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Human Sexuality Terms
Terms
237
Other
Graduate
02/04/2013

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Term
Acquaintance rape (date rape)
Definition
forced sexual assault by a friend, acquaintance or date
Term
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Definition
a catastrophic illness in which a virus invades and destroys the ability of the immune system to fight disease. The AIDS virus appears to be spread primarily through sexual contact, needle sharing among injection drug users, or less commonly, through administration of contaminated blood products.
Term
Afterbirth
Definition
the placenta and amniotic sac following their expulsion through the vagina after childbirth
Term
Alexithymia
Definition
the inability to put one's feelings or emotions into words
Term
Amenorrhea
Definition
the absence of menstruation
Term
Amniotic fluid
Definition
the fluid inside the amniotic sac surrounding the fetus during pregnancy
Term
Amniocentesis
Definition
a procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and tested to determine if certain fetal birth defects exist
Term
Analingus
Definition
oral stimulation of the anus
Term
Anaphrodisiacs
Definition
substances that are known to inhibit sexual behavior ----such as tranquilizers, opiates, antihypertensives, and nicotine
Term
Androgens
Definition
the primary hormone products of the testes, most importantly testosterone, which influences both the development of male physical sexual characteristics and sexual motivation
Term
Androgyny
Definition
possessing behavioral characteristics of both sexes; also used to describe gender role flexibility
Term
Aphrodisiac
Definition
a substance that allegedly arouses sexual desire and increases the capacity for sexual activity
Term
Areola
Definition
the darkened circular area surrounding the nipple of the breast
Term
Artificial insemination
Definition
a procedure in which semen from a woman's partner is mechanically introduced by a health care practitioner into the woman's vagina, cervix, or uterus
Term
Atypical sexual behavior
Definition
term the authors use to describe sexual behavior that is not typically expressed by the majority of people in American society; clinical term is paraphilia
Term
Autoerotic asphyxia
Definition
the enhancement of sexual excitement and orgasm by pressure-induced oxygen deprivation
Term
Bartholin's glands
Definition
two small glands located on each side of the vaginal opening that secrete a few drops of fluid during sexual arousal
Term
Basal body-temperature method (BBT)
Definition
a method of birth control based on temperature changes before and after ovulation
Term
Bisexuality
Definition
attraction to both same-sex and other-sex partners
Term
Bondage
Definition
deriving sexual pleasure from being bound, tied up or otherwise restricted
Term
Breasts
Definition
secondary sex characteristics, composed of fatty tissue and mammary glands
Term
Bridge maneuver
Definition
a technique used to help women experience orgasm during intercourse
Term
Calendar method
Definition
a method of birth control based on abstinence from intercourse during the estimated calendar time of her menstrual cycle when she is ovulating and fertile
Term
Candidiasis
Definition
an inflammatory infection of the vaginal tissues caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans
Term
Castration
Definition
surgical removal of the testes or ovaries.
Term
Celibacy
Definition
the state of being unmarried (as historically defined); currently defined as not engaging in sexual behavior
Term
Cervical cap
Definition
a plastic or rubber thimble-shaped cup that covers the cervix in order to provide a contraceptive barrier to sperm
Term
Cervix
Definition
the small end of the uterus, located at the back of the vagina
Term
Cesarean section
Definition
a childbirth procedure in which the infant is removed through an incision in the abdomen and uterus
Term
Chancre
Definition
a raised, red painless sore that is symptomatic of the primary phase of syphilis
Term
Chancroid
Definition
a disease characterized by smaller bumps in the genital region that eventually rupture and form painful ulcers with a discharge
Term
Child sexual abuse
Definition
sexual contact of any kind between an adult and a child (inappropriate touching, oral-genital stimulation, coitus, etc.)
Term
Chlamydia infection
Definition
caused by the bacterial microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis, it is among the most prevalent and most damaging of all stds, and is the most common bacterial STD in the U.S.
