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 #

hand job
Slang term for manual stimulation of the genitals by a partner.

haploid cell
A gamete.

hard on
Slang term for an erection.

hard-core
Sexually explicit material that graphically depicts the genitals and sexual acts.

Hegar's sign
The softening of the uterus indicating pregnancy.

hepatitis A
viral disease affecting the liver; two types of virus may be sexually transmitted: hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

hepatitis B
A virus that effects the liver that can be transmitted by anal intercourse or oral-anal sex.

hermaphrodite
A person with both male and female primary sex characteristics.

herpes simplex type II
An STD infection characterized by outbreaks of painful sores on the genitals. Infection occurs through physical contact with a person infected with the herpes simplex virus during an active outbreak of the sores.

heterosexism
The tendency to see the world in exclusively heterosexual terms and to dismiss or devalue homosexuality. Also known as heterosexual bias.

heterosexual
A person who is sexually attracted primarily to members of the other gender.

heterosexual bias
The tendency to see the world in exclusively heterosexual terms and to dismiss or devalue homosexuality. Also known as heterosexism.

HIV encephalopathy
The more medically appropriate term for AIDS dementia. HIV Acronym for human immunodeficiency virus; the virus that causes AIDS.

homo
Pejorative, slang term for a homosexual. homophobia An irrational fear of and hostility towards homosexuals.

homosexual
A person who is sexually attracted primarily to members of her or his own gender.

homosexuality
Sexual relationships with individuals of the same gender.

homosociality
A period of social segregation (often in late childhood) in which social and personal activities are centered around members of the same gender.

hormone
The chemical messengers of the body, secreted by the endocrine glands, which regulate several functions including sexual development.

hormone-replacement therapy (HRT)
The administration of estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of the two to counteract the hormonal effects the decrease in these hormones during menopause.

horny
Slang term for being sexually arroused or excited. hostile environment A work or educational atmosphere that interferes with a person's performance because of sexual harassment.

hot flash
One of the negative side effects of menopause reported by some women. Although typically only lasting a couple of minutes, it is accompanied by intense warmth, flushing and perspiration.

human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
A hormone produced by the placenta of a pregnant woman; it is what is detected in most pregnancy tests.

human immunodeficiency virus
The virus that causes AIDS.

human papilloma virus (HPV)
The virus that causes genital warts. hung Slang term for having a large penis.

hyaluronidase
The enzyme secreted by the sperm that allows it to penetrate the wall of the egg.

hymen
A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal entrance of most females at birth; although an intact hymen is sometimes erroneously thought to prove virginity, it can actually be broken by many activities besides intercourse.

hypermasculinity
An exaggeration of stereotypically male beliefs and behaviors through an emphasis on virility, strength, and aggression.

hypoactive sexual desire
A sexual disorder characterized by low or absent sexual desire.

hypothalamus
A part of the brain which is vital in regulating many body functions including sex hormone production.

hysterectomy
The surgical removal of the uterus, and also sometimes the Fallopian tubes and ovaries.

hysterotomy
An abortion method used only in emergencies in late pregnancy, in which the fetus is removed through an incision made through the woman's uterus.

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 #