Here we’ll define many of the common terms you’ll encounter when talking about sex and your health.
If there’s a term you think should be here, feel free to “Submit a Term” and we’ll review it.
There are currently 174 terms in this directory
Abortion
A medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. There are two types of abortions: surgical and medical. Surgical abortions including using a vacuum to remove a fetus. Medical abortions, also called drug-induced abortions, involve taking medication that terminates a pregnancy.
Abstinence
Voluntarily deciding not to indulge a desire or appetite for sexual activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure. Also called celibacy.
Age of Consent
The age when the law says it's legal for you to have sex. In Jamaica, the age of consent is 16 years old.
AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and is a serious condition in which the body's defences against some illnesses stop working properly. The virus that causes AIDS is HIV, which can be sexually transmitted. You can protect yourself from HIV by using a condom every time you have sex.
Amenorrhea
A condition where a person’s menstrual periods stop for reasons other than pregnancy or menopause.
Anal Sex
A sexual behavior where a penis or object is inserted into someone’s anus for sexual pleasure.
Analingus
A sexual behavior where a person’s mouth and/or tongue is used to stimulate a partner’s anus. This is also known as rimming.
Antibiotics
Medicine that is designed to kill harmful bacteria, the tiny organisms that live in your body.
Anus
Often called the bum, arse or bottom, the anus is the hole at the end of the digestive system where solid waste comes out of the body.
Arousal
The physiological changes that occur as a result of sexual excitement. These include an erection, vaginal lubrication and an increased sense of sexual arousal.
Barrier Method
Contraceptive methods that protect against pregnancy by placing a physical barrier between sperm and egg. This includes condoms, diaphragms, female condoms and the sponge. Some barrier methods protect against the transmission of STDs (condoms) others do not (diaphragm).
Bartholin's Glands
Two glands that are located in the inner labia on each side of the vaginal opening. Their purpose is to provide lubrication during sexual arousal.
Bi-Curious
A term that refers to someone who is primarily attracted to people of a different sex, but who has romantic or sexual thoughts about people of the same sex.
Birth Control
A collection of methods that are used to prevent pregnancy. Also known as contraception.
Blood Test
A few drops of blood are taken, usually from the vein, by a doctor or nurse using a syringe. The blood will be sent to a laboratory to be tested.
Blue Balls
A term used to describe an uncomfortable, sometimes painful, feeling in the genital area when sexual arousal does not lead to ejaculation. Although it mostly relates to males, both males and females can experience this. It occurs in the testicles (balls) for males and in the lower pelvic region for females.
Breasts
A set of glands on a female's chest. Also known as boobs, tits and the bust. The main function of breasts is to give milk to babies.
Brest Self-Exam
An exam to check breasts for unusual lumps, swelling or discharge. Doing regular self-exams help females to familiarize herself with her own body, so if she can identify when something is unusual. Breast self-exams help to identify noncancerous growths, like cysts, as well as breast cancer. It is recommended that women and girls perform breast self-exams at least once a month, particularly a week after her period.
Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix is a life-threatening disease, but it can be treated and cured if it is discovered in the early stages. Cervical cancer is most common in women over 50 but it can affect females of all ages.
Cervical Cap
A small plastic or rubber cup that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.It is a barrier method. It is 85% effective at preventing pregnancy, but it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It may not be readily available in Jamaica.
Cervical Smear or Pap Smear
A test to check for cervical cancer. Cells are taken from a woman's cervix using a speculum (a small metal or plastic instrument), which goes inside the woman's vagina. The test isn't painful but it might be a little uncomfortable. Females should have a smear test every three to five years once they are 25 - 65 years.
Cervix
The cervix is a narrow passage that leads from the womb to the vagina. When a woman has a baby, the cervix opens up to allow the baby to be born.
Cesarean Section (C-Section)
A surgical procedure that removes a baby from a woman’s uterus by cutting open her abdomen.
Chlamydia
A very common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women.