Term
Circumcision
Definition
surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis
Term
Climacteric
Definition
physiological changes that occur during the transition period from fertility to infertility in both sexes
Term
Clitoral glans
Definition
the head of the clitoris, richly endowed with nerve endings
Term
Clitoral shaft
Definition
the length of the clitoris between the glans and the body
Term
Clitoris
Definition
a highly sensitive structure of the female external genitals, the only purpose of which is sexual pleasure
Term
Coitus
Definition
penile-vaginal intercourse
Term
Colostrum
Definition
a thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the breasts during late pregnancy and the first few days following delivery
Term
Coming out
Definition
acknowledging, accepting and openly expressing one's homosexuality; there are several steps involved in this process
Term
Condom
Definition
a latex or membrane sheath that fits over the penis and is used for protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases
Term
Constant-dose combination pill
Definition
the most commonly used oral contraceptive in the U.S.; contains synthetic estrogen and progestin which are released at constant levels throughout the menstrual cycle
Term
Corona
Definition
the rim of the glans of the penis
Term
Cowper's glands
Definition
(bulbourethral glands) two pea-sized glands located alongside the base of the urethra in the male that secrete an alkaline fluid during sexual arousal
Term
Cremastic reflex
Definition
involuntary contractions of the major scrotal (cremasteric) muscle, causing the scrotum to draw closer to the body
Term
Cryptorchidism
Definition
a condition in which the testicles fail to descend from the abdominal cavity to the scrotal sac
Term
Cunnilingus
Definition
oral stimulation of the vulva
Term
Depo-Provera
Definition
a well-known antiandrogen; an injectable contraceptive that contains progestin and is effective for twelve weeks
Term
Diabetes
Definition
an inherited disease that occurs when the pancreas fails to secrete insulin. Nerve damage or circulatory problems resulting from diabetes can cause sexual problems
Term
Diaphragm
Definition
a contraceptive device consisting of a latex dome on a flexible spring rim. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina with contraceptive cream or jelly and covers the cervix.
Term
Dilation and evacuation
Definition
a medical procedure for pregnancy termination between 13 and 21 weeks
Term
Douching
Definition
rinsing out the vagina with plain water or solutions; usually unnecessary. Excessive douching may result in vaginal irritation.
Term
Dysmenorrhea
Definition
pain or discomfort that occurs before or during menstruation
Term
Dyspareunia
Definition
pain or discomfort during intercourse
Term
Effacement
Definition
flattening and thinning of the cervix that occurs before and during childbirth
Term
Ejaculation
Definition
the process whereby semen is expelled through the penis to the outside of the body
Term
Elective abortion
Definition
a decision to terminate a pregnancy by medical procedures
Term
Endometriosis
Definition
a condition in which tissue that normally grows on the walls of the uterus implants on various parts of the abdominal cavity
Term
Endometrium
Definition
the tissue that lines the inside of the uterine walls
Term
Endorphins
Definition
neurotransmitters chemically similar to morphine that produce feelings of tranquillity and security
Term
Epididymis
Definition
the structure along the back of each testicle in which sperm maturation occurs
Term
Episiotomy
Definition
an incision that is sometimes made in the perineum to prevent the ragged tearing of tissues that may occur during the birth process
Term
Erection
Definition
coordinated by the autonomic nervous system, the process whereby the three erectile chambers of the penis engorge with blood causing it to increase in size
Term
Estrogens
Definition
ovarian hormones, the most important of which is estradiol, which influence the development of female sex characteristics and help regulate the menstrual cycle
Term
Exhibitionism
Definition
the act of exposing one's genitals to an unwilling observer
Term
Extramarital relationship
Definition
sexual interaction experienced by a married person with someone other than her or his spouse
Term
Fallopian tubes
Definition
two four-inch tubes that extend from the uterus in the pelvic cavity where the egg and sperm travel
Term
Fellatio
Definition
oral stimulation of the penis and scrotum
Term
Female orgasm disorder (anorgasmia)
Definition
a sexual difficulty involving the absence of orgasm in women
Term
Female sexual arousal disorder
Definition
a woman's persistent inability to attain or maintain the vaginal lubrication-swelling response
Term
Female sterilization
Definition
the leading method of birth control in the U.S. whereby the fallopian tubes are tied off or clipped by any one of the following methods: minilaparotomy; laparoscopy; or culpotomy
Term
Fetishism
Definition
