A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y

A

AIDSStands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is the late stage of HIV and happens when your immune system has been weakened by HIV.
Anal sexInvolves inserting a penis, fingers or sex toy into the anus. It can also involve touching or licking the anus.
AbortionThe medical procedure to end a pregnancy. Abortion is legal in the UK up to 24 weeks, but in Highland is only carried out up to 18 weeks into the pregnancy.
AdoptionThe transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parents (the person who gives birth and their partner), to an adoptive parent.
Age of consentThe age at which you can legally have sex.
AromanticA person who experiences little or no romantic attraction. Someone who is aromatic may still experience sexual attraction.
AsexualAlso known as ‘Ace.’ Describes someone who feels little to no sexual attraction. Someone who is asexual still may experience romantic attraction.
AllySomeone who supports the LGBTQ+ community.

B

BallsA slang term for testicles.
BisexualA term to describes someone who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to people of more than one gender.
Birth ControlAn umbrella term to describe all methods of contraception including condoms.
BlowjobWhen someone performs oral sex on a penis.
BreastsOrgans made up of connective, fat, and breast tissue located on the chest. They produce milk to feed babies.

C

CervixJoins the lower part of the womb to the top of the vagina.
ChlamydiaIt is a bacterial infection. It is one of the most common STIs and is particularly common among under-25s.
CircumcisionThe surgical removal of the foreskin.
CisgenderSomeone whose gender identity is the same as the gender they were assigned at birth.
ClitorisAn organ full of sensitive nerve endings. The end of the clitoris is located under the clitoral hood at the top of the vagina and extends about 4cm internally. Its only purpose is pleasure and most people need clitoral stimulation to orgasm. 
CondomsThey are worn on an erect penis and act as a barrier preventing sexual fluids passing from person to person during vaginal, anal or oral sex. This provide protection against pregnancy and STIs.
ConsentWhen a person gives their permission or freely agrees to something. Everyone must consent to having any sexual contact for it to be legal. Consent is also about respecting an individual’s boundaries and comfort levels with any form of sexual activity and physical intimacy.
ContraceptionPrevents pregnancy. There are loads of different types of contraception.
CoilA form of contraception. There are 2 types: IUD and IUS.
CrabsA slang term for public lice.
C-section/ CaesareanA surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen.
Cum/ comeA slang term for semen. It also means to ejaculate or to orgasm.
CunnilingusThis is when the vulva and vagina is stimulated using the mouth and tongue.

D

DemisexualSomeone who might only feel attraction once they have developed an emotional connection.
DildoA slang name for a sex toy that you can used for penetrative sex.
DischargeVaginal discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes out of the vagina and is completely normal. The discharge keeps the vagina clean. If there is a change in the colour or smell of the discharge, then this may be a sign of infection.

Discharge can also be a sign of infection for people who have penises.

E

EggThe reproductive cell in the ovaries. The egg is released every month, travels through the fallopian tubes and eventually to the uterus.
EjaculateWhen someone with a penis orgasms and semen comes out of the penis.

Some people with a vagina also ejaculate fluid when they orgasm.
Emergency contraceptionA type contraception you take after having sex to prevent pregnancy, if you had sex without using another method of contraception.
ErectionWhen the penis fill with blood and becomes ‘hard’ or erect to prepare itself for sex. This is sometimes known as a hard on.

F

Fallopian tubesConnect the ovaries to the uterus.
FingeringThe act of touching or sexually stimulating someone’s clitoris and/or vagina with your fingers.
ForeplayOften described as the sexual acts or behaviours prior to penetrative sex. Foreplay can mean a lot of different things and is better described as anything that helps build arousal (getting ‘turned on.’) It can include anything, including touching each other bodies, sexting, eye contact or kissing.
ForeskinThe skin that covers the head of the penis.

G

G-spotAn area of the vagina that is said to be more sensitive and can result in more pleasure.
GayA term most commonly used for men but is also used to describe someone who feels romantic/sexual attraction to someone of the same gender.
GenderThe socially ascribed characteristics associated with men and women.
Genital HerpesA viral infection that causes painful blisters on the genitals.
Genital WartsSmall growths or bumps commonly found of the genital skin or anus. They are spread by skin to skin contact.
GlansThe highly sensitive nerves at the tip of the clitoris or penis.
Gonorrhoea A bacterial infected that is spread through unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex.

