abortifacient
Any chemical agent that induces abortion.
abortion
The ending of a pregnancy and expulsion of the contents of the uterus. This can occur either by induction or spontaneously (when it is known as a miscarriage).
abstinence
To refrain from having sex.
acculturation
The process of adapting to a society by incorporating the beliefs, behaviors and customs of that culture.
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The disease involves weakening of the immune system until it is unable to fight opportunistic infections.
acrosomal reaction
The release of enzymes from a sperm's acrosome.
acrosome
The covering of the head of the sperm that contains enzymes that allow it to penetrate the ovum.
actual failure rate
The average failure rate of a contraceptive. This takes into account not only actual failure of the device, but also human error and non-use.
adolescence
The stage of development that occurs during puberty.
adrenogenital syndrome
Also known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A genetic condition in which a female is born with genitals that look like a male's due to an abnormally functioning adrenal gland.
adultery
Sex between a married person and a person other than their spouse.
afterbirth
The placenta and amniotic sac, which is expelled after the infant during childbirth.
agape
A Greek word meaning altruistic love.
age of consent
The age at which a person is deemed legally capable of giving consent to sexual interactions.
AIDS
Acronym for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
AIDS dementia
Infection of the brain by HIV, resulting in the impairment of mental functioning, as well as changes in both mood and behavior.
alpha-feto protein screening
A blood test that helps determine the existence of neural tube defects.
alveoli
Glands that produce milk in the female breast.
ambisexual
A more contemporary term for bisexual.
amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation.
amniocentesis
A diagnostic procedure in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn by needle from the uterus of a pregnant woman. The fluid and fetal cells are then analyzed for chromosome defects.
amniotic fluid
The fluid within the amniotic sac that surrounds the embryo or fetus.
amniotic sac
The pouch that contains the amniotic fluid.
amyl nitrate
A drug that is inhaled to prolong or intensify orgasm. Its use is potentially very dangerous, and is now illegal to sell in many states.
anal intercourse
Sexual behavior in which one person's penis is inserted into another's anus.
anilingus
Stimulation of the anus with mouth and tongue.
anaphrodisiac
A substance that decreases sexual desire.
anatomical sex
The apparent gender of an individual based on the appearance of sexual organs.
androgens
The "male" sex hormones. Actually produced by women as well (though in smaller quantities and with little absorption).
androgen replacement therapy
The administration of testosterone. This is done to increase sex drive in men with androgen deficiencies.
androgen-insensitivity syndrome
A condition in which a male is born with testes but is unable to absorb testosterone As a result, his body tends toward a female appearance.
androgyny
Possessing both masculine and feminine characteristics.
anorexia nervosa
An eating disorder in which the individual engages in extreme behaviors to remain very thin.
anorexic
A person with anorexia.
anorgasmia
A sexual dysfunction in which an individual is unable to have orgasms. More prevalent in women.
antigay prejudice
Negative attitudes and behaviors toward homosexuals.
anus
The opening of the rectum.
Apgar score
A medical rating of a newborn's condition based on heart rate, respiration, color, reflexes, and muscle tone.
aphrodisiac
A substance that is alleged to increase sexual desire.
areola
The ring of darkened skin around the nipple of the breast.
artificial insemination
Placing semen into a woman's vagina or uterus by a means other that intercourse for the purpose of inducing pregnancy.
asexual
Without sexual feelings, desires or qualities.
asphyxophilia
A sexual preference for activities that involve oxygen deprivation.
ass
Slang expression for buttocks.
asshole
Slang expression for anus.
assigned gender
The gender that one is ascribed by others, irregardless of genetic or anatomical gender.
asymptomatic
Having no symptoms.
atypical sexual behavior
Sexual activity that is not one of the more common activities.
autoerotic asphyxia
A form of sexual behavior in which the individual masturbates while depriving him or herself of oxygen through hanging, strangulation, or other means. This activity is incredibly dangerous and causes many inadvertent deaths each year.
autoeroticism
Sexual behavior that is done by oneself such as masturbation.
axillary hair
Armpit hair.
axillary intercourse
A sexual variation in which a man thrusts his penis in the armpit of his
partner.
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