A-Z of Sex

Abortion
The medical term for the end of a pregnancy. This can be natural, which is known as a miscarriage, or it can be an operation to end a pregnancy by removing the foetus from the womb. The type of abortion depends on the stage of the pregnancy - it can vary from taking a pill to having an operation. The earlier the abortion is performed, the more straightforward it is. Abortion is allowed in the UK up to the 24th week of a pregnancy.

Adolescence
The stage of your life between going through puberty and becoming an adult.

Abstinence
Voluntarily deciding not to indulge a desire or appetite for sexual activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure.

Adultery
When a partner has sex with someone they are not married to or in a relationship with.

Age of consent
The age when the law says it's legal for you to have sex. In the UK the legal age is 16, in Northern Ireland it's 17.

AIDS
AIDS is a serious condition in which the body's defences against some illnesses stop working properly. The virus that causes AIDS is HIV, which can be sexually transmitted. You can protect yourself from HIV by using a condom every time you have sex.

Anal sex
When there's penetration or stimulation of another person's anus. See also 'rimming'.

Anti-abortion
People who believe that abortion is wrong.

Antibiotics
Medicine that is designed to kill harmful bacteria, the tiny organisms that live in your body.

Antibodies
Proteins produced by your body to fight off foreign bacteria and viruses in your blood.

Anus
Often called the bum, arse or bottom, the anus is the hole at the end of the digestive system where solid waste (poo, shit) comes out of the body.

Bacterial vaginosis
A very common infection of the vagina which can cause smelly, fishy discharge.

Balls
Another name for a man's testicles.

Barrier method
Any method of contraception that stops a man's sperm from getting to the woman's egg. Condoms, Femidoms and caps are all barrier methods.

Birth control
Also known as contraception, any method that stops a woman from getting pregnant, like condoms or the pill.

Bisexual
Someone who fancies both men and women. It is actually quite common.

Blood test
A few drops of blood are taken, usually from the vein, by a doctor or nurse using a syringe. The blood will be sent to a laboratory to be tested.

Blow job
When someone gives a man sexual pleasure by putting his penis into their mouth and using their tongue, lips and mouth to arouse him. Also known as oral sex.

Breasts
Also known as boobs, tits and the bust. The main function of breasts is to give milk to babies and they develop, or grow, during puberty.

Buggery
A slang term for anal sex.

Cap
A rubber contraceptive in the shape of a small dish that sits at the neck of the womb to block sperm from reaching a woman's eggs.

Cervical cancer
Cancer of the cervix is a life-threatening disease, but it can be treated and cured if it is discovered in the early stages. Cervical cancer is most common in women over 50 but it can affect females of all ages.

Cervical smear
A test to check for cervical cancer. Cells are taken from a woman's cervix using a speculum (a small metal or plastic instrument), which goes inside the woman's vagina. The test isn't painful but it might be a little uncomfortable. Females should have a smear test every three to five years once they are 25 - 65 years old.

Cervix
The cervix is a narrow passage that leads from the womb to the vagina. When a woman has a baby, the cervix opens up to allow the baby to be born.

Chlamydia
A very common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women.

Circumcision
Circumcision is when the foreskin on a man's penis is removed by a doctor during surgery. The operation can be done on babies for religious reasons, but it can happen at any time in a man's life if there is a problem with his foreskin. It's a safe operation and makes no difference to a man's sex life.

Clitoris
The clitoris is a small bud shaped bit of skin at the front of a woman's vagina. It gives women feelings of intense sexual pleasure when it is touched.

Coil
A contraceptive device usually made of plastic or copper, also known as an IUD. It is inserted into the womb and stops fertilised eggs from settling and growing.

Cold sore
A scabby or crusty sore patch, usually found near the mouth or nose, caused by the Herpes virus.

Combined pill
A contraceptive pill that is taken every day and prevents pregnancy by stopping a woman from producing eggs.

Come / cum
A slang term for sperm.

Coming out
When someone tells their friends and family that they are gay (homosexual).

Community Contraceptive Services
Also known as a Family Planning clinic. A nationwide network of clinics where you can go for free and confidential advice about sex and contraception.

Condom
A thin rubber sheath (cover) worn over the penis, it is the best contraceptive that can protect against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Confidentiality
If something is confidential then it's secret and private. Even if you are under 16 you have the same right to confidentiality as adults. This means that doctors and nurses should not pass on any information about you to anybody else unless they think you are in serious danger. Even then they should discuss the issue with you first.

