A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

abduction
The taking of a woman or a minor by fraud, persuation or force for the purpose of marriage, prostitution or concubinage.

abhisarika
She who goes forth alone at night to meet her lover- one of the eight types of heroines decribed in Indian classical literature.

abominable crime
A sexual crime considered contrary to nature, ex: anal intercourse.

abort
To miscarry or deliver a fetus before it is viable outside the uterus.

abortifacient
Any agent that induces abortion.

abortion
The termination 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).

abortus
That which is aborted. The nonviable fetal product of abortion.

abstinence
To refrain from having sex.

abuse
The miuse, excessive use of wrong use of anything. ijurious or harmful treatment.

acculturation
The process of adapting to a society by incorporating the beliefs, behaviors and customs of that culture.

acne
Pimples occuring on the face, neck, shoulders and upper back. Acne is associate with hormone changes of puberty.

acquaintance rape
Rape by an assailaant known to the victim.

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 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.

addiction, sexual
A condition characterized by excessive preoccupation with sex that creates a compulsive search for a sexual stimulation, the compulsion to have sex no matter the cost or risk, and a feeling of utter hopelessness and an inability to control one's own compulsions.

adolescence
The stage of development that occurs during puberty.

adrenal glands
A pair of small hormone-producing glands located on top of the kidneys

adrenarche
An early sign of puberty marked by the appearance of pubic hair, and sometimes menstruation.

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.

adult
A mature individual; a grown-up; a personal who is legally of age and fully responsible for his/her actions before the law.

adulthood
The period of maturity following adolescence.

adultery
Sex between a married person and a person other than their spouse.

affair
A colloquial term for the sexual relationship of a married person with a partner other than his spouse.

afterbirth
The placenta and amniotic sac, which is expelled after the infant during childbirth.

afterglow
A colloquial term for the feelings of physical relaxation, emotional togetherness and warmth following orgasm.

afterplay
The affectionate, sensual and erotic interaction that follows sexual intercourse or orgasm.

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.

amastia
Absence of breasts

amazon women
In classic Greek mythology, a warrior tribe of women who lived independently of women, and who mated briefly with men of neighbouring tribes and killed their male offspring; (Colloq.) A dominatrix, or a strong woman who bent under no man's rule.

amenorrhea
The absence or suppression 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.

amoral
Lacking in any sense of morality

amorous
of sexual love

amyl nitrate
A drug inhaled to prolong or intensify orgasm. Its use is potentially dangerous.

anal intercourse
Sexual behavior in which one person's penis is inserted into another's anus.

analingus
Stimulation of the anus with mouth and tongue.

anal masturbation
Sexua arousal and orgasm achieved by self-stimulation of anal region using fingers, vibrator, dildos etc.

anal sex
Insertion of penis into the rectum.

anal stage
In Sigmund Freud's theory of psychosexual development, the stage occurring between ages 1 and 3 years when a child's sexual energies are focussed on the anus and the sensations associated with the eliminative functions.

Ananga Ranga
The Theatre of God, a 15th century India sex manual detailing the sex organs and erogenous areas, the cycles of erotic passion as related to lunar cycles, and an encyclopedic review of lovemaking positions. Author: Kalyanamalla.

anaphrodisiac
A substance that decreases sexual desire.

anatomical sex
The apparent gender of an individual based on the appearance of sexual organs.

androgen
The "male" sex hormone. Actually produced by women as well (though in smaller quantities and with little absorbtion).

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.

andrology
A subspeciality of urology that studies male infertility.

anesthesia, sexual
Lessining of erotosexual sensations

anhedonia
A lack of enjoyment or pleasure in doing or experiencing something.

anorchia
absence of one or both testes

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.

anosmia
Inability to smell anything; It may affect sexual desire.

antiandrogen
A hormone or its analog or substance that inhibits the secretion of testosterone from the testis.

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.

anxiety, sexual
Strong feelings of apprehension, and powerlessness arising, often unconsciously, when confronted with sexual impulses or desires.

apareunia
The inability to engage in sexual intercourse

aphrodisiac
A substance that is alleged to increase sexual desire.

Aphrodite
The Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality in Greek mythology; Called Venus in Roman myth.

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.

arousal, sexual
The physiological and psychological state of being sexually excited.

artificial penis
A dildo made of plastic, marble, rubber or other material.

ascetism
A value system and life style that emphasizes self-discipline and self-denial of the body, sexual pleasures in deference to the cultivation of spiritual values and goals.

asexual
Without sexual feelings, desires or qualities.

asphyxiophilia
A sexual preference for activities that involve oxygen deprivation.

ass
Slang expression for buttocks.

assault
In sexology assault typically refers to rape

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.

astringent treatment
The use of alum or other chemicals to shrink the mucous membranes of the vaginal walls (ex., to simulate virginity).

atresia
Absence or closure of the opening by birth

atrophy
Degeneration of an organ or tissue.

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.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #