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 12 terms in this directory beginning with the letter A.
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.
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