Glossary of Sex Terms

abortifacient: any method or substance used to terminate a pregnancy.

abortion: the termination of a pregnancy before birth.

abstinence: not participating in sexual activities.

acquaintance rape: a forced sexual encounter between individuals who know each
other.

acquired dysfunction: a problem with sexual functioning that begins after a period of
normal functioning.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS): a fatal disease which is caused by a virus transmitted through the bloodstream from person to person. The disease is characterized by the destruction of the immune system leaving the person susceptible to many other common infections.

acrosome: an enzyme membrane that covers the head of the sperm allowing it to penetrate the ovum.

activating effects: the effect that sex hormones have on the level of a persons sex drive.

adolescence: the transitional period from childhood to adulthood where emotional, social and physical changes take place.

adultery: a sexual encounter which occurs between a married person and someone whom is not their spouse.

agenesis: of the penis a condition in which the penis in undersized and nonfunctional.

alveolar glands: glands in a woman's breast which produce milk after she has given birth.

amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation.

ampulla: the wide section of the fallopian tube near the ovary.

anal intercourse: sexual intercourse in which one partner penetrates the other's anus.

analingus: oral-anal stimulation.

anaphrodisiac: drugs or other agents that dull sexual desire.

Androgen:- insensitivity syndrome a developmental condition in which a genetically male fetus develops external female genitals.

Androgenital syndrome: a developmental condition in which a genetically female fetus has internal female structures in addition to external male genitals.
Androgens male sex hormones.

androgynous: having both masculine and feminine characteristics.

anejaculation: lack of ejaculation at the time of male orgasm.

anodyspareunia: pain associated with anal intercourse.

anarchism: a rare birth defect in which both testes are not present.

anorgasmic: never having reached an orgasm.

anovulatory: not ovulating.

antiandrogen: a substance that decreases the levels of androgens in the bloodstream.

anus: the opening from the rectum from which solid waste leaves the body.

aphrodisiac: any substance that that increases sexual desire.

areola: the dark areas surrounding the nipples on men and women.

artificial insemination: the introduction of sperm into the reproductive tract by means other than intercourse

asexual: having little or no interest in sex.

asphyxophilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal is dependent on being strangled up to the point of passing out.

autoerotic: providing sexual stimulation for one's self.

autofellatio: a male providing oral stimulation to his own penis.

aversion therapy: a method for terminating undesirable sexual behavior in which the behavior is followed by an averse stimulus, so that conditioning takes place.

Bacterial Vaginosis: the most common form of vaginal infection in menstruating women, characterized by a strong odor and a grey or milky discarge.

balanitis: an inflammation of the glans and foreskin of the penis that can be caused by infections.

barrier: methods of birth control contraceptives that block sperm from entering the uterus, such as a condom.

Bartholin's glands: glands just inside of the vaginal opening the secrete a small amount of fluid during arousal.

basal body temperature method: a method used to predict fertility in which women chart ovulation by taking their rectual temperature every morning before getting out of bed.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): enlargement of the prostate gland not caused by a malignancy.

bestiality: a human being having a sexual encounter with an animal.

biastophilia: a sexual paraphilia in which arousal becomes dependent on sexually attacking a nonconsenting stranger. This is rape.

bilateral orchiectomy: surgical removal of both testes.

bimanual exam: a medical exam which checks for abnormalities in the ovaries and uterus.

bisexual: a person who is attracted to people of both genders.

blue balls: genital aching which may occur in males following continued genital stimulation without ejaculation. A woman may also feel aching without orgasm.

bondage and discipline (B and D): sexual behavior or role play which has elements of sadism or masochism.

breasts: two glands on the chest of women.

brothel: a house of prostitution.

bulbocavernosus muscle: the muscle at the base of the penis that contracts to force the ejaculate through.

Bulbourethral gland (Cowper's gland): glands located below the prostate that produces the fluid which makes semen sticky.

calendar method: a method used for predicting fertility in which women chart their menstrual cycles on a calendar.

Candidiasis: a vaginal yeast infection which results in vulval irritation, and a thick white discharge.
celibacy not participating in any sexual play.

cervical cap: a method of contraception which is usually filled with contraceptive jelly and inserted to fit securely on the cervix.

cervicitis: inflammation of the cervix

cervix: the structure that connects the vagina to the uterus.

chancroid: a type of STD which cause ulcers in the genital region.