obtaining sexual excitement primarily or exclusively from an inanimate object or a particular part of the body
Term
First-stage labor
Definition
the initial stage of childbirth in which regular contractions begin and the cervix dilates
Term
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Definition
a pituitary hormone secreted by a female during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle that stimulates the development of ovarian follicles
Term
Foreplay
Definition
usually defined as the touching, kissing, or oral-genital contact that precedes coitus
Term
Foreskin
Definition
a covering of skin over the penile glans
Term
Frenulum
Definition
a highly sensitive, thin strip of skin that connects the glans to the shaft on the underside of the penis
Term
Frigidity
Definition
an imprecise and pejorative term traditionally used to describe a variety of female sexual problems
Term
Frotteurism
Definition
a fairly common paraphilia in which a person obtains sexual pleasure by pressing or rubbing against another in a crowded public place
Term
Gender
Definition
the psychosocial aspects of being masculine or feminine
Term
Gender dysphoria
Definition
another term for transsexualism, the condition in which an individual's gender identity is opposite to his or her biological sex
Term
Gender identity
Definition
how one psychologically perceives oneself as being either male or female
Term
Gender role (sex role)
Definition
a collection of attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal and appropriate in a specific culture for people of a particular sex
Term
Genital warts
Definition
viral warts that appear on the genitals and are usually transmitted through vaginal, oral or oral-genital sexual interaction
Term
Gigolos
Definition
men who provide sexual services for women in exchange for money and gifts
Term
Glans
Definition
the smooth, acorn-shaped head of the penis
Term
Gonads
Definition
the reproductive organs (testes in men and ovaries in women)
Term
Gonorrhea
Definition
a sexually transmitted disease that initially causes inflammation of mucous membranes
Term
Grafenberg spot
Definition
the system of glands and ducts surrounding the urethra which can be located by stimulating the anterior wall of the vagina below the urethra
Term
Gynecology
Definition
the medical specialty for female sexual and reproductive anatomy
Term
Herpes
Definition
a disease, characterized by blisters on the skin in the regions of the genitals or mouth, that is caused by a virus and is easily transmitted by sexual contact
Term
Homophobia
Definition
irrational fears of homosexuality in others or within oneself, or self-loathing because of one's homosexuality
Term
Homosexual
Definition
an individual whose primary erotic, psychological, emotional and social interest is in a member of the same sex, even though those interests may not be overtly expressed
Term
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Definition
the use of supplemental hormones during and after menopause
Term
Hot flashes
Definition
a common symptom associated with menopause whereby the fluctuating levels of hormones rapidly dilate the blood vessels, causing a woman to feel a momentary rush of heat
Term
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Definition
an immune-system-destroying virus that causes AIDS
Term
Hymen
Definition
a fold of tissue partially covering the vaginal opening
Term
Hypoactive sexual desire (HSD)
Definition
a sexual difficulty involving lack of interest in sexual fantasy and activity
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
a brain structure that plays a major role in controlling the production of sex hormones and the regulation of fertility and menstrual cycles through its interaction with the pituitary gland
Term
Hysterectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of the uterus
Term
Impotence
Definition
the inappropriate and pejorative term often applied to male erection difficulty; literally means "without power"
Term
In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Definition
a procedure in which the eggs are removed from the ovary and are fertilized in a laboratory dish by her partner's sperm, and later introduced into the woman's uterus.
Term
Incest
Definition
sexual contact between two people who are related, one of whom is often a child
Term
Intrauterine devices
Definition
a small, plastic device that is inserted into the uterus for contraception
Term
Introitus
Definition
the opening of the vagina, located between the urinary opening and the anus
Term
Intromission
Definition
entry of the penis into the vagina
Term
Kaplan's model of sexual response
Definition
three stages of sexual response that include desire, excitement, and orgasm
Term
Kegel exercises
Definition
a series of exercises developed by Arnold Kegel that strengthen the muscles underlying the external male or female genitals
Term
Kinsey's continuum of sexual orientation
Definition
Alfred Kinsey's seven-point scale analyzing sexual orientation, ranging from 0 (exclusive heterosexual contact) to 6 (exclusive homosexual contact)