Circumcision
Circumcision is when the foreskin on a male's penis is removed by a doctor during surgery. The operation can be done on babies for religious reasons, but it can happen at any time in a man's life if there is a problem with his foreskin. It's a safe operation and makes no difference to a man's sex life.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a small bud shaped bit of skin at the front of a woman's vagina. It gives women feelings of intense sexual pleasure when it is touched. Also called 'clit' for short.
Coitus Interruptus
A method of birth control where someone pulls their penis out of their partner’s vagina before ejaculation. Otherwise called ' pull out' or 'withdrawal'. It is not recommended because it is not always reliable at preventing pregnancy and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Cold Sore
A scabby or crusty sore patch, usually found near the mouth or nose, caused by the Herpes virus.
Conception
The process in which a sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube, resulting in fertilization.
Condom
A thin, rubber sheath (cover) worn over the penis, it is the best contraceptive that can protect against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Confidentiality
If something is confidential then it's secret and private. Even if you are under 16 you have the same right to confidentiality as adults. This means that doctors and nurses should not pass on any information about you to anybody else unless they think you are in serious danger. Even then they should discuss the issue with you first.
Contraceptive
A method used to prevent pregnancy. This can be either a natural, barrier, hormonal or surgical method.
Cowper's Glands
A pair of glands in the male reproductive system that are responsible for secreting a fluid that makes up pre- ejaculate (pre-cum) and the fluids surrounding sperm in semen or ejaculate.
Crabs
Lice that live in the pubic hair and can be spread from person to person during sex or close contact.
Cunnilingus
A sexual behavior where oral sex is performed usually by licking or sucking a person’s clitoris or vulva.
Dental Dam
A thin square of latex used to cover the vulva during oral sex or the anus during analingus to reduce the risk of spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Depo Provera
A hormonal contraceptive method that is injected into a girl’s arm or buttock every 3 months by a medical professional. It works by preventing ovulation and by thickening cervical mucus to keep sperm from fertilizing an egg. Also known as 'Depo' for short.
Diaphragm
A dome-shaped rubber cup that covers the opening to the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Discharge
Wet stuff that comes out of a penis or vagina. For women, discharge from the vagina is normal and will happen from puberty through to the menopause. It is produced by little glands in the vagina and the cervix. It will change during the month and can make sex more pleasurable. If the discharge is a funny colour or smells unpleasant, women should visit their local NHS Sexual Health (GUM) clinic, GP or nurse, Young Persons Sexual Health, or Family Planning clinic in case of an infection. For mans, discharge from the penis is not normal and quite likely indicates an STI. The quicker it is checked out the better.
Douching
The rinsing of the inside of the vagina with the use of pharmacy-bought products. It does not prevent against pregnancy nor sexually tranmitted infections (STIs) and can actually increase the risk for vaginal infections.
Dry Sex or Dry Humping
An act of mimicking sex by rubbing fully or partially-clothed bodies against each other or humping with clothes on.
Ectopic Pregnancy
When a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. In this situation, the fetus cannot survive. All ectopic pregnancies need to be terminated; if left untreated, they can be dangerous to the person’s health.
Egg
"The female sex cell produced by ovaries. If the egg is fertilised by a man's sperm it grows into an embryo which forms a baby."
Ejaculate
"When a man reaches climax, his penis releases semen which may or may not contains sperm.This is also referred called 'come'."
Embryo
An organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation, from fertilization to the beginning of the third month of pregnancy (in humans). After that point in time, an embryo is called a fetus.
Emergency Contraception
A method of birth control that is used when the primary method fails, for example, when the condom breaks. It comes in the form of pills that can be taken up to 72 hours after sex. The pills prevent pregnancy from occuring. A prescription is not required.
Endometrium
The lining of the uterus that grows and sheds during the menstrual cycle. It is also where a fertilized egg implants to begin a pregnancy.
Erection
When a man gets sexually aroused or excited his penis swells and becomes hard or erect. A man's penis needs to be erect so he can have penetrative sex.