Chlamydia: the most common STD which causes a discharge in both men and women, if left untreated it could cause sterility.

cilia: hairlike extensions in the fallopian tubes that help move the ovum through.

circumcision: a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of the penis is removed.

climax: an orgasm

clitoral hood: tissue that is formed by the joining of the labia minora and covers the clitoris.

clitorectomy: surgical removal of the clitoris.

clitoris: the sexually sensitive organ of the female found in the vulva.

cohabitation: partners in a sexual relationship who live together but are not married.

coitus: another term for sexual intercourse.

coitus interruptus: a method of birth control in which the male withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculating.

colposcope: a medical instrument that is used to examine the vagina and cervix.

combined oral contraceptiv:e birth control pill that contains both estrogen and progestin preventing ovulation.

coming out: the term used to describe one's acceptance of their sexual orientation.

conception: the specific time at which pregnancy begins, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.

condom: a over-the-counter method of birth control usually made of latex that covers the penis during intercourse preventing not only pregnancy but the spread of STDs.
contraception any method that is used in the prevention of pregnancy.

contraceptive sponge: a barrier method of birth control which is placed over the cervix, this method does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

coprophilia: sexual arousal that is connected with feces.

coronal ridge: located in the penis it is the rim of the glans.

corpora cavernosa: tissue that engorges with blood during sexual arousal to make the penis become erect.

Cremaster muscle: an automatic response which raises and lowers the testes in response to stimulation.

cryptorchidism: a medical condition in which one or both of the testes do not descend from the body before puberty.

cunnilingus: oral stimulation of the female genitals.

delayed ejaculation: another term for inhibited orgasm occurring in men.

Depo- Provera: an injectable form of birth control which lasts in preventing pregnancy up to three months.

desire: a feeling of sexual attraction or arousal.

diaphragm: a method of birth control that is placed over the cervix to prevent pregnancy; it does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

dildo: a penis shaped sex toy.

Dominance and Submission (D and S): erotic fantasies that play out power and powerlessness.

Don Juanism: the desire by a men to have sex frequently with many different partners.

douche: a rinse used to clean the vagina.

drag queen: term used for male cross dressers who are often selling sexual services.

dysmenorrhea: a term used to describe painful menstruation.

dyspareunia: a dysfunction in which recurrent pain occurs during sexual intercourse.

egg cell: the ovum or female reproductive cell.
ejaculation the releases of the semen from the penis caused by muscular contractions.

ejaculatory inevitability: the feeling that ejaculation is imminent.

ELISA: the most common used test to determine the presence of HIV infections in humans.

embryo: the prenatal organism that develops about a week after fertilization.

emergency contraception: the use of contraceptives to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

emission stage: the first stage of ejaculation in which seminal fluid collects in the urethral bulb.

endometriosis: a medical condition in which the endometrium grows out of the uterus and into surrounding organs, characterized my menstrual pain and may cause infertility.

endometrium: the lining of the uterus that develops every month to nourish a fertilized egg, if fertilization does not occur it is shed during the menstrual cycle.

epididymis: the place in each testes where sperm cells mature.

erectile dysfunction: the inability to become erect or maintain an erection.

erection: the term used to describe the penis when it becomes engorged with blood as a result of sexual excitement.

erogenous zone: any part of the body that is responsive to sexual stimulation.

erotic: that which is sexually arousing.

erotica: sexually explicit material that is not viewed as pornography or obsence by the average person.

estrogen: hormone that is produced by the ovaries and regulates the menstrual cycle and secondary sexual characteristics.

exhibitionist: women or men that expose their sexual organs to others without their consent.

exocytosis: the release of genetic material by the sperm cell which begins the process of fertilization.

fallopian tubes: structures which the ovum travel through to get from the ovaries to the utrerus.
fantasy a sexually arousing thought or mental imagery.

fellatio: oral stimulation of the penis.

female condom: a method of birth control that is inserted into the vagina which prevents pregnancy and the spread of diseases.

female genital mutilation (FGM): the removal of all or part of the external genitalia

female orgasmic disorder: a persistent problem in which women can not reach orgasm through sexual stimulation.

female sexual arousal disorder: a sexual dysfunction in which the female can not become sexually aroused, lacking vaginal lubrication.

feminine: characteristics that are culturally associated with being a woman.

fertilization: the joining of egg and sperm.

fetishism: sexual arousal triggered by things that are not usually considered sexual.

fetus: the organism that develops from the embryo inside the womb until birth.

fibrillations: abnormal contractions which are painless which occur during arousal and orgasm.

fidelity: observances of sexual faithfulness.

