Abortion

a way of bringing pregnancy to an end, either by an operation or by medically prescribed pills.

AIDS

a condition whereby the body's immune system (the part of your body which fights off illness) stops functioning properly.

Anus

the end of the digestive tract, where the solid waste (or poo!) leaves the bowel.

Bladder

this organ stores urine, which is the liquid waste product of the body.

Cervical smear

a routine test to detect any abnormal cells in the cervix.

Cervix

the neck of the uterus (womb).

Clitoris

small pea-shaped bit, situated above where a girl urinates - very sensitive during sex.

Condom

a condom is made of thin latex rubber and goes over an erect penis. Condoms protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

Contraception

birth control - ways to stop pregnancy.

Ejaculation

the release of semen through the penis. Also known as 'cum'.

Erection

an aroused penis i.e. a stiff/hard penis. Also known as 'having a hard on' or 'stiffy'.

Fallopian tubes

two tubes that connect the ovaries to the womb. It is through these tubes that an egg travels on its way to the womb.

Fertilisation

when sperm enters an egg during sex and forms a new cell which eventually becomes a foetus.

Foreplay

sexual activity that arouses partners in preparation for penetration. Foreplay can and does take place without penetration.

Foreskin

The skin that covers the penis (and folded over the glans) is known as the foreskin. Some boys have this skin removed for religious or health reasons during childhood.

French kissing

kissing with open mouths using tongues. Also known as 'tonguing', 'pashing' or 'making out’.

Genitals

the body's sexual organs, i.e. testicles, penis etc.

Heterosexual
(or straight)

a person who is sexually attracted to members of the opposite sex.

Homosexual
(or gay)

a person who is sexually attracted to members of the same sex.

Hormones

chemicals from the brain.

Hymen

thin membrane of skin covering the opening of the vagina.

Infertile

someone who is unable to conceive (get pregnant)/or get someone pregnant.

Intercourse

sexual penetration - the technical name for having sex.

Labia

the folds of the external part of the female genitals. Labia minorum are the two lips of skin on either side of the entrance to the vagina. Labia majorum are the two outer folds of skin.

Lesbian

a woman/girl who is sexually attracted to other women.

Masturbation

rubbing, stroking and touching your own sexual organs for sexual pleasure. Also known as 'wanking'.

Menstruation

menstrual cycle i.e. the process of ovulating and having periods. Also known as 'time of the month' or 'rags'.

Oestrogen

the female sex hormone.

Oral sex

using your mouth and tongue to stimulate your partner's genitals. Also known as cunnilingus (boy to girl, girl to girl), and fellatio (girl to boy, boy to boy), 'blow job', (girl to boy, boy to boy), 'going down' (boy to girl or vice versa, girl to girl, boy to boy).

Orgasm

the peak of sexual pleasure. Also known as 'cuming', 'climax' and 'blowing'.

Ovaries

two tiny organs (about the size of a baked bean) that lie on either end of the fallopian tubes. Their job is to hold the thousands of unripe eggs every girl is born with. The ovaries release one egg a month.

Penetration

when the penis enters the vagina.

Penis

the shaft shaped organ that hangs outside the male body. Also known as 'cock' or 'dick’.

Perineum

the region of skin between the anus and the genitals

Puberty

physical bodily changes which make your body sexually mature.

Pubic hair

hair around the male and female genitals.

Safer sex

sex that lessens the risk of contracting a sexual infection i.e. using a condom.

Scrotum

pouch of skin that contains the testicles.

Semen

fluid which is ejaculated from the penis. Also known as 'cum'.

Seminiferous gland

this gland produces the bulk of the fluid that carries the sperm along.

Sexual health clinic

a clinic that deals with all things related to sex. There are some health clinics especially for young people under 25. To find one near you, click here

Testicles

also known as balls. These are two small glands found below the penis, which produce millions of sperm every day.

Testosterone

the male hormone.

Urethra

The tube that urine passes through out of the body.

Uterus

also known as the womb. This is an upside down pear shaped organ, where a foetus grows during pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the uterus sheds its lining during menstruation (a period).

Vagina

the passage from the neck of the womb to the external opening in the vulva. Also known as 'pussy' or 'fanny’.

Vas deferens

the job of these tubes is to carry sperm to the urethra prior to ejaculation.

Virgin

person who has not yet had sex.

Vulva

the external genitals of girls/women.

Wet dream

having an orgasm (or 'cuming') while you are asleep.

Withdrawal method

when a boy withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. It is wrongly thought that this stops semen from entering the vagina. Can also be referred to as 'pulling out'.