A-Z of Sexual Terms (courtesy of 'R U Thinking)
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Abortion
The medical term for 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 24th week of a pregnancy.
Adolescence
The stage of your life between going through puberty and becoming an adult.
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'.
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 (BV)
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 boy's sperm from getting to the girl's egg. Condoms, Femidoms and caps are all barrier methods.
Birth Control
Also known as contraception, any method that stops a girl 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 boy 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 girl'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 girl's cervix using a speculum (a small metal or plastic instrument), which goes inside the girl'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.
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
Very common sexually transmitted infection that affects both boys and girls. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in girls.
Circumcision
Circumcision is when the foreskin on a boy'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 boy's life if there is a problem with his foreskin. It's a safe operation and makes no difference to a boy's sex life.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a small bud shaped bit of skin at the front of a girl's vagina. It gives girls 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.
Combined Pill
A contraceptive pill that is taken every day and prevents pregnancy by stopping a girl from producing eggs.
Come/Cum
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.
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