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland during the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

foreplay: sexual stimulation, such as kissing, that occurs before intercourse but can still lead to orgasm.

foreskin: the fold of skin covering the glans of the penis.

fornication: sexual intercourse occurring between partners who are not married.

frenulum: highly sensitive fold of skin on the underside of the penile glans.

frotteurism: a paraphilia in which one rubs their genitals against a nonconsenting person.

gamete: the reproductive cell, either male or female.

gay: another term for homosexual, usually referring to a man.

gender: the psychosocial condition of being masculine or feminine, the traits and behavior that are culturally assigned with either.

gender dysphoria: conflicting feelings about physical anatomy and one's feelings about their gender.

gender identity: one's view of him/herself being either male or female.

gender roles: behaviors or characteristics that are culturally expected of an individual.

gender stereotyping: assuming that someone should display certain characteristics because of their physical sex.

genital herpes: a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus in which painful blisters and ulcers are present on the genitals.

genitals: external body parts, either male or female.

genital warts: a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus in which warts appear on the genitals and anus.

glans: the soft highly sensitive tip of the clitoris or penis.

gonads: sex and reproductive glands, in men the testes, in women the ovaries that produce hormones.

gonerrhea: a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium in which abnormal discharge occurs in both men and women.

Grafenberg spot (G spot): an area inside the vagina that many people believe is very sensitive to stimulation and cause ejaculation in women.

gynecology: sexual and reproductive health care for women.

gynecomastia: a rare condition were the male's breasts are overdeveloped.

hard-core pornography: pornography that is very explicit.

hepatitis B virus (HBV): a liver infection cause by a sexually transmitted disease that may result in death.

hermaphrodite: people who have both female and male reproductive organs.

herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1): the virus that cause blisters on the lips and mouth.

herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2): the virus that causes genital blisters.

heterosexual: someone who is sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

homophobia: fear and hatred of people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

homosexual: someone who is attracted to people of the same sex.

hormone: a substance secreted by the endocrine gland that regulates many different bodily functions.

hormone replacement therapy: replacement of naturally occurring hormones by synthetic ones, usually during menopause.

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): the virus that causes AIDS, by destroying the body's immune system and leaving it susceptible to disease.

human Papillomavirus (HPV): the virus that causes genital warts.

human sexuality: the ways in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual beings.

hydrocele: a medical condition in which cysts from on the testes.

hymen: a thin tissue of flesh which stretches across part of the opening of the vagina.

hyperphilia: have sex more often than most people.

hypoactive sexual desire disorder: a condition where one losses interest in what was formerly sexually arousing.

hypoxphilia: a practice where one creates pressure around the neck to create an intake of less oxygen to enhance sexual pleasure.

hysterectomy: surgical removal of all or part of the uterus.

impotence: difficulty getting and keeping an erection.

incest: sexual activity between members of the same family.

infertility: the inability to conceive a child.

infibulation: a surgical procedure which is used in some cultures to close the opening of the vagina until marriage.

intercourse: sexual activity where insertion of the penis occurs.
intersexuality a rare condition in which the genitalia is unclear at birth making it hard to determine whether the child is male or female.

intimacy: the emotional feelings of closeness and connectedness between people.

intrauterine devices (IUD): a method of birth control in which a small copper object is placed inside the uterus by a doctor to prevent implantation.

jock itch: a fungal infection around the genitals of men caused by wearing tight clothing or excessive sweating, it can be itchy and very painful.

jaundice: a medical condition where the whites of the eyes and the skin becomes yellow in color.

Kegel exercises: exercises which are used to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscle which controls the flow of urine and may increase sexual pleasure.

kiddie porn: the term used to describe materials that show explicit pictures of children and teenagers engaging in sexual activity.

kleptophilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on stealing.