Term
Klinefelter's Syndrome
Definition
a chromosomal abnormality that results when an atypical ovum is fertilized by a Y-bearing sperm, creating an XXY individual
Term
Labia majora
Definition
the outer lips that extend downward from the mons on each side of the vulva; they surround the labia minora and urethral and vaginal openings
Term
Labia minora
Definition
the inner lips, located within the labia majora, that consist of hairless folds of skin that join at the clitoral hood
Term
Lamaze
Definition
a method of childbirth preparation using breathing and relaxation
Term
Lesbian
Definition
a common term for homosexual women
Term
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Definition
the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation in the female
Term
Male erectile disorder
Definition
a sexual difficulty whereby a man's penis does not become erect in response to sexual stimulation
Term
Male orgasmic disorder
Definition
the inability of a man to ejaculate during sexual activity, usually intercourse
Term
Mammary glands
Definition
milk glands in the female breast
Term
Mammography
Definition
a highly sensitive x-ray test for the detection of breast cancer
Term
Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle
Definition
four phases in sexual response for men and women that include excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution
Term
Masturbation (autoeroticism)
Definition
self-stimulation of one's genitals for sexual pleasure
Term
Medical abortions
Definition
when medications are used to induce abortions in early pregnancy
Term
Menarche
Definition
the initial onset of the first menstrual period
Term
Menopause
Definition
cessation of menstruation due to the aging process or surgical removal of the ovaries
Term
Menopause
Definition
cessation of menstruation due to the aging process or surgical removal of the ovaries
Term
Menstrual phase
Definition
the phase of the menstrual cycle when menstruation occurs
Term
Menstrual synchrony
Definition
the development of congruent menstrual cycle timing that sometimes occurs among women who live in close proximity
Term
Menstruation
Definition
the sloughing off of the built-up uterine lining that takes place if conception has not occurred
Term
Monogamy
Definition
marriage between one man and one woman
Term
Mons veneris
Definition
literally "mound of Venus"; refers to the pads of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone
Term
Mucus method
Definition
a birth control method that is based on determining the time of ovulation by means of the cyclical changes of the cervical mucus
Term
Multiphasic pill
Definition
an oral contraceptive designed to reduce total hormone dosage and side effects by providing fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle
Term
Multiple orgasm
Definition
more than one orgasm experienced within a short time period
Term
Myotonia
Definition
increased muscle tension that occurs throughout the body in response to sexual arousal
Term
Necrophilia
Definition
a rare sexual paraphilia in which a person obtains sexual gratification by viewing or having intercourse with a corpse
Term
Nipple
Definition
the central pigmented area of the breast, which contains numerous nerve endings. In women, the nipple also contains the milk ducts
Term
Nocturnal emissions
Definition
involuntary ejaculation during sleep, also known as a "wet dream"
Term
Nocturnal orgasm
Definition
orgasm that occurs during sleep; it is experienced by both men and women
Term
Normative male alexithymia
Definition
a relatively common condition among men in which they are unaware of their feelings and/or unable to express them
Term
Norplant
Definition
a contraceptive method in which six thin capsules of synthetic progestin are implanted in a woman's upper arm; provides effective contraception for five years
Term
Oophorectomy
Definition
the surgical removal of the ovaries
Term
Orchidectomy
Definition
the surgical procedure for removing the testes
Term
Orgasmic platform
Definition
the increased engorgement of the outer third of the vagina during the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle
Term
Orgasmic reconditioning
Definition
a behavior therapy technique in which a client is instructed to switch from paraphilic to healthy fantasies at the moment of masturbatory orgasm
Term
Os
Definition
the opening in the cervix that leads to the interior of the uterus
Term
Ovaries
Definition
female gonads that produce ova and sex hormones
Term
Ovulation
Definition
the release of a mature ovum from the graafian follicle of the ovary
Term
Pap smear
Definition
a screening test for cervical cancer
Term
Paraphilia
Definition
term used to describe uncommon types of sexual expression in the psychological and psychiatric literature
Term
Pedophilia (child molestation)
Definition
nonrelative child sexual abuse
Term
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Definition
invasive infections of the upper reproductive tract (uterus, pelvic cavity, etc.)
Term
Penile strain gauge
Definition
a device used in sex research that can measure even the slightest changes in penis size as the result of sexual arousal
Term
Penis
Definition
a male sexual organ consisting of the internal root and external shaft and glans
Term
Perineum
Definition
the area of smooth skin between the vaginal opening and the anus
Term
Peyronie's disease
Definition
abnormal fibrous tissue and calcium deposits in the penis which may result in pain or discomfort during intercourse
Term
Pheromones
Definition
substances secreted by the body, related to reproductive functions, that produce certain odors
Term
Placenta
Definition
a disk-shaped organ attached to the uterine wall and connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Nutrients, oxygen and waste products pass between mother and fetus through its cell walls
Term
PLISSIT
Definition
a model of sex therapy that specifies four levels of treatment: Permission; Limited Information; Specific Suggestions; and Intensive Therapy
Term
Polyandry
Definition
marriage between one woman and several men
Term
Polygyny
Definition
practice of having two or more wives at the same time
Term
Pornography
Definition
visual and written materials of a sexual nature that are used for purposes of sexual arousal
Term
Postpartum period
Definition
the first several weeks following childbirth
Term
Premature ejaculation
Definition
a sexual difficulty whereby a man ejaculates so rapidly as to impair his own or his partner's pleasure
Term
Premenstrual syndrome
Definition
physical and/or psychological symptoms that women may experience before each menstrual period
Term
Prepuce
Definition
clitoral hood, or skin that covers the clitoris
Term
Primary erogenous zones
Definition
areas of the body containing dense concentrations of nerve endings very responsive to tactile pleasuring; e.g., Genitals, buttocks, anus, breasts, mouth, armpits, neck, thighs, earlobes, navel, etc.
Term
Primary infection (window period)
Definition
the period of time between exposure to HIV and the appearance of HIV antibodies in the blood. Individuals are highly infectious at this time.
Term
Progestin-only pill
Definition
---- an oral contraceptive that contains no estrogen and only 0.35 mg of progestin ---- one third the amount of an average combination pill
Term
Prostaglandin induction
Definition
a medical procedure for pregnancy termination during the second trimester
Term
Prostaglandins
Definition
hormones produced by body tissues that cause the muscles of the uterus to contract
Term
Prostate gland
Definition
a gland located at the base of the bladder whose secretions comprise about 30 percent of the seminal fluid released during ejaculation
Term
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Definition
a marker for prostate cancer that can be detected by a blood test
Term
Puberty
Definition
the stage of life between childhood and adulthood during which the reproductive organs mature
Term
Pubic lice
Definition
parasitic insects that primarily infest the pubic hair and are transmitted by sexual contact
Term
Rape
Definition
sexual intercourse that occurs without consent as a result of actual or threatened force
Term
Rape trauma syndrome
Definition
the emotional repercussions women experience following rape or attempted rape
Term
Refractory period
Definition
in the male resolution phase of Masters and Johnson's sexual response cycle, a recovery stage in which there is a temporary inability to reach orgasm
Term
Retrograde ejaculation
Definition
process by which semen is expelled into the bladder instead of out of the penis
Term
Rohypnol
Definition
a powerful tranquilizer that, when combined with alcohol, may dramatically reduce inhibitions, produce unconsciousness, and total amnesia for events that occur while a person is under its influence
Term
RU-486
Definition
an anti-progesterone substance that has the potential to be used as contraception and emergency contraception, as well as in several other ways
Term
Sadomasochism
Definition
the association of sexual expression with pain
Term
Satiation therapy
Definition
a technique for reducing arousal to inappropriate stimuli by first masturbating to orgasm while imagining appropriate stimuli and then continuing to masturbate while fantasizing about paraphilic images
Term
Scabies
Definition
an ectoparasitic infestation of tiny mites
Term
Scrotum
Definition
the pouch of skin of the external male genitals that encases the testicles
Term
Secondary sex characteristics
Definition
the physical characteristics other than genitals that indicate sexual maturity, such as body hair, breasts, and deepened voice
Term
Second-stage labor
Definition
the middle stage of labor, in which the infant descends through the vaginal canal
Term
Semen
Definition
a fluid ejaculated through the penis that contains sperm and fluids from the prostate, seminal vesicles, and Cowper's glands
Term
Seminal vesicles
Definition
two, small glands adjacent to the terminals of the vas deferens that secrete an alkaline fluid conducive to sperm motility
Term
Sensate focus
Definition
a series of touching and communication exercises developed by Masters and Johnson, used to enhance sexual pleasure and to reduce performance pressure
Term
Seroconversion
Definition
the process whereby people develop antibodies to HIV
Term
Sex flush
Definition
a pink or red rash that appears in the chest or breasts during sexual arousal
Term
Sexology
Definition
the study of sexuality
Term
Sexual aversion disorder
Definition
extreme and irrational fear of sexual activity
Term
Sexual harassment
Definition
unwanted sexual advances from individuals in the workplace or an academic setting
Term
Sexual masochism
Definition
the act of obtaining sexual arousal through receiving physical or psychological pain
Term
Sexual sadism
Definition
the act of obtaining