Consent
Another word for permission.

Contraception
The word for any method used to prevent a woman getting pregnant, like condoms, the pill and the cap.

Crabs
Lice that live in the pubic hair and can be spread from person to person during sex or close contact.

Cunnilingus
When someone uses their mouth and tongue to touch and stimulate a woman's vagina and clitoris.

Cyber sex
Talking about sex with someone on the Internet, in a chat room or by email.

Date rape
When someone goes on a date and then forces their date to have sex with them against their will.

Delivery
The act of giving birth to a baby. A delivery can happen naturally (through the vagina) or through an operation called a Caesarean Section.

Dental dam
A small sheet of latex which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and mouth, used during oral sex.

Diaphragm
Another name for the cap - a rubber contraceptive in the shape of a small dish that sits at the neck of the womb to block sperm from reaching a woman's eggs.

Diarrhoea
The passing of frequent and watery stools (poo) when you go to the toilet.

Dildo
A pretend penis usually made from rubber or plastic that people can use to give themselves, or their partner, sexual pleasure.

Discharge
Wet stuff that comes out of a penis or vagina. For women, discharge from the vagina is normal and will happen from puberty through to the menopause. It is produced by little glands in the vagina and the cervix. It will change during the month and can make sex more pleasurable. If the discharge is a funny colour or smells unpleasant, women should visit their local NHS Sexual Health (GUM) clinic, GP or nurse, Young Persons Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic in case of an infection. For men, discharge from the penis is not normal and quite likely indicates an STI. The quicker it is checked out the better.

Doggy style
A sexual position where one person is kneeling on all fours and their male partner enters them from behind.

Dyke
A slang term for a lesbian, a woman who fancies other women.

Ectopic pregnancy
When the egg gets fertilised anywhere other than the womb, like the fallopian tubes. A pregnancy is not safe unless it is in the womb and an ectopic pregnancy usually has to be terminated.

Egg
The female sex cell produced by a woman's ovaries. If the egg is fertilised by a man's sperm it grows into an embryo (tiny baby).

Ejaculate
When a man reaches climax his penis produces sperm, also known as 'coming'.

Embryo
The first name for an unborn baby in the very early stages of pregnancy, before it becomes known as a foetus.

Emergency pills
Contraceptive pills that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Also known as Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC).

Endometriosis
A disease affecting women in which the tissue that normally lines the womb grows on other organs outside of it. It can cause pain and fertility problems.

Erection
When a man gets sexually aroused or excited his penis swells and becomes hard or erect. A man's penis needs to be erect so he can have penetrative sex.

Everyday pills / Contraception
A contraceptive pill that you take every day of your cycle unlike other pills that you only take for 21 days a month.

Fallopian tubes
The tubes that attach a woman's ovaries to her womb. The eggs travel down the fallopian tubes each month when they are released from the ovaries.

Family Planning clinic
A nationwide network of clinics where you can go for free and confidential advice about sex and contraception. Also known as Community Contraception services.

Fellatio
Another word for a blow job, where someone stimulates a man's penis by using their mouth and tongue.

Female condoms
A soft sheath that lines the woman's vagina and stops any sperm from getting into it.

Fertilisation
If a man's sperm gets into the vagina it can travel up the cervix and meet an egg. If the egg becomes fertilised by a sperm an embryo can start to grow. If this happens the woman has become pregnant.

Fertility
If a woman or man has a healthy reproductive system and they are able to get pregnant or to produce healthy sperm, they are fertile.

Fertility problems
If a woman or man is not able to get pregnant, or to produce healthy sperm, they may have a fertility problem. There are many different types of fertility problems, but many can be treated by doctors. Some STIs can lead to fertility problems if they are left untreated.

Fingering
When someone uses their fingers to stimulate a woman's genitals.

Flavoured condoms
Novelty condoms that usually taste of fruit, chocolate or mint flavours. Condoms can also be ribbed, bobbled or different colours.

Foetus
The medical name for a baby in the womb between the 8th week of pregnancy and the birth.

Foreplay
Any kind of sexual activity that leads up to, but doesn't include, full sexual intercourse. Foreplay could include kissing, fingering, oral sex and masturbation.

Foreskin
The hood of loose skin that covers the tip of a man's penis.