H

HandjobWhen someone uses their hands to stimulate a penis.
Hard-onA term used to describe an erect penis.
HepatitisA viral infection that can cause damage to the liver. There are various types of hepatitis, each with differences in terms of transmission and treatment.
HerpesA virus that causes sores on your genitals and face. It is passed on through skin to skin contact.
HeterosexualSomeone who feels romantic/ sexual attraction to someone of the opposite gender.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)A virus that infects the body’s white blood cells and stops the immune system, which fights infection, from functioning properly.
HornyA slang term for when someone is sexually aroused or wanting to have sex.
HomophobiaPrejudice or discrimination towards people who are LGB.
HomosexualDescribes someone who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to someone of the same gender.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)The name of a group of viruses. Some types can cause genital warts or cancer, but for most people they don’t cause any problems.
HymenA thin piece of tissue that surrounds the entrance to the vagina – it doesn’t cover the vagina. Everyone’s hymen is different and has nothing to do with virginity. Hymens stretch and don’t always break if something is inserted into the vagina. They can also tear or break from other activities too. Penetration shouldn’t be painful or cause a lot of bleeding.

I

ImplantAlso known as ‘the rod.’ It is a form of contraception that is inserted under the skin on the inside of your upper arm.
Indecent imagesA sexual image of someone under the age of 18.
InjectionContraception in the form of an injection. There are different types and it usually last up to 13 weeks. It is a Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) method.
Internal condomsUsed to be called femidoms. They are condoms that are inserted into the vagina to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
IntersexA person born with sex characteristics that do not fit within the binary characteristics of male and female.
IUDAlso known as the copper coil. It is a Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) method that is inserted into the uterus. It does not release hormones into the body.
IUSIt is a Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) method that is inserted into the uterus.

J

JohnnyA slang term for a condom.

K

KissingWhen two people put their mouths together. It can be sexual and non-sexual.

L

Labia Majora and MinoraThe inner and outer fold of skin (or lips) on the vulva.  
LesbianA term used to describe a women who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to other women.
LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive)Contraceptive methods that can last for a long time, In some cases can last up to 10 years, but are not permanent.
LibidoAnother word for sex drive
Licking outA slang term used to describe when someone uses their mouth to stimulate the vulva and vagina.
Lubrication/ LubeA liquid or gel that is used to prevent friction during sex. Lube can make any sexual act more pleasurable. There are lots of different types of lubes. Always check if the lube you are using is safe to use with condoms and toys.
LustWhen you have strong sexual desire for someone.

M

MasturbationThe term to describe sexually touching yourself for pleasure.
Menstruation Also known as a period. When the uterus sheds its lining to help carry the egg out of the body. Periods are made up of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus.
MenopauseWhen menstruation stops due to lower hormones in the body.
MiscarriageThe loss of a pregnancy.
MonogamySomeone who only has one sexual/romantic partner at a time.
Morning after pillA type contraception you take after having sex to prevent pregnancy, if you had sex without using another method of contraception.

N

NipplesThe raised bits of skin surrounded by the areola in the centre of the breasts or chest. Stimulating nipples can be pleasurable for some people.
Non-binarySomeone whose gender identity does not fit into the binary categories of ‘man’ and ‘woman.’
Non-monogamyAlso known as ethical non-monogamy. It is an umbrella term for when people have more than one romantic or sexual partner. These relationships can take many forms, but everyone is aware and agrees to it.
NudesA slang term to refer to a naked picture of someone. Often these are selfies.

O

Oral sexWhen you use your mouth to stimulate genitals – including the vagina, the penis and the anus.

Other terms for it might be: ‘giving head’, ‘going down on’, ‘licking out’, ‘sucking off’ or ‘giving a blow job’.
OrgasmIt happens when your body reaches peak pleasure. It’s not the be all and end all of having sex, and how you experience an orgasm can vary from one person to another.
OvariesResponsible for releasing eggs (ovum), which then travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. They also release hormones into the body.

P

PansexualSomeone who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to someone regardless of their sex or gender identity.
PatchA small stick-on patch that is placed on the body that prevents pregnancy by releasing a hormone into the body.
PEPStands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is a treatment that can stop HIV infection after you have been exposed.
PeriodsAlso known as menstruation. It happens when the uterus sheds its lining to help carry the egg out of the body. Periods are made up of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus.
PenisThe external reproductive organs which is made up of the shaft, glans and foreskin (if the penis is uncircumcised). The penis contains the urethra, which carries semen and urine to the outside of the body.
PillThe name for contraception taken in pill form. There are many different types of pill.
PolyamoryAn umbrella term to describe people who have sexual and/or romantic relationships with more than one person. These relationships can take many forms, but everyone is aware and agrees to it.
Pornography/ PornThe name for sexual images or videos that are intended to sexually arouse someone.
PregnancyThis is when an egg that has been fertilised by sperm attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This then grows into a baby.
PrEPPre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a pill that can stop the person taking it from getting HIV. 
Premature ejaculationWhen someone with a penis ejaculates/cums (orgasm) before they want to.
PubertyA period of both physical and mental change for someone who is growing up and reaching sexual maturity.
Pubic LiceAlso known as Crabs. They are very small, parasitic insects which live on the pubic hair.

