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 #

C-section
Abbreviation for cesarean section.

calendar method
A contraceptive method based on calculating "safe" days based on a formula involving a woman's longest and shortest periods.

call girl
A high-priced prostitute who usually works outcall from a home or office as opposed to getting customers on the street or at a brothel.

candida albicans
The fungus that causes candidiasis, otherwise known as a yeast infection.

candidiasis
A yeast infection caused by the fungus candida albicans.

cannula
A tube inserted into the body through which fluids and tissue can be removed. These are often used during abortions and other gynecological procedures.

carpopedal spasm
A contraction of the hands or feet which occurs during orgasm.

castration
The removal of the testes or ovaries. In popular use, also refers to the amputation of the penis.

celibate
Unmarried, or as more popularly used, someone who does not engage in sexual activity.

cervical cap
A small, rubber, contraceptive barrier device that fits over the cervix. It is smaller than the diaphragm and is held in place by suction.

cervical dysplasia
A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.

cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.

cervix
The tapered, lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

cesarean section
Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall. Also known as C-section. chancre A red, painless sore that is an early symptom of syphilis.

chancroid
A painful sore on the penis that is caused by the STD bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi. chastity Sexual abstinence.

chemical castration
Using drugs to reduce or eliminate a man's sexual impulses.

cherry
Slang expression for the hymen.

child-free marriage
A marriage in which the couple have chosen not to have children.

chlamydia
An infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite being one of the most common STDs in women, it is often asymptomatic.

chorionic-villi sampling
A medical procedure in which embryonic cells are removed from the tissue surrounding the fetus and then analyzed for evidence of genetic defects.

cilia
Tiny hairlike fibers that line the fallopian tubes and help move the oocyte along.

circle jerk
Slang term for male group masturbation (usually referring to a practice of adolescent males).

circumcision
The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, or, in some cultures, the clitoral hood, clitoris and/or labia.

clap
A slang term for gonorrhea. climacteric An older term for menopause. climax Orgasm.

clit
Slang expression for the clitoris. clitoral hood The fold of skin covering the clitoris.

clitoridectomy
The surgical removal of the clitoris and all or part of the labia. Also known as female circumcision.

clitoris
A small, highly sensitive sexual organ in the female, located above and in front of the vaginal entrance.

cock
Slang term for penis.

cohabitation
Living together; usually referring to an unmarried couple.

coitus
Sexual intercourse.

colostrum
A thin, yellow fluid containing nutrients and antibodies that is secreted by the breasts after a woman gives birth for 2 or 3 days prior to actual milk production.

coming out
The process of acknowledging that one is gay, lesbian or bisexual.

conceive
To become pregnant.

conceptus
The product of conception; a medical catch-all term for the zygote, fetus, or embryo.

condom
A sheath that is placed over the erect penis to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

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.

congestive prostatitis
An inflammation of the prostate gland thought to be caused by infrequent ejaculation.

contraception
The prevention of conception by the use of birth control devices or agents.

contraceptive film
A small square of spermicide that is inserted into the vagina where it dissolves and helps protect against pregnancy.

contraceptive foam
A spermicidal foam that is inserted into the vagina with an applicator prior to intercourse where it helps protect against pregnancy.

contraceptive sponge
A polyurethane sponge inserted inside the vagina that blocks the opening of the cervix and releases a spermicide thereby helping to protect against unintentional pregnancy.

contraceptive suppository
A small capsule of spermicide that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse where it dissolves and helps protect against pregnancy.

contraceptive
Any method, drug, or device that helps prevent conception.

coprophilia
A sexual variation in which arousal is associated with activities involving feces.

copulation
Vaginal intercourse.

corona
The sensitive rim of tissue between the glans and the shaft of the penis.

corpora cavernosa
The hollow chambers in the shaft of the penis or clitoris that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing erection.

corpus luteum
The cell mass that remains after a follicle has released an egg. After releasing the egg, it secretes both progesterone and estrogen.

corpus spongiosum
A column of erectile tissue that runs the length of the penis and encloses the urethra.

couvade
The experiencing of the symptoms of pregnancy and labor by a male. A form of sympathetic pregnancy practiced in some cultures.

covert sensitization
A form of aversion therapy in which negative thoughts are used to punish and therefore rid someone of unacceptable thoughts or behaviors.

Cowper's glands
A pair of structures below the prostate gland that secrete a clear alkaline fluid into the urethra prior to ejaculation. Also known as bulbourethral glands.

crabs
Slang term for Pediculosis pubis or pubic lice.

cramps
Painful menstruation known clinically as dysmenorrhea.

cremaster
A muscle within the scrotal sac that causes the testes to descend and/or elevate based on temperature.

cross-dressing
Wearing the clothing of the opposite sex.

crura
The internal branches of the clitoral or penile shaft.

cryptorchidism
A medical condition in which one or both testes have not descended properly.

culdoscopy
A form of female sterilization/tubal ligation in which the incision is made through the back of the vagina thereby avoiding an external scar.

cultural relativity
The perspective that the appropriateness of any behavior must be evaluated based on the time and culture it occurs in.

cum
Slang term for semen.

cunnilingus
Oral stimulation of the female genitals for sexual purposes.

cunt
Slang term for vagina.

curette
A scooplike medical instrument used for scraping body tissues; often used during abortions or other gynecological procedures.

cybersex
Using a computer in some way to enhance sexual stimulation.

cystitis
A bladder infection marked by pain as well as frequent, painful urination.

cytomegalovirus (CMV)
One of a group of viruses related to herpes that cause cell enlargement in various internal organs.

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 #