French kissing
When you kiss someone and put your tongues in each others mouths.

Frigid
A slang word for someone who can't get sexually aroused.

Fuck
Another name for having sex.

Gay
Another word meaning homosexual. Someone who fancies people of the same sex; a man who fancies men, or a woman who fancies other women.

Gay sex
People of the same sex stimulating each other sexually.

Genital examination
When a doctor or nurse examines the vagina, or penis and testicles.

Genitals
The reproductive organs in both men and women.

Genital warts
Small growths on or around the genitals caused by a virus.

Gestation period
The time it takes for a baby to grow in the womb.

Gonorrhoea
A sexually transmitted infection, also known as The Clap. It can be easily treated with antibiotics, but can get serious if it is left untreated.

G-spot
An area inside a woman's vagina which may create lots of sexual pleasure for her.

GUM clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine)
An NHS run clinic that can help you with any problem or question to do with sexual health. Treatment is free and confidential.

Hand job
When someone stimulates a man's penis until he ejaculates (cums), using their hand.

Hard-on
Another word for an erection.

Hepatitis A
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual activities like rimming, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.

Hepatitis B
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual contact or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.

Hepatitis C
A disease that affects the liver which is transferred through blood. It can be caught through sexual contact if infected blood gets passed between two people, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.

Herpes
A virus that can lead to sores on the face or genitals. It can be passed on through sexual activities, or other close contact. There is no known cure for Herpes and you will always carry the virus, but it can be treated.

Heterosexual
Having feelings involving sexual attraction to persons of the opposite sex

HIV
Short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV can be sexually transmitted and is the virus that damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS. The only way to protect yourself against HIV is to use a condom every time you have sex.

Homophobia
Hating or disliking gay people for no reason other than that they are gay.

Homosexual
Someone who is sexually attracted to members of their own sex.

Hormones
Naturally occurring chemicals that guide the changes that take place in the body. As well as causing physical changes, hormones cause emotional changes too. Hormones cause puberty to start in men and women.

Horny
Feeling randy, aroused or in the mood for sex.

HPV (Human Papilloma virus)
HPV (Human Papilloma virus) - A virus found in women that can contribute to cell changes in the cervix.

Hymen
The thin layer of skin that partially covers the entrance to a woman's vagina. It can be broken by sex, tampons or various sporting activities.

Implants
Contraceptive implants work in a similar way to contraceptive pills, but instead of being in a pill, the hormone is in a small, plastic rod, which a specially trained doctor or nurse inserts under the skin on the woman's arm. The implant works for three years and is 99 per cent effective at stopping pregnancy.

Impotence
When a man can't get an erection (hard-on).

Incest
When people who are related, like brothers and sisters, have sex with each other. Incest is illegal in the UK.

Indigo
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual activities like rimming, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.

Infection
An illness caused by a germ or virus.

Infertile
A woman who is unable to have a baby or a man who cannot fertilise a woman's eggs.

Internal pelvic examination
An internal exam performed on a woman, if they complain of specific symptoms. It is simple, painless (although it might be a bit uncomfortable) and shouldn't take longer than ten minutes. A plastic or metal instrument called a speculum may be inserted into your vagina and then the nurse or doctor will put some gloves on and examine the inside of your vagina with their fingers while they press on your abdomen. You can always ask for a female doctor.

Irregular periods
Irregular periods are periods that change each month and do not happen every 28 days. Periods are controlled by hormones and irregular ones are usually part of the normal changes that happen to teenagers.

IUD
The IUD (Intrauterine Device) is another name for the coil. It is a small device usually made of plastic or copper. It is inserted into the womb and stops fertilised eggs from settling and growing. Lasts up to five years and is 99% effective at stopping pregnancy.

IUS
The intrauterine system (IUS) is a small, plastic T-shaped device containing hormones. It sits in the womb and works for five years. It is more than 99 per cent effective at stopping pregnancy.

Jism
Another word for semen, cum or sperm.

Jonny / Johnny
Another word for a condom.

Kissing
When two people put their mouths together for pleasure.

KY Jelly
A kind of lubricant you can buy which may make sex easier or more pleasurable.

Labia
The flaps of skin on either side of a woman's vagina.

Lesbian
A woman who fancies other women.

Libido
Another word for sex-drive.

Licking out
When someone uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate or pleasure a woman's vagina, also called oral sex or cunnilingus.