Fallopian Tubes
The tubes that attach a woman's ovaries to her womb. The eggs travel down the fallopian tubes each month when they are released from the ovaries.
Fellatio
A sexual behavior where oral sex is performed usually by licking or sucking a person’s penis.
Fertilisation
This is where sperm and the egg fuse. This may take place either inside the female ovary or in a test tube.
Fertility
If a woman or man has a healthy reproductive system and they are able to get pregnant or to produce healthy sperm, they are fertile.
Fingering
A slang term for using one or several fingers to touch a girl’s or woman’s genitals, usually including a combination of touching or rubbing the clitoris and penetrating the vagina.
Foetus
The medical name for a developing baby in the womb between the 8th week of pregnancy and the birth.
Foreplay
All of the sexual activities that people might do to get each other sexually aroused either before or instead of intercourse.
Foreskin
A retractable area of skin that covers and protects the head (glans) of the penis. Some parents of male children have this skin removed soon after birth during a procedure called circumcision.
G-Spot
The shorter term for the “Grafenberg” Spot. It is a sensitive area located about two and half inches inside of the vagina (towards the navel) that can produce intense sexual pleasure when stimulated.
Gay
Term of identity for a man who has same-gender attractions. It is also used as a general term for same-gender attraction.
Gender
This refers to the social and cultural norms related to what it means to be masculine or feminine and one’ s gender identity. A person’s gender identity may or may not be related to their biological sex. This term is often used interchangeably with sex. However, sex is biological and refers to persons with vaginas being female and persons having penises being male.
Gender Identity
A person’s inner feelings and understanding about being male, female, neither or a combination. When these feelings will match one’s sex organs, it is called being cisgender. When one's inner sense and understanding of their gender does not match their sex organs, they may be considered transgender.
Gonorrhoea
A sexually transmitted infection, also known as The Clap. It can be easily treated with antibiotics, but can get serious if it is left untreated.
Hepatitis A
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual activities like rimming, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.
Hepatitis B
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual contact or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.
Hepatitis C
A disease that affects the liver which is transferred through blood. It can be caught through sexual contact if infected blood gets passed between two people, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.
Herpes
A virus that can lead to sores on the face or genitals. It can be passed on through sexual activities, or other close contact. There is no known cure for Herpes and you will always carry the virus, but it can be treated.
Heterosexual
Being sexually and romantically attracted to someone of a different sex. Otherwise known as being 'straight'.
HIV
This means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV can be sexually transmitted and is the virus that damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS. The only way to protect yourself against HIV is to use a proper protecting when engaging in sexual activity.
HIV Test
A blood or oral swab test to detect antibodies to HIV. The test, including results delivery, generally takes about 20 minutes.
Hormones
Naturally occurring chemicals that guide the changes that take place in the body. As well as causing physical changes, hormones cause emotional changes too. Hormones cause puberty to start in men and women.
Human Papilloma Virus
HPV (Human Papilloma virus) - A virus found in women that can contribute to cell changes in the cervix.
Hymen
The thin layer of skin that partially covers the entrance to a woman's vagina. It can be broken by sex, tampons or various sporting activities.
Incest
When people who are related, like brothers and sisters, have sex with each other. Incest is illegal in Jamaica.
Indigo
A disease that affects the liver which can be caught through sexual activities like rimming, or by sharing infected needles used to inject drugs.
Infertile
A woman who is unable to have a baby or a man who cannot fertilise a woman's eggs with his sperms.
Internal Pelvic Imflammation
An internal exam performed on a woman, if they complain of specific symptoms. It is simple, painless (although it might be a bit uncomfortable) and shouldn't take longer than ten minutes. A plastic or metal instrument called a speculum may be inserted into your vagina and then the nurse or doctor will put some gloves on and examine the inside of your vagina with their fingers while they press on your abdomen. You can always ask for a female doctor.
Intersex
A person born with a combination of genitals and/or chromosomes that are different from an XY male with a penis and testicles or an XX female with a vagina and ovaries. Intersex people may have XO, XXY, XYY or any other combination of chromosomes and anatomy.