Q

QueerAn umbrella term to describe someone who is not heterosexual or cisgender and is often used to refer to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. It is also often term used to as a way to reject norms or specific labels.

Queer has been reclaimed but many still view it as a slur.
QuestioningWhen someone is questioning or exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

R

RapeWhen someone forces their penis into the mouth, vagina or anus of another person who has not given, or is not capable of giving their consent.
ReproductionThe process of how babies are born.
Reproductive organsOrgans that are responsible for reproduction.
RimmingWhen someone stimulates someone else’s anus with their mouth and tongue.
Romantic attractionThe desire to be intimate and have an emotional connection with someone. This doesn’t always include sexual attraction.

S

SexAny kind of sexual act that gives you sexual pleasure.
SextingAny kind of sexual messaging. It can be photos, videos or text.
Sexual assaultAny kind of unwanted and non-consensual sexual contact, as well as being forced to do a sexual act or to view or watch indecent images.
Sexual attractionA desire to have sex with someone which doesn’t always include a romantic attraction.
Sexual intercourseA term used to describe penetrative sex.
ScrotumThe skin that holds the testicles.
ShagAnother word for sexual intercourse.
SlutA derogatory word to describe someone, most commonly used to describe women, who is perceived to have too much sex.
Smear testAlso known as a cervix screening. This is where a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing. 
SmegmaA thick, white, cheesy substance made up of dead skin cells, oil, and other fluids on the tip of the penis or in the folds of the vulva if not washed properly.
SpermThe sex cells that are produced in the testes.
SquirtingWhen someone with a vagina ejaculates.
STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Infections that are passed on during sexual contact.
StraightA commonly used word to describe someone who is heterosexual.
SyphilisA bacterial STI. It is less common than other STIs, but new cases are on the increase.

T

TestingA test to find out if you have an STI. What type of sex you had will determine what type of STI test you will need. They can involve taking urine or blood samples, taking a swab or a visual examination.
TesticlesThe glands located in the scrotum that produce hormones and sperm.
ThrushA common yeast infection. It is not an STI.
Trans manA man who was assigned female at birth. 
Trans womanA women who was assigned male at birth.
TransphobiaPrejudice, hatred or discrimination towards someone who is transgender.
TransgenderSomeone whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth.
TransitioningRefers to the steps that a trans person may take to live in the gender they identify as. Transition can be medical or social. 

Medical transition includes taking hormones or surgeries. Social transition includes coming out, changing your name and/or pronouns, changing the way you dress or present your physical appearance.
 
Transitioning is an individual process and trans people chose which aspects of transition are right for them. 

U

Urethral openingThe fancy name for your pee hole. On a penis it is located at the tip and on a vulva, between the clitoris and vagina.
UterusAlso known as a womb. It is a hollow organ located in the pelvis. It is where a fertilised egg implants itself during pregnancy and where a foetus develops until its birth. Periods are also the shedding of the uterus lining.
U=U (Undetectable = untransmittable)If someone is on effective treatment then their HIV becomes undetectable in the body. If it is undetectable then they cannot pass on HIV through sex to anyone else. 

V

VaginaThe passage that connects the vulva to the uterus.
Vaginal sexPenetration of the vagina with a penis, fingers or a sex toy.
VirginitySomeone who has never had sex. This can mean different things to different people. The concept of virginity is socially constructed and can be problematic as it promotes stereotypes and creates a double standard.
VulvaThe external parts of sex organs that include the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening and the urethral opening.

W

WankingSlang term for masturbate.
Wet dreamWhen a person orgasms or ejaculates while they are sleeping. It may or may not be caused by a sexual dream.
WombAnother name for the uterus.

X

X-ratedA term that describes media that contains sexually explicit content.

Y

Yeast infectionThis is not an STI. It can affect the genitals, and the mouth. Symptoms can include thick white discharge, itchiness and irritation, and burning and stinging when having sex or peeing.