Klinefelter's syndrome: an abnormality occurring in males where musculinization is incomplete and partial breast may be present as a result of an extra X chromosome.

klismaphilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal depends on giving and/or receiving enemas.

labia majora: two folds of tissue that extend and cover the clitoris, vaginal opening, the labia minora and the urinary opening.

labia minora: two folds of skin lying underneath the labia majora that join directly above the clitoris.

lesbian: a homosexual female

leukorrhea: a white, sticky vaginal discharge that is normal during adolescence.

levonorgestrel: a hormone which is produced to help regulate the menstrual cycle.

libido: a term used to describe sexual drive

love: a strong caring for someone else.

lumpectomy: the surgical removal of a lump from the breast.

lust: the desire for sexual pleasure

luteinizing hormone (LH): a hormone released by the pituitary gland that controls ovulation.

male erectile disorder: difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

male orgasmic disorder: a condition in men in which there is a delayed or inability to reach orgasm.

mammogram: a type of x-ray which is used to determine lumps in the breast.

masculinity: characteristics that a culture attributes to men.

masochism: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal is dependent on receiving punishment or pain.

mastectomy: surgical removal of all or part of the breast tissue.

masturbation: self-pleasuring.

ménage a trios: sexual play involving three people.

menarche: a girl's first menstruation.

menopause: the time when a woman stops her menstrual cycle.

menstruation: the monthly flow of blood and tissue from the uterus which occurs if fertilization does not occur.

miscarriage: a spontaneous abortion.

missionary position: the coital position in which the man is on top of the woman.

"morning after" pill: another term for emergency contraception.

multiple orgasms: the ability to achieve additional orgasms in one sexual episode.

natural family planning: a method of birth control which depends on keeping track of a women's menstrual cycle and the days on which she is likely to be ovulating.

necrophilia: participating in sexual activity with a dead body.

nipple: the raised area in the middle of the areola in the center of each breast.

nocturnal emission: an ejaculation which occurs during sleep that often signals the onset of physical maturation.

normophilia: sexual preferences that are believed to be common or "normal" within a culture.

Norplant: a type of birth control in which a capsule containing levonorgestrel is inserted by a doctor underneath the skin in the upper arm of women.

nymphomania: an excessive sexual drive found in women.

obsenity: sexual activity in a manner which most people would refer to as disgusting.

opportunistic infection: any illness that is relatively easily cured in people with a healthy immune system but often kills those with AIDS.

oral contraceptive: a method of birth control in which pills containing different levels of hormones are taken daily.

oral sex: any type of sexual activity involving the mouth and the sex organs.

orgasm: a pleasurable sensation that occurs at the climax of sexual excitement.

orgy: a group of people engaging in sexual activity.

outercourse: a type of sexual play that does not include penetration.

ovaries: the female gonads, which produce hormones and house the egg cells.

ovulation: the release of an ovum from the ovaries, approximately every month.

ovum: an egg cell.

pap test: a medical test in which cervical cells are taken by a swab to see if there are any abnormalities.

paraphilia: a practice on which sexual arousal becomes dependent.

pediculosis: an infection from pubic lice.

pedophilia: a paraphilia involving children or young adults.

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): inflammation of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries in which pain, tenderness, fever, nausea and irregular menstrual cycles are present.

penile plethysmograph: an instrument which measures arousal in men by measuring blood flow to the penis.

penis: the male sex organ.

performance anxiety: feelings of fear associated with sexual activity.

perineum: the tissues which lies between the vagina and the anus.

periodic abstinence: not having vaginal intercourse on the days that a women is most likely to be ovulating.

Peyronie's disease: a medical condition in which tissue is developed in the erectile columns of the penis.

phimosis: an abnormally long and tight foreskin on the penis.

pictophilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on viewing pornographic pictures and films.

pimp: a man who has female prostitutes working for him.

pneumocystis carinni: pneumonia the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and fatigue.

polycystic ovary disease: a medical condition in which overproduction of male hormones causes cysts on the ovaries and swelling.

polygamy: being married to more than one spouse.

polythelia: a rare condition in which one has more than two nipples or breasts.

pornography: any written or visual materials which causes sexual arousal, that is thought by the common population to be obscene.

postcoital: contraception another name for emergency contraception.

pre-ejaculate: the liquid which leaves the penis during sexual arousal but before ejaculation, it may contain small amount of sperm.

premature ejaculation: a persistent sexual dysfunction in which ejaculation occurs after minimal stimulation.

premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): severe emotional problems occurring before menstruation.

premenstrual syndrome (PMS): a combination of physical and mental symptoms which occur approximately a week prior to menstruation, some women's symptoms are much less apparent than others.

prepuce: the tissue that covers the glans of the penis or clitoris.

priapism: continual and uncontrollable painful erections.

progesterone: hormone released by the ovaries which causes the lining of the uterus to thicken.

prophylactic: a material that is used to prevent against disease; the condom.

prostate: the gland that produces some of the components in semen.

prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate.

psuedohemaphroditism: a condition in which testes or ovaries are present in addition to external genitalia of the opposite sex.

pudendum: external female genitalia.

pyromania: sexual arousal gained by setting fires.

rape: sexual intercourse without consent.

rape trauma syndrome: the reaction of events the victim of a rape goes through.

rapid orgasm: when a woman climaxes more quickly than her partner.

rectovaginal exam: a medical exam of the reproductive organs and the tissues that separate the vagina and the rectum.

rectum: the lowest end of the intestine before the anus.

refractory period: the period after orgasm when a man can not become aroused.

resolution: the time when the body returns to its normal state after orgasm.

retarded ejaculation: another term for inhibited orgasm.

retrograde ejaculation: a condition in which semen flows into the urinary tract and then the bladder during ejaculation.

role play: the acting out of fantasies.

rubber dam: a piece of latex used to cover the female genitals during oral sex to prevent the spread of disease.

sado-masochism: sexual activities revolving around bondage, domination, pain and humiliation.

safer sex: ways in which people reduce the risk of transmission of diseases during sexual intercourse.

satyriasis: the desire by a man to have sex frequently with many different partners

scabies: mites that burrow in around the underneath the skin to lay eggs which causes redness and itching, they may or may not be sexually transmitted.

scrotum: the pouch of skin which houses the testes.

secondary sex characteristics: adult physical characteristics that are caused by hormones during puberty.

self-gratification: pleasuring oneself sexually.

semen: the male ejaculate which contains not only sperm but fluid from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and Cowper's gland.

seminal fluid: the fluid that is mixed with sperm to help it move through the body.

seminal vesicle: a gland that secretes fluid into the ejaculate.

seminiferous tubules: a network of coiled tubules which are constantly producing sperm.

serial monogamy: a pattern of involvement in which one goes from one serious sexual relationship to another.

sex drive: natural urge to have sex.

sexism: a prejudgment that someone will posses negative traits because of their gender.

sexology: the study of human sexuality.

sex play: any voluntary sexual activity that may or may not be done with a partner.

sex therapy: treatment that is given to resolve sexual dysfunctions.

sexual abuse: sexual that is nonconsensual and harmful.

sexual addiction: the compulsive desire for frequent sex.

sexual assault: nonconsensual sexual activity that involves forces or the threat of force.

sexual aversion disorder: a condition in which one fears any type of sexual expression.

sexual compulsion: another term for sexual addiction.

sexual conflict: an inconsistency between sex drive and sexual inhibition.

sexual desire: a physically arousing attraction.

sexual discomfort: problems that occur with sexual activity that are not as severe as dysfunctions.

sexual harassment :unwanted sexual advances that are often hostile and degrading.

sexual individuality: the different sexual needs, fantasies, and feelings of each individuality.

sexual intercourse: sex play where the insertion of the penis occurs.

sexuality: the emotions, feelings, sexual preferences, sexual orientation and societal norms that influence individuals.

sexually transmitted disease (STD): infections that occur as a result of sexual fluids passing from one person to another.

sexual orientation: the term used to describe the attraction that one feels to people of the same gender, the opposite gender, or both.

sexual response cycle: a pattern of responses that sexually excited people illustrate.

silent rape: reaction the response that women go through after experiencing a rape yet do not disclose the rape so they are unable to get the help they actually need.

smegma: sticky, white substance produced at the glans of the penis by bacteria and bodily oils.

