasting 3–5 days).
Mons pubis: In women, a pad of fatty tissue over the pubic bone that protects the internal sexual and reproductive organs.
Multiple orgasm: Passing immediately from the orgasm stage of the sexual response cycle to the plateau stage and back to the orgasm stage without passing through the resolution stage.
Mutual masturbation: Sexual activity in which partners stimulate each other’s genitals with hands or sex toys. Sometimes used to refer to a couple watching each other masturbate.
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Necrophilia: Sexual activity with a corpse.
Nymphomania: A term used to refer to a very sexually active woman, often implying excessive or uncontrollable desire. (This term is often pejorative and reflects gender biases in which women are expected to be sexually na�ve and without active desire.)

Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries.
Oral-genital sex: Stimulation of the genital organs using the mouth. Cunnilingus is the stimulation of the vulva with the tongue; fellatio is the stimulation of the penis with the mouth.
Orgasm: The fourth stage of the sexual response cycle, characterized by the peak of sexual tension, resulting in release of tension through muscular contractions of the uterus, vagina, anus, and pelvic floor in women and contractions of the urethra, anus, and pelvic floor in men. In men, orgasm can trigger contractions of the ejaculatory duct and prostate gland, causing semen to be ejected from the body through the penis.
Orgasmic platform: Congestion of blood vessels and tissue in the outer third of the vagina during sexual arousal; simultaneous contractions of the pubococcygeous muscles, anal sphincter, rectum, and perineum to form the orgasmic reflex.
Orgy (group sex): Simultaneous sexual activity among more than two people.
Orientation: See Sexual orientation.
Outercourse: Any form of sexual pleasure or stimulation between partners that does not include insertion of the penis into the vagina, anus, or mouth. Activities may include masturbation, erotic massage, rubbing together of body parts, and erotic fantasy.
Ovaries: Organs located at the end of each fallopian tube that produce the ova (eggs) released during the menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce sex hormones responsible for the development of secondary female sex characteristics, sexual function, and genital tract integrity.
Ovulation: The monthly release of an ovum from the ovary during the middle of the menstrual cycle.

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Paraphilia: Sexual arousal or orgasm dependent upon a sexual practice that is outside of social norms.
Pederasty: Sexual relations between a man and a boy.
Pedophilia: Sexual arousal for an adult obtained by sexual contact with or fantasies about children.
Penis: In men, a cylindrical structure with the capacity to be flaccid or erect, providing passage for both urine and semen.
Perimenopausal: Characterizing the years leading up to menopause. This term is interchangeable with the term climacteric.
Perineum: A network of muscles located between and surrounding the vagina and anus in women, and the penis and anus in men.
Peyronie’s disease: Hard, fibrous plaques that form in the sheath of the corpus cavernosum, causing curvature of the penis on erection, and sometimes pain. Penile deformity may be severe enough to make penetration during sexual activity difficult or impossible.
Plateau: The third stage of the sexual response cycle, this is the highest moment of sexual excitement before orgasm. This stage may be lost and regained several times without the occurrence of orgasm.
Postmenopausal: The one- to two-year period after menopause.
Premature ejaculation (PE): A condition in men characterized by persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it.
Progesterone: A sex hormone produced in the ovaries (corpus luteum) that has a role in menstruation, pregnancy, and contraception.
Prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate and some of the tissue around the gland.
Prostate disease: A number of conditions of the prostate, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Prostate gland: A walnut-sized glandular structure that secretes approximately 30% of the fluid that makes up semen.
Prostatitis: An acute, chronic, or noninfectious inflammation of the prostate often caused by bacteria. Symptoms include pain in the testicles, or rectal area and may sometimes include problems with ejaculation, urination, or defecation.
Pubescent: Having reached puberty.

