Glossary of Sexual Health Terms

Abstinence: The decision to refrain from engaging in sexual activity, typically as a form of contraception or to prevent sexually transmitted infections. If practiced consistently, complete abstinence (no vaginal, anal, or oral sex) is the only form of "Safe Sex."

Anal Play: Stimulation of the anus for pleasure and arousal, which can include fingering, licking, penetration, or the use of sex toys. Also known as Butt Play. See Anal Play 101: A Beginner's Guide To Anal Play.

Animal-Friendly: Products or practices that prioritize the welfare and well-being of animals by avoiding harm, exploitation, or cruelty in their production, testing, or use.

Arousal: The state of heightened physiological and psychological readiness for sexual activity, characterized by increased blood flow to the genitals, lubrication, and heightened sensitivity to stimulation.

Arousal Balm: Topical product designed to enhance sexual arousal and sensitivity when applied to erogenous zones.

Bathtub Masturbation: Self-stimulating the genitals for sexual pleasure while in a bathtub, often incorporating water pressure for enhanced sensations. Also known as Bathturbation, Bathtub Technique, and Faucet Masturbation.

BDSM: An acronym for Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism.

Blended Orgasm: Occurs when multiple erogenous zones, such as the clitoris and G-spot, are stimulated simultaneously or sequentially, resulting in a heightened and more intense orgasmic experience.

Body Count: Slang term referring to the number of sexual partners a person has had, often used informally to discuss or inquire about someone's sexual history or experiences. See Why Your Body Count Should Never Matter

Body-Safe Products: Products, including condoms, lubricants, and sex toys, made from materials that are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals, ensuring safe and pleasurable sexual experiences. See How To Shop For Body-Safe Sex Toys And Essentials.

Boffing: Engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual activity, often used informally or humorously to describe sexual encounters or relationships.

Bondage: The practice of restraining a person's body using ropes, handcuffs, or other devices for sexual pleasure and power dynamics.

Boofing: The act of ingesting drugs or other substances by inserting them into the rectum for absorption into the bloodstream, typically for heightened effects. Also known as "plugging" or "booty bumping."

Bussy: A slang term used to refer to the anus or buttocks, particularly in the context of gay or LGBTQ+ communities, often used humorously or affectionately.

BV (or Bacterial Vaginosis): An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation.

Calendar Method: Also known as fertility awareness or natural family planning, involves tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile and non-fertile days for contraception or conception purposes.

Cervix: The visible portion of the end of the uterus at the back of the vagina through which babies are born.

Chlamydia: A common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, often asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including infertility.

Clitoral Orgasm: A type of orgasm achieved through stimulation of the clitoris, typically resulting in intense pleasure and climax for individuals with vulvas.

Clitoris: The highly sensitive, erectile organ located at the top of the vulva, responsible for sexual pleasure in individuals with vulvas, with thousands of nerve endings. It is the only organ in the human body solely dedicated to pleasure, and it contains thousands of nerve endings and can vary in size and sensitivity among individuals.

Condom: A thin, sheath-shaped barrier device worn on the penis (male condom) or inserted into the vagina (female or internal condom) during sexual intercourse to help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Consent: Voluntary, enthusiastic agreement by all parties involved in a sexual activity, based on mutual understanding and ongoing communication.

Cunnilingus: Oral stimulation of the vulva and clitoris for sexual pleasure.

Cycle Syncing: Aligning daily activities, including diet, exercise, and productivity, with different phases of the menstrual cycle to optimize health (including sex), well-being, and productivity. See Cycle Syncing Your Sex Life.

Date Rape: Non-consensual sexual act involving force, coercion, or lack of consent, that occurs between individuals who know each other, often during a social or romantic encounter.

Dental Dam: A thin flexible barrier placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex to help decrease the transmission of STIs. Also known as an Oral Dam.

Diaphragm: A round piece of flexible rubber with a rigid rim placed in a woman's vagina and against the cervix. Often used in conjunction with spermicide, the diaphragm prevents semen from entering the womb.

Disability-Friendly Sex Toys: Specially designed sexual aids that accommodate various physical disabilities, providing accessible and enjoyable sexual experiences for individuals with mobility, sensory, or other limitations. See Meet The World's Most Disability-Friendly Sex Toy.

Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse.

Doppelbanger: A slang term used to describe a person who engages in sexual activity with someone who closely resembles them or has a similar appearance, often used humorously.

Eco-Friendly Sex Toys: Sexual aids made from sustainable materials, produced using environmentally friendly practices, and designed to minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. See How To Make Sure Your Sex Toys Are Eco-Friendly.

Edging: A technique of delaying orgasm or sexual release to prolong sexual pleasure and intensify the eventual climax.

Emergency Contraception: Generally a hormonal contraceptive (known as the "morning after pill") used within 72 hours after unprotected sex or when the primary contraceptive method fails.

Empowerment: The process of gaining confidence, autonomy, and control over one's life, choices, and circumstances, enabling individuals to assert their rights, pursue goals, and effect positive change.

Endometriosis: A painful condition in which tissue that looks and acts like endometrial (uterine lining) tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility.

Erogenous Zones: Areas of the body that, when stimulated, can produce sexual arousal and pleasure, such as the genitals, nipples, lips, neck, ears, and inner thighs.

Erotica: Literature, art, or media that explores themes of sexual desire, passion, and arousal in a tasteful and artistic manner, intended to stimulate and titillate the imagination. (As distinguished from Pornography). See Exploring Erotica.

Ethical Porn: Adult films or content produced and distributed ethically, prioritizing consent, diversity, fair compensation, and the well-being of performers, and avoiding exploitation and harmful stereotypes. See How To Be More Ethical When Choosing Porn.

Exhibitionism: The act of exposing one's genitals or engaging in sexual activity in public or semi-public spaces, with the intention of arousing others.

External Stimulation: The arousal or pleasure derived from touching, rubbing, or stimulating erogenous zones on the outside of the body, such as the genitals, nipples, or other sensitive areas.

Facial: The act of ejaculating semen onto someone's face during sexual activity, typically as a form of arousal, fetish, or as part of sexual exploration.

Fake Orgasm: The act of pretending to reach sexual climax or orgasm during sexual activity, often to convey pleasure or satisfaction when it has not actually been experienced.

Fellatio: Oral stimulation of the penis for sexual pleasure.

Female Pleasure: The diverse range of physical, emotional, and psychological sensations experienced by individuals with vulvas during sexual activity, promoting fulfillment, joy, and intimacy without judgment or stigma.

Feminism: In the context of sex, feminism advocates for gender equality and empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles, promoting bodily autonomy, consent, and addressing issues of sexual discrimination and violence. See 10 Feminist Myths.

Fertile Window: The five days leading up to ovulation, plus the day of ovulation and the day after ovulation — seven days in total. Not to be relied upon for the calendar method if you have irregular periods and the length of your menstrual cycle varies from month to month.

Fetish: A sexual fixation or obsession with a specific object, body part, or activity that is necessary for arousal and sexual gratification, often beyond conventional sexual practices. See The Difference Between Kinks And Fetishes.

Foreplay: Sexual activity that occurs before intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration. It typically involves activities such as kissing, touching, oral sex, or manual stimulation to enhance arousal.

Friendship Sex: Sex with a friend without the expectation of a romantic relationship, often based on mutual attraction, trust, and respect within the friendship. See How To Have Healthy Friendship Sex.

Fuckboys: Individuals, typically men, who engage in casual sexual encounters without emotional attachment or commitment, often exhibiting manipulative or disrespectful behavior towards their partners. See Everything You Need To Know About Fuckboys.

Galentine's Day: A non-official holiday celebrated on February 13th, originating from the television show "Parks and Recreation," dedicated to female friendship, camaraderie, and appreciation in advance of Valentine's Day.

G-Spot: An erogenous zone located 2 to 3 inches inside the vagina, on the front wall, theorized to produce intense sexual pleasure when stimulated, often leading to orgasm in some individuals.

Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.

Genital Warts: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), characterized by small, flesh-colored bumps or growths on the genital area or anal region.

Getting Wet: The natural lubrication produced by the vagina in response to sexual arousal or stimulation, facilitating comfortable and pleasurable penetration during sexual activity. See Everything You Need To Know About Getting Wet.

Glory Hole: A hole, often in a wall or partition, used for anonymous sexual encounters, where one person inserts their genitals for sexual activity with an unknown partner on the other side.

Gonorrhea: An STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, characterized by symptoms such as painful urination and discharge (though it can also be symptomless), and can lead to complications if left untreated. Also known as the Clap or Drip.

Hepatitis B: A viral infection that affects the liver, transmitted through contact with infected blood (by sharing a needle) or bodily fluids via sexual contact, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Herpes: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by painful blisters or sores on the genitals, mouth, or rectum, with periods of remission and recurrence.

HIV (or Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A viral infection that attacks the immune system, transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk, leading to AIDS if untreated.

HPV (or Human Papillomavirus): A common STI transmitted through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact, often asymptomatic, that can cause inflammation of the cervival cells and is associated with cervical cancer.

Hypoallergenic: Less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus.

Inclusive Love: Unconditional acceptance, respect, and compassion for individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, identities, and backgrounds, embracing diversity and celebrating love in all its forms. See Inclusive Love: On Valentine's Day And Every Day.

Internal Stimulation: The arousal or pleasure derived from stimulating erogenous zones or sensitive areas inside the body, such as the vagina, anus, or other internal genital structures. See Internal vs. External Stimulation: How To Leverage Both.

Intimacy: The emotional closeness, connection, and trust shared between individuals, fostering vulnerability, understanding, and deep affection, often expressed through physical touch, communication, and shared experiences.

Kink: An umbrella term for a range of unconventional or non-normative sexual practices, preferences, or fetishes that deviate from mainstream sexual activities.

Labia Majora: A part of the female external genitalia that consists of folds of tissue that lie on either side of the vaginal opening and form the border of the vulva.

Labia Minora: A part of the female external genitalia that consists of a thin layer of skin that lies between the vaginal opening and the labia majora.

Libido: A person's overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, varying in intensity and frequency among individuals. See How To Avoid A Low Libido Trap.

Lost Orgasm: The inability to achieve orgasm or experiencing diminished pleasure and satisfaction during sexual activity compared to previous experiences, often due to various factors such as stress or health issues. See Samantha's Lost Orgasm.

Lovability: The quality or characteristic of being deserving of love, affection, and acceptance, often based on traits such as kindness, compassion, empathy, and emotional availability. Also a kick-ass personal pleasure and sexual health brand.

Personal Lubricant: A substance - also referred to as lube - used to reduce friction and discomfort during sexual activity by providing additional moisture to the genitals, enhancing comfort and pleasure.

Madonna-Whore Complex: A psychological phenomenon where individuals perceive women as either pure and virtuous (Madonna) or sexually promiscuous and immoral (whore), leading to dichotomous views of femininity. See Can You Be Desired And Respected?

Masochism. It encompasses various sexual practices involving power dynamics, role-playing, and consensual acts of dominance and submission.

Massage Candle: A type of 3-in-1 candle that, when melted, produces warm, soothing massage oil or wax, often infused with essential oils, for sensual, aromatic and moisturizing massage experiences. Beginner's BDSM tool for wax play. See Massage Candles 101: A Beginner's Guide.

Masturbation: The act of sexually stimulating oneself, typically involving touching or rubbing the genitals to achieve sexual pleasure and orgasm. Colloquial terms abound, including "rubbing one out" and "flicking the bean."

Masturbation Myths: False beliefs or misconceptions about masturbation, often perpetuated by societal taboos or misinformation, which may create shame, guilt, or misunderstanding about masturbation practices.

Masturdating: A combination of "masturbation" and "dating," referring to the practice of going on dates or engaging in activities alone to enjoy personal time, self-discovery, and self-pleasure. See Why Masturdating Is Important.

Menopause: When a woman's ovaries stop producing hormones because the number of eggs (follicles) is limited. At this time, regular menstrual periods stop.

Menstrual Cycle: The recurrent cycle the female body goes through in response to changes occurring in the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina.

Menstrual Flow: The flow of body fluid from the vagina resulting from the uterus shedding its lining.

Missionary Position: A sexual position where one partner lies on their back, and the other partner lies on top, facing each other, for sexual intercourse. See Why Missionary Is My Favorite Position.

Mutual Masturbation: Involves two or more partners stimulating their own genitals or each other's genitals simultaneously for sexual pleasure and arousal, typically without engaging in penetrative intercourse or as foreplay. See The Benefits of Mutual Masturbation.

Nipple Play: Stimulation or manipulation of the nipples for sexual pleasure, which can involve touching, licking, sucking, or applying varying degrees of pressure and sensation. See Nipple Play 101.

Non-Infectious Vaginitis: A form of vaginitis (irritation or inflammation of the vagina) that may result as a reaction to certain substances or chemicals, such as vaginal sprays, douches, spermicides, soap, laundry detergent, or fabric softener.

One Night Planned: A deliberate decision to proudly prepare and engage in thoughtful safe-sex without stigma, regardless of commitment or expectations beyond that encounter. See 6 Essentials For The Perfect One Night Planned.

Oral Sex: Sexual activity involving the stimulation of the genitals using the mouth, tongue, or lips. It can be performed on a penis (fellatio), on a vulva (cunnilingus), or on an anus (anilingus).

Orgasm Gap: The disparity in rates of orgasm between genders, with women often experiencing fewer orgasms than men during sexual encounters. See The Orgasm Gap Is As Wide As Ever.

Osmolality: With respect to a personal lubricant, the osmolality can affect the balance of moisture and the health of vaginal tissues. A lube with a similar osmolality to vaginal fluids is less likely to cause irritation or disrupt the vaginal microbiome.

Pegging: A sexual practice in which a person uses a strap-on dildo to anally penetrate their male partner for sexual pleasure and exploration of power dynamics.

Pelvic Exam: An examination during which a doctor inserts a speculum and examines the vagina, cervix, and uterus. The doctor will feel for any lumps or changes. A Pap smear is usually done during a pelvic exam.

Perineum: The space between the anus and the scrotum in the male and the anus and the vulva in the female.

Period Sex: Engaging in sexual activity during menstruation, which can involve vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or other forms of sexual stimulation while one or both partners are menstruating. See Can I Have Sex On My Period?

pH Balance: The level of acidity or alkalinity in a substance, such as the vagina, which helps maintain optimal conditions for healthy microbial growth and prevents infections.

Polyamory: A relationship style that involves having multiple consensual and simultaneous romantic or sexual partnerships with the knowledge and consent of all parties involved.

Pornography: Visual or written material depicting explicit sexual content intended primarily for arousal and sexual gratification, often featuring explicit depictions of sexual acts and nudity. (As distinguished from Erotica.)

Pussy Sneeze: Colloquial term used to describe the expulsion of vaginal fluids during sexual arousal or orgasm, similar to the sensation of sneezing. Also refers to having a quick orgasm.

Rimjob: Oral stimulation of the anus, where one partner uses their tongue, lips, or mouth to pleasure their partner's anus. Also known as analingus.

Roleplay: Engaging in sexual activity or fantasies that involve pretending to be someone else or acting out specific scenarios or roles.

Sadomasochism (S&M): A sexual practice that combines elements of sadism (pleasure from inflicting pain) and masochism (pleasure from receiving pain), often involving power dynamics and consensual acts of domination and submission.

Safe Sex: Sexual activity that eliminates the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy entirely, often through abstinence or monogamy with a known uninfected partner. See The Difference Between Safe Sex And Safer Sex.

Safer Sex: Sexual practices that reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy, typically involving condom use, regular testing, and open communication about sexual health.

Self-Love: The practice of valuing, appreciating, and caring for oneself, encompassing acceptance, compassion, and nurturing of one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being, fostering a positive relationship with oneself. Euphemistic term for masturbation.

Sexual Awakening: The process of discovering, exploring, and understanding one's own sexuality, desires, and preferences, often accompanied by increased self-awareness, curiosity, and personal growth.

Sex Education: The provision of accurate, inclusive, and comprehensive information about sexual health, relationships, and consent, aimed at promoting healthy attitudes, behaviors, and relationships without judgment or stigma.

Sex Essentials: Fundamental elements necessary for healthy and pleasurable sexual experiences, including consent, communication, mutual respect, hygiene, and access to essential products for safer sex.

Sexting: The act of sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, typically between consenting adults for sexual arousal or excitement.

Sexual Intercourse: The act of engaging in sexual activity involving penetration, usually referring to penis-vagina penetration, but it can also include other forms of penetration.

Sex-Positive: An attitude or perspective that embraces open-mindedness, acceptance, and celebration of diverse sexualities, desires, and practices, advocating for sexual freedom, pleasure, and empowerment without judgment or stigma.

Sexual Wellness: The holistic state of physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality, encompassing sexual health, pleasure, satisfaction, and positive attitudes towards one's own sexuality.

Shrimping: Sucking or licking of toes for erotic pleasure or arousal, often as part of foot fetishism or BDSM activities.

Slow Pleasure: The deliberate and unhurried exploration of sensual and sexual sensations, focusing on prolonged arousal and enjoyment, often involving gentle touch, teasing, and intimacy.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): An infection transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, often presenting with symptoms or asymptomatic. STIs are very common: the CDC estimates that over half of people in the U.S. will have an STI in their lifetime, and that there are roughly 20 million new cases in the U.S. each year. See Your Guide To STIs (And How To Protect, Test & Treat Them) and Taking The Stigma Out Of STIs.

Simping: Refers to excessive admiration or devotion towards someone, particularly in the context of a romantic interest, often with the implication of being submissive or overly accommodating.

Sploshing: A fetish involving the application of food substances, such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or pudding, onto the body for sexual arousal or sensory stimulation.

Stealthing: The non-consensual act of removing a condom during sexual intercourse without the knowledge or consent of one's partner, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. See Stealthing: The Deceptive Way Men Get Out Of Using Condoms.

Swinging: Engaging in consensual sexual activity or swapping partners within a committed relationship or among couples in a social setting.

Syphilis: An STI caused by Treponema pallidum that enters the body through skin or any mucus membrane. It can cause lesions in any organ or tissue and if untreated becomes chronic.

Tantra: A spiritual and sexual practice originating from ancient Indian traditions that emphasizes sexual connection, energy flow, and mindfulness.

Threesome: Sexual activity involving three individuals. It can take various forms, such as two individuals engaging with a third person simultaneously or a group of three people having sexual interactions.

Trichomoniasis: An STI caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, often presenting with symptoms such as vaginal discharge, itching, and discomfort during urination or intercourse.

Uterus: A hollow pear shaped reproductive organ that receives the fertilized egg and nourishes the fetus until time of delivery.

UTI (or Urinary Tract Infection): A bacterial infection affecting the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys, leading to symptoms such as painful urination and frequent urges to urinate. UTIs can be caused by STIs but are not necessarily caused by sex.

Vagina: The muscular canal that connects the external genitals to the cervix and uterus, serving as a passageway for menstrual flow, childbirth, and sexual intercourse.

Vaginal Discharge: A clear or whitish fluid produced by the uterus, cervix or vagina that comes out of the vagina. An unusual-smelling, yellow or green discharge is abnormal and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Vaginal Smell: The natural odor produced by the vagina, influenced by hormonal changes, hygiene practices, and individual factors, typically varying in scent and intensity among individuals. See Does My Vagina Smell Normal?

Vegan: Products that do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, meeting the standards of a vegan lifestyle by excluding all forms of animal exploitation.

Virginity: A social construct that defines a person's sexual experience based on cultural beliefs and norms, often emphasizing purity and chastity, but lacking biological basis or universal definition.

Voyeurism: The act of deriving sexual pleasure from observing others engaging in sexual activity or being naked.

Vulva: The external female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening, involved in sexual arousal, intercourse, and reproductive functions. See Get To Know Your Vulva.

Walk of Shame: A stigmatized term referring to the journey home, often after a one-night stand, characterized by feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness about one's appearance or behavior. See Goodbye Walk of Shame...Hello Walk of Fame.

Wax Play: A BDSM practice involving dripping hot wax from candles onto a person's body for sensual or erotic stimulation, often incorporating elements of pain and pleasure.

Yeast Infecton: A common fungal infection (not an STI) caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as itching, irritation, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Glossary of Sexual Health Terms

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