sodomy: a term used to describe heterosexual oral or anal intercourse.

spectatoring: self-observation during sex.

sperm: the male reproductive cell.

spermarche: the time when the testes first produce sperm.

squeeze technique: a technique used to end premature ejaculation in which the man masturbates and then squeezes his penis to prevent orgasm.

statutory rape: voluntary or involuntary intercourse between an adult and someone who is not legal at the age of consent.

sterilization: medical procedures that are done to inhibit people form reproducing but do not affect sexual desire.

stop-start technique: a technique used to control ejaculation in which the man gets to close to orgasm then stops stimulation.

suppositories: contraceptive devices that are placed in the vagina and releases spermicide by melting or foaming.

swinging: the practice in which married couples switch partners.

syphilis: an STD that progresses through four stages which begin with the presence of a chancre and if untreated can end in death.

tenting: the expansion of the vagina during sexual stimulation.

testes: the male gonads.

testicular failure: the lack of sperm and hormones produced by the testes.

testosterone: the males sex hormone, aids in developing secondary sex characteristics and sex drive.

thelarche: the period when girls' breasts begin developing.

thrush: a disease caused by a fungus in the oral cavity.

toucherism: sexual excitement gained by fondling nonconsenting strangers.

toxic shock syndrome (TSS): a rare growth of bacteria in the vagina that can be associated with tampon or contraceptive use over a long period of time without removal.

transgender: people who dress in clothing associated with the opposite sex because they like being treated as if they were of that gender, not for sexual pleasure.

transsexuals: people who define themselves by the gender other than what they were classified at birth.

transudation: vaginal lubrication as a result of increased blood flow during stimulation.

transvestites: people who dress like the opposite gender because it gives them sexual pleasure.

transvestophilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on dressing like the opposite gender.

tribadism: two women rubbing their genitals together.

troilism: sexual activity with three people.

true hermaphrodite: a person who is born with one testis and one ovary.

tubal ligation: a medical procedure to sterilize women by block the fallopian tubes to prevent the meeting of sperm and ova.

tumescence: a buildup of sexual tension in both men and women.

Turner syndrome: a condition in which females are born with only one x chromosome and therefore they may be missing or have deformed ovaries.

typical use failure: the measurement of how often birth control is likely to fail when taking into account human and technical error.

uncircumcised: a penis which still has a foreskin.

ureters: the tubes which connect the kidney to the bladder.

urethra: the tube and opening through which urine passes in both men and women.

urethral bulb: part of the male urethra that holds semen prior to ejacualtion.

urinary tract infection (UTI): an infection of the bladder,ureters, and urethra caused by bacteria, that can be sexually transmitted.

urophilia: sexual arousal connected with urination.

use-effectiveness: the reliability of a contraceptive as it is usually used.

uterus: the female organ in which the egg becomes fertilized, implants, and develops into a fetus; also the organ from which a woman menstruates.

vagina: the female sex organ that the penis is inserted into during intercourse, also the path that the fetus travels at birth, and menstrual fluid flows from.

vaginal intercourse: intercourse.

vaginal ring: an experimental birth control method where a donut shaped device is filled with hormones and placed in the vagina to prevent ovulation.

vaginismus: a dysfunction with continuous painful spasms in the vagina.

vaginitis: the inflammation of the vagina.

vas deferens: tubes connecting the testes to the ejaculatory ducts.

vasectomy: a medical procedure in which the vas deferens are blocked to prevent impregnation.

veneral disease: sexually transmitted disease.

vestibular bulb: tissue on either side of the vagina that fills with blood during sexual stimulation.

vibrator: a mechanical device used to massage erogenous zones.

virgin: someone who has not engaged in sexual intercourse.

voyeurism: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on watching others who are nude or involved in sexual play.

vulva: the external female genitals.

Western blot: a test used to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies after the ELISA test.

wet dream: sexual dreams that cause ejaculation.

withdrawal: a type of birth control where the penis is removed from the vagina prior to ejaculation.

yeast infection: an overgrowth of a fungus usually present in the vagina.

zoophilia: a paraphilia in which sexual arousal becomes dependent on animals.

zygote: a fertilized egg cell.

zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT): the product of an in vitro fertilization is medically placed into the fallopian tubes.