labia majora
The fatty pads of tissue lying on either side of the vaginal opening and inner lips. Also known as major (or outer) lips.
labia minora
The folds of skin on either side of the vaginal entrance, between the outer lips, that enclose the clitoris and the vaginal opening. Also known as minor (or inner) lips.
labor
The series of stages involved in giving birth.
lactation
The production and secretion of milk in the breasts of the female; used to nourish the newborn baby.
laminaria
A small stick of seaweed (or a synthetic variant) sometimes placed into the cervical opening prior to an abortion to dilate the cervix. The dilation is then more gradual and less uncomfortable than when done with dilator rods.
lanugo
The fine, downy hair covering the fetus.
laparoscopy
A surgical method in which a long, hollow instrument that contains light and cutting devices, is inserted into the abdominal cavity through an incision directly below the navel. It is used for diagnosis of medical difficulties as well as surgical sterilization. The term is also commonly used alone to refer to a form of female sterilization in which a laparoscope is used.
lesbian
A female homosexual.
lesbo
Pejorative, slang term for a lesbian.
Leydig cells
Cells within the testes that secrete androgens. Also known as interstitial cells.
lez
Pejorative, slang term for a lesbian.
lezzie
Pejorative, slang term for a lesbian.
libido
Term used by Freud to refer to sexual energy; the driving force in humans according to him.
limbic system
The set of structures around the midbrain involved in regulating sexual behaviors.
limerance
Romantic love marked by preoccupation, and often, obsession, with the loved one.
lochia
A bloody discharge from the vagina that follows childbirth.
lubricant
The slippery fluid secreted from the walls of the vagina during sexual arousal; also available in synthetic form to supplement or replace the natural version. The synthetic version is also used for activities that require lubrication such as anal intercourse.
lubrication
The slippery fluid secreted from the walls of the vagina during sexual arousal; also available in synthetic form to supplement or replace the natural version.
lumpectomy
A surgical procedure for breast cancer in which only the malignant tumor and surrounding tissue are removed while the rest of the breast is left intact.
lust
A very strong sexual urge.
luteal phase
The phase of the menstrual cycle during which a follicle becomes a corpus luteum and then degenerates, releasing progesterone in the process that stimulates the growth of the uterine lining.
luteinizing hormone (LH)
A hormone that stimulates female ovulation and male androgen secretion.
lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
An STD caused by a virus that begins as a lesion at the site of infection,
then develops into a painful swollen abscess.
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