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 21 terms in this directory beginning with the letter C.
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.
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