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Radical mastectomy: Removal of the nipple, areola, breast tissue, chest muscles, lymph nodes under the arm, and additional fat and tissue.
Rape: Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral) or other sexual contact forced by one person upon another using physical force, threat, or coercion. Although this term is included in a list of sexual practices, rape can be considered a form of violence rather than a form of sex.
Rape fantasy: A form of sexual arousal by fantasizing about being raped, being forced to engage in sexual activity, or forcing a person to engage in sexual activity. Having rape fantasies or consensually acting out rape fantasies does not imply an actual desire to be raped or to rape.
Refractory period: The time immediately following orgasm during which a man cannot achieve an erection.
Renal failure: A loss of kidney function.
Reproductive tract infection: Infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract that include sexually transmitted infections, other common infections of the genital tract (e.g., candidiasis), and infections associated with clinical procedures, such as IUD insertion.
Reproductive years: Ages during which men and women are fertile.
Resolution: The last stage of the sexual response cycle, this is the period following orgasm, during which body muscles relax and the body begins to return to its preexcitement state.
Retrograde ejaculation: Ejaculation in which semen is expelled back into the bladder rather than out through the penis.
Role play: Acting out of sexual fantasies, sometimes using costumes or masks.
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Sadism: Sexual arousal or orgasm dependent on giving punishment, disciplining or humiliating a partner, or requiring servitude.
Sadomasochism: The consensual use of domination or pain for sexual arousal and stimulation; fantasizing or playing out dominant and submissive roles. The “sadist” is the partner who dominates or inflicts pain, and the “masochist” is the partner who is dominated or receives pain. A nonsadistic person may play the sadistic role to please a masochistic partner or to gain financial profit.
Safe sex (often “safer sex”): A term often referring to sexual activity that reduces the risk for HIV transmission. A broader definition might include relations that lower the risk for disease, unintended pregnancy, violence, coercion, or abuse of power.
Salpingectomy: Surgical removal of one or both of the fallopian tubes.
Satyriasis: The desire by a man to have sex frequently with different partners, often implying excessive or uncontrollable desire. As with nymphomania, this term is often pejorative.
Scrotum: A pouch of skin hanging directly under the penis that contains the testes and functions to protect the testes and to maintain the temperature necessary for the production of sperm by the testes.
Seminal vesicles: The pair of glandular sacs that secrete approximately 60% of the fluid that makes up semen in which sperm are transported.
Sex: 1. The biological characteristics—anatomical, physiological, and genetic—that define one as a female or as a male.
2. The sexual urge or instinct as it manifests itself in behavior.; 3. The act of sexual intercourse.
Sex toys: Objects used for or designed for enhancing sexual pleasure (including dildos, vibrators, and implements used for bondage).
Sexual anatomy: The structure and organs that make up the genital tract of women and men.
Sexual behaviors: Actions (touching, kissing, and other stimulation of the body) related to the expression of one’s sexuality.
Sexual desire: See Desire.
Sexual dysfunction: See Dysfunction.
Sexual flush: Reddening of the skin during sexual activity.
Sexual health: Women’s and men’s ability to enjoy and express their sexuality free from the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, coercion, violence, and discrimination. It means being able to have an informed, enjoyable, and safe sex life, based on a positive approach to sexual expression and mutual respect in sexual relations. It is positively enriching, includes pleasure, and enhances self-determination, communication, and relationships.
Sexual intercourse: Sexual activity that involves vaginal, anal, or oral penetration.
Sexuality: Sexuality involves giving and receiving sexual pleasure, as well as enabling reproduction. Sexuality is a total sensory experience, involving the whole mind and body—not just the genitals. A reflection of the total expression of who we are as human beings, sexuality is shaped by our values, attitudes, behaviors, physical appearance, beliefs, emotions, personality, likes and dislikes, and spiritual selves, as well as all the ways in which we have been socialized.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections usually passed from person to person by sexual contact, although some can be passed on by other means (e.g., through needle-stick injury). Also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Sexual orientation: The erotic or romantic attraction (preference) for sharing sexual expression with the opposite sex (heterosexuality), one’s own sex (homosexuality), or both sexes (bisexuality).
Sexual practices: Activities related to sexual expression that are performed habitually or repeatedly.
Sexual response: Psychological and physical reaction pattern to sexual stimulation.
Sixty-nine: Mutual, simultaneous oral sex.
Skene’s glands: Two small glands near the urethral opening in women.
Sodomy: Any sexual act that is not penile-vaginal penetration. Usually refers to oral or anal intercourse, but various legal definitions may include other activities.
Striptease: Eroticized, gradual undressing by a male or female dancer.
Stroke: A condition due to the lack of oxygen to the brain that may lead to reversible or irreversible paralysis.
Supracervical hysterectomy: A method of hysterectomy that preserves the upper vagina and cervix.
Swinging (mate swapping, wife swapping): Exchanging partners for sexual recreation.; TOP

Tantric sex: Practices based on Hindu sacred text dealing with sexual yoga. In the Buddhist tradition, tantra refers to ritual texts that urge the cultivation of sensual pleasure.
Testes: Paired, oval-shaped organs located in the scrotum that produce sperm and male sex hormones.
Testosterone: A sex hormone responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics and for the sex drive (libido) in men and in women.
Transvestism (cross-dressing): Dressing in clothes traditionally used by members of the opposite sex. In some people, cross-dressing may be a compulsion, or sexual arousal may be dependent upon cross-dressing. Many transvestites are heterosexual men whose behavior pattern does not lead to transsexualism (living and passing socially as a member of the opposite gender). Other transvestites are homosexual men (“drag queens”), who often develop elaborate feminine personas.
Troilism: Sexual activity between three people.

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Urinary incontinence: Loss of urinary control.
Urolagnia: Sexual arousal or response depending on the scent, taste, or sight of urine. May include watching a partner urinate, smelling urine, urinating on or being urinated on by a partner (sometimes called “golden showers”), or drinking urine.
Uterus: A hollow, thick-walled, pear-shaped, muscular organ located between the bladder and rectum. It is the site for implantation of the fertilized ovum (egg), the location where the fetus develops during pregnancy, and the structure that sheds its lining monthly during menstruation.
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Vagina: A muscular, highly expandable, tubular cavity leading from the vestibule to the uterus.
Vaginal intercourse (coitus): Inserting the penis into the vagina.
Vaginismus: A sexual dysfunction of women (sometimes cause by sexual trauma) characterized by difficulty in achieving penetration or discomfort during penetration due to involuntary contractions of vaginal muscles.
Vas deferens (pl. vasa deferentia): In men, one of the paired tubes that carries the mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.
Vestibule: The area of the external female genitalia that includes the vaginal and urethral opening and the opening of the Bartholin’s and Skene’s glands.
Voyeurism: Sexual arousal achieved by watching other people undress or engage in sexual activity.
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
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