Glossary

  • abstinence    Complete avoidance of a particular activity, such as sex or drug use.
  • cervix    A narrow part of a bodily organ, such as where the lower part of the uterus opens into the vagina.
  • clitoris    A highly sensitive organ in the female reproductive system, located above and in front of the vaginal entrance, the stimulation of which contributes to female orgasm.
  • contraceptive    Preventive of pregnancy; device used for such; birth control.
  • ejaculate    In males, to orgasm, or “come,” and release semen. Also the semen released.
  • estrogen    Hormone that is made in the ovaries and plays a large role in the development of female sex characteristics.
  • fallopian tube    One of a pair of tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus.
  • fertility    Ability to reproduce and create offspring; productivity, abundance.
  • fertilize    To make capable of growing and developing.
  • gynecologist    A doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system.
  • hymen    A thin tissue that partly covers the opening of the vagina.
  • labia    External female genitalia; distinct outer folds of skin of the vulva, comprised of labia majora (outer) and labia minora (inner).
  • masturbation    Sexual self-stimulation.
  • menstrual cycle    A monthly cycle, including the making of hormones, the thickening of the uterine lining, and the shedding of the uterine lining, that ends with menstrual bleeding (menstruation).
  • orgasm    Series of pleasurable muscle contractions that occurs at the peak of sexual excitement.
  • ovary    One of a pair of female sex glands in which hormones and female sex cells, or ova, are produced.
  • ovulation    The release of a mature egg (ovum) from one of the ovaries.
  • Pap smear    A test for cervical cancer that is done by examining cells scraped off the cervix during a pelvic examination.
  • penis    Male external genital organ.
  • Pill, The    One of a number of contraceptives taken orally to prevent ovulation. Also known as a birth control pill.
  • puberty    Period during which adolescent bodies mature sexually and become capable of reproduction.
  • pubic hair    Hair covering or surrounding the genitals.
  • sexually transmitted infection (STI)    An infection spread through sexual intercourse or sexual contact. Formerly known as sexually transmitted disease (STD).
  • sperm    The male reproductive cell.
  • testicle    One of two small, oval sex glands of the male reproductive system, located in the scrotum, that produce sperm and the sex hormone testosterone. Also called testis.
  • uterus    Female organ in which offspring are contained and nourished until birth. Also called the womb.
  • vagina    Female genital organ in mammals that extends from the uterus to the external orifice of the body.