Love bite
When someone sucks or gently bites the skin of another person leaving a red mark.

Lubrication
A slippery fluid you can use to make sex easier and more fun. Some oil-based lubricants can damage the condom so make sure you use a water-based lubricant and read the instructions.

Masturbate
Touching or stimulating your own or someone else's genitals for sexual pleasure. Masturbation is a natural and normal way of exploring your own body. Also called wanking.

Menstruation
Another word for a woman's period.

Midwife
A healthcare worker who looks after pregnant women and helps to deliver babies.

Mini-pill
Also known as the progestogen-only pill, it prevents pregnancy by changing a woman's mucus so sperm can't reach the egg.

Miscarriage
When a foetus (unborn baby), comes out of a woman's womb before it is old enough to survive outside its' mother's body. Also called 'losing a baby'.

Morning after pills
Another name for emergency contraceptive pills. Taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, the morning after pill prevents pregnancy.

Nipples
The raised bits of skin at the centre of each breast, nipples are usually harder and darker in colour than the rest of a woman's breast, or a man's chest.

Non-specific urethritis
A sexually transmitted infection that only affects men.

Oestrogen
One of the female hormones that controls reproduction.

One-night stand
When you have sex with someone but don't go on to have a relationship with them.

Oral sex
Using the mouth and tongue to pleasure and stimulate a man's penis or a woman's vagina. There are contraceptives available to avoid catching STI's through oral sex, such as Dental Dams and condoms.

Orgasm
The peak of sexual pleasure, orgasms are different for everyone and not everyone has an orgasm every time they have sex.

Ovaries
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands. They hold and develop eggs and make hormones called oestrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation
Once a month, or once during each menstrual cycle, a woman's ovaries produce eggs. This is called ovulation.

Paedophilia
When a grown up has unlawful sex with a child under 16.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
A disease affecting girls which causes pain in the lower tummy. It can lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Penetrative sex
When a vagina or anus is penetrated by a man's penis, or some sort of object (such as a sex toy).

Penis
A man's sexual organ.

Period
Once a woman reaches puberty she will have a menstrual bleed, or period, each month. The bleeding happens when an egg is not fertilised and comes out of the vagina along with the thick lining of the womb that builds up each month. The blood usually looks thick and gooey and may be bright red or brown in colour.

Petting
Another word for foreplay.

Pharmacist
A person who works in a chemist's and is qualified to prepare medicines and drugs and give some medical advice.

Pill
The common name for the contraceptive pill. The pill is taken every day and stops a woman from becoming pregnant.

PMS / PMT
Short for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension, it is caused by hormonal changes in the body during the days leading up to a woman's period. It can make some girls feel moody, sad, irritable and tired.

Pornography
Films, books or pictures that are made to make you feel sexually excited or aroused.

Pregnancy
When a baby is growing inside a woman's body, she is pregnant.

Pregnancy test
A test which shows whether or not you are pregnant. You can buy a test from a chemist or supermarket and it will usually contain two sticks which you pee (urinate) on. The tests detect a hormone that is only in a woman's system if she is pregnant. Different tests have different indicators to show if you are pregnant, so make sure you read the instructions carefully.

Premature ejaculation
When a man ejaculates (cums) too soon or before he wants to. Lots of different things can cause this to happen, including overexcitement, performance anxiety, inexperience, etc.

Prophylactic
An old-fashioned word for a condom.

Prostate gland
A walnut-sized gland just below a man's bladder. It produces the fluid that is called cum.

Puberty
The time when girls' and mens' bodies start to change and become sexually mature. Puberty usually starts between the ages of 9 and 13, but some people are much younger or older. Puberty takes a long time and affects you emotionally as well as physically. Puberty is triggered by certain hormones, or chemicals, inside your body.

Pubic hair
The hair that starts to grow around the genitals of both men and girls at puberty.

Pubic lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the skin and are often called "crabs". They are passed on during sex or through close physical contact.

Queer
Another word for a homosexual or gay person.

Rape
When someone is forced to have sex against their will and without giving permission (consent) it is called rape. Rape is against the law and is taken very seriously by the police.

Rhythm method
An unreliable kind of contraception that depends on working out the times of the month when a woman is not fertile.

Rimming
A person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate or pleasure another person's anus. Occasionally it can lead to serious gut infections and you can also catch Hepatitis from rimming.

Sanitary towels
Sanitary towels are cotton pads that fit into a woman's underwear (knickers) when she is having her period. The towels soak up blood, but need to be changed every few hours.

Scabies
An itchy and contagious skin infection that can be passed on through non-sexual and sexual contact - even hand holding.

Scrotum
The bag of skin that holds a man's testicles.

Semen
A fluid that contains a mixture of secretions from a man's reproductive glands and sperm cells. Semen comes out from the man's penis when he ejaculates.

Sexual activity
Having sex or doing things of a sexual nature with another person (like fingering or oral sex).

Sexual arousal
Also known as getting turned on or being horny. Something happens to make you feel in the mood for sex, you could be alone or with a partner when this occurs.

Sexual development
Also called puberty. The time when your body develops sexually.

Sexual history
All the people you have had a sexual relationship with during your life.

Sexual intercourse
Sexual contact between two people, usually involving insertion of a man's erect penis into a woman's vagina.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Infections that are passed from one person to another during sex or sexual activity. Some of which are more common and dangerous than others. The best way to protect yourself if you are having sex is to always use a condom.

Shag
Another name for having sex.

Sheath
Another word for a condom.

Smear test
Also known as a cervical smear.

Smegma
A normal genital secretion in men and girls.

Snog
To kiss and caress each other.

Sperm
The male sex cell or reproductive seeds made in a man's testicles.

Sterilisation
When a man or a woman has an operation to prevent getting pregnant, or getting their partner pregnant.

STI
Short for sexually transmitted infection. Infections that are passed from one person to another during sex or sexual activity. Some of which are more common and dangerous than others. The best way to protect yourself if you are having sex is to always use a condom.

Straight
Another word for heterosexual.

Swab
A small piece of material or cotton that is used to take a sample of body fluid.

Syphilis
A sexually transmitted infection, which may go unnoticed and can spread without either partner knowing. It is passed during sex or sexual activity and can be serious if left untreated.

Tampons
Absorbent cotton tubes a woman puts inside her vagina when she's having a period to absorb menstrual blood.

Termination
Another word for an abortion. An operation to end a pregnancy.

Testicles
The two balls under a man's penis where sperm is produced.

Testosterone
A male hormone produced in the testicles.

The Pil
The common name for the contraceptive pill. The pill is taken every day and stops a woman from becoming pregnant.

Thrush
A genital infection caused by a fungus. Men and girls can get thrush, but it's more common for girls. It causes soreness and itching in the genital area.

Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS used to be associated with tampons, but doctors now think it could be caused by a number of things including diaphragms (caps). TSS is rare but serious and causes high fever, faintness and muscle problems.

Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted infection (also known as T.V.). It can cause green, frothy discharge in girls and green or yellow discharge, similar to Gonorrhoea in men. It is easily treated.

Un-erect penis
A man's penis when it is in its natural state, soft and un-aroused.

Unplanned pregnancy
A pregnancy that is not planned and is upsetting to the woman who has become pregnant.

Unprotected sex
Having sex without using any contraception which may lead to pregnancy or catching an STI.

Urethra
This is the medical term for the tube which your pee (urine) comes down and out of.

Urine
Also called wee or pee, urine is produced in the kidneys and is made up of excess water and toxic waste from food.

Urine sample
When you pee in a bottle and give it to a nurse or doctor to examine for infection. Now a common test for Chlamydia.

Vagina
The passage that runs from a woman's genitals up to her womb.

Vibrator
A battery operated sex toy, sometimes in the shape of a penis, which can give girls an orgasm by vibrating against their clitoris, or inside their vagina.

Virgin
Someone who has never had sexual intercourse.

Vulva
Another word for a woman's genitals.

Warts
Small growths caused by a virus which can be found on the genitals.

Wet dreams
When a man ejaculates (cums) while he is asleep it is called a wet dream. Wet dreams are a normal and natural part of sexual development.

Withdrawal method
An unreliable method of contraception where a man takes his penis out of the woman's vagina before he ejaculates (cums).

Womb
Also called a uterus, the womb is a pear-shaped organ in a woman's body that a baby can grow inside.

X-rated
A term usually used about films that are only suitable for adults due to sexually explicit or very violent scenes.

Youth Advisory Clinic
A special clinic for young people which offers free and confidential advice about sex, sexual health and contraception.