Intrauterine Device
A contraceptive device (either hormonal or non-hormonal) that is inserted into the womb to prevent pregnancy over a long period of time. It does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are periods that change each month and do not happen every 28 days. Periods are controlled by hormones and irregular ones are usually part of the normal changes that happen to teenagers.
Libido
A term that refers to someone’s sex drive or the amount or frequency of sex they would like to have.
Love bite
When someone sucks or gently bites the skin of another person leaving a red mark. Also known as Icky.
Lubricant
A substance that adds moisture and reduces chafing, irritation and discomfort during sexual activities.
Menopause
A stage in a woman’s life when her ovaries stop producing the hormone oestrogen, and her body goes through a number of changes, including the end of her menstrual cycle. This generally happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
Menstruation
This is where female ovary walls break down and shed blood called period. This occurs since the egg was not fertilised by sperms. The bleeding happens when an egg is not fertilised and comes out of the vagina along with the thick lining of the womb that builds up each month. The blood usually looks thick and gooey and may be bright red or brown in colour.
Miscarriage
When a foetus, comes out of a woman's womb before it is old enough to survive outside its' mother' s body. Also called 'losing a baby'. This can be spontaneous or deliberate.
Nipples
The raised bits of skin at the centre of each breast, nipples are usually harder and darker in colour than the rest of a woman's breast, or a man's chest.
Ovaries
Ovaries are the female reproductive gland. They hold and develop eggs and make hormones called oestrogen and progesterone.
Ovulation
Once a month, or once during each menstrual cycle, a woman's ovaries produce eggs. This is called ovulation.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Disease affecting girls which causes pain in the lower tummy. It can lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
A medication prescribed by a health care provider to prevent HIV infection after someone may have been exposed to HIV. It can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after possible exposure. Studies have shown that it can be up to 80-percent effective at preventing HIV infection. PEP does not prevent other STDs or pregnancy.
Placenta
The sac in which a fetus develops during pregnancy that provides nourishment and protection.
PMS
Short for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension, it is caused by hormonal changes in the body during the days leading up to a woman's period. It can make some girls feel moody, sad, irritable and tired.
PMT
Short for premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual tension, it is caused by hormonal changes in the body during the days leading up to a woman's period. It can make some girls feel moody, sad, irritable and tired.
Pre-Cum
Also known as pre-ejaculate, a small amount of fluid that is made in the Cowper’s gland and that comes out of the tip of the penis shortly after a boy or man gets an erection. It is designed to clean the urethra of urine and coat the walls to increase the chances of sperm surviving once they are ejaculated. Some males always have sperm in their pre-cum and others never do. Pre-cum can transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
A medication prescribed by a health care provider to prevent HIV infection before someone is exposed to the virus. It is recommended for people with a high risk of exposure to HIV through sex or injection drug use. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
Prostate Gland
A walnut-sized gland just below a man's bladder. It produces the fluid that is called cum.
Puberty
The time when children's bodies start to change and become mature. Puberty usually starts between the ages of 9 and 13. Puberty takes a long time and affects you emotionally as well as physically. Puberty is triggered by certain hormones or chemicals, inside your body.
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the skin and are often called "crabs". They are passed on during sex or through close physical contact.
Queer
An umbrella term used for sexual and gender minorities (persons who are not heterosexual or cisgender).
Rape
When someone is forced to engage in sexual activity against their will (without giving permission or consent) it is called rape. Rape is against the law and is taken very seriously by the police.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is a natural form of contraception that involves calculating a female's fertile period during her monthly cycle so that she can abstain from sex during that time. Persons who want to get pregnant can also use this method to calculate ovulation. The rhythm method includes tracking body temperature, charting the menstrual cycle and monitoring discharge. It is also called the Fertility Awareness method.
Safer Sex
Abstinence is the only method that is 100% safe, so 'safer' sex means being responsible about sexual behaviours by doing things that reduce your chances of getting or spreading a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and/or becoming (or getting a girl) pregnant. This includes educating oneself about STIs and pregnancy, using barriers like condoms along with another contraceptive method, limiting the number of partners a person has, and getting tested for STIs on a regular basis.
Sanitary Napkins or Pads
Sanitary napkins are cotton pads that fit into a woman's underwear (knickers) when she is having her period. The towels soak up blood, but need to be changed every few hours.
Scabies
An itchy and contagious skin infection that can be passed on through non-sexual and sexual contact - even hand holding.
Semen
A fluid that contains a mixture of secretions from a man's reproductive glands and sperm cells. Semen comes out from the penis when he ejaculates.
Sex
Sex can refer to a person's biological makeup that tells if the person is male or female (having a penis versus having a vagina). Sex can also refer to the act of engaging in sexual intercourse with another person.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual touching or behaviours that are unwanted, including rape. Sexual abuse is illegal.
Sexual Orientation
A term to describe the gender or genders of the people to whom one is attracted physically and romantically. Sexual orientations include bisexual, gay, lesbian, heterosexual and in some cases queer.
Sexuality
A broad term that refers to sexual behaviours, body parts, how people feel about themselves and being with others, how they see their gender and sexual identities, and how they interact with other people.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Infections that are passed from one person to another during sex or sexual activity. Some of which are more common and dangerous than others. The best way to protect yourself if you are having sex is to always use a condom.
Shaft
The long part of the penis that is attached to the body and ends at the tip with the head ( glans).
Spermicide
A chemical that kills sperm. It comes in a variety of forms including gel, cream, foam, suppositories and film. Some condoms are lubricated with spermicide.
Statutory Rape
Sexual intercourse with a person who is under a certain age. In Jamaica, this refers to anyone who is under age 16.
Syphilis
A sexually transmitted infection, which may go unnoticed and can spread without either partner knowing. It is passed during sex or sexual activity and can be serious if left untreated.
Thrush
A genital infection that affect both male and female caused by a fungus. It causes soreness and itching in the genital area. It is more common in females.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS used to be associated with tampons, but doctors now think it could be caused by a number of things including diaphragms (caps). TSS is rare but serious and causes high fever, faintness and muscle problems.
Transgender
A term that describes a person whose gender identity does not match that person’s biological sex. This may include someone who was born biologically female who feels male, or vice versa. Transgender people may alter their bodies using hormones and/or surgery.
Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by an organism that lives in the lining of the vaginal walls and causes an irritating, foamy discharge with an strong odor. Trichomoniasis, or Trich, can be passed between sexual partners (including between male and female partners) and can be cured with antibiotics.
Tubal Ligation
A surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy in which the Fallopian tubes are tied or cut and burned to prevent eggs from entering the uterus. It is a permanent procedure. Otherwise known as “getting your tubes tied” or "tie off."
Vas Deferens
Thin tubes that transport sperm from the testes up past the prostate and seminal vesicles to the urethra.
Vasectomy
A surgical contraceptive procedure in which a man’s Vas Deferens are cut and burned, closed or tied off. It is a permanent procedure. Vasectomy does not affect a man’s sexual performance. The only difference is that the semen will no longer contain sperm.
Wet Dreams
When a man ejaculates while he is asleep it is called a wet dream. Wet dreams are a normal and natural part of sexual development.
Withdrawal
A behavioural method of contraception that involves pulling a penis out of a vagina before ejaculation so that no sperm gets inside the vagina. Also known as "pullling out" or coitus interruptus.
Womb
Also called a uterus, the womb is a pear-shaped organ in a woman's body that a baby can grow inside.
Yeast Infection
An infection that is caused by an overgrowth of the naturally occurring yeast in a vagina. Symptoms can include itching, skin irritation, redness, white and clumpy discharge and burning during urination. The infection can be cured by using an anti-fungal medication. Wearing cotton, loose-fitting underwear and keeping the area around the vaginal opening dry can help prevent yeast infections.
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