Letter : E

eating (out)

Slang term for cunnilingus.

eclampsia

A severe form of toxemia that can occur in late pregnancy, leading to convulsions and coma in pregnant woman.

ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself somewhere outside the uterus. In most cases, the site of implantation is a fallopian tube, in which case the condition is known as a tubal pregnancy.

effacement

The thinning out of the cervix during labor and childbirth.

effeminate

Having feminine qualities.

ejaculate

To have an orgasm with expulsion of seminal fluid from the penis. Also used as an alternative term for the fluid itself (semen).

ejaculation

The expulsion of seminal fluid from the penis, usually during orgasm.

ejaculatory duct

One of the two passageways that carries semen from the prostate gland to the urethra.

ejaculatory inevitability

In males, the point in the sexual response cycle at which a man no longer has control over whether he will ejaculate or not. Once this point is past, a man will ejaculate in a matter of seconds, even if all stimulation is ceased.

Electra complex

In psychoanalytic theory, the female child's erotic desire for the father and simultaneous fear of the mother. It is the female analog to the Oedipal complex.

embryo

The unborn human organism from the second to about the eighth week of pregnancy.

embryo transfer

A technique used with infertile couples in which a fertilized, developing egg is transferred from the uterus of one woman to that of another woman.

emission

The first stage of ejaculation, in which sperm and semen are propelled into the urethral bulb.

endometriosis

A disease caused by cells from the uterine lining spreading and growing in parts of the body other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes.

endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus; part of which is shed during menstruation.

engagement

The repositioning of the fetus into a lower position in the mother's abdominal cavity that occurs when its head is past her pelvic bone.

epididymis

The tightly coiled tubules, attached to the top of the testes, where sperm matures and is stored.

epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis.

episiotomy

An incision made during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening. The incision is usually made at the base of the vaginal opening and serves to help prevent tearing of the perineal and anal tissues.

erectile dysfunction

A sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to have or maintain an erection despite adequate stimulation and interest. Often referred to commonly as impotence.

erection

The enlargement and hardening of the penis due to vasocongestion that occurs during sexual arousal in the male.

erogenous zone

Any area of the body that is especially sensitive to sexual stimulation and touching.

eros

The Greeks' term for passionate or erotic love.

erotic aid

A device, such as a vibrator or dildo, designed to enhance sexual responsiveness.

erotica

Sexually oriented material that is not considered "pornographic" to the viewer.

erotophilia

A positive emotional response to sexuality.

erotophobia

A negative emotional response to sexuality, especially guilt, fear and shame.

estradiol

The major natural estrogen.

estrogen

The principal female hormone, secreted by the ovaries, testes, and placenta.

estrogens

The "female" sex hormones; also produced in smaller quantities (and with less absorption) in males.

estrus

The period of ovulation and sexual activity in nonhuman female mammals; commonly referred to as being "in heat."

eunuch

A castrated male.

exhibitionism

A paraphilia characterized by getting sexual gratification from exposing the genitals to an (often unwilling) observer.

expectant

Pregnant.

expulsion

The second stage of ejaculation, characterized by contractions of the urethra, prostate, and muscles at the base of the penis, causing semen to spurt from the penis.

extramarital sex

Sexual activity by a married person with someone other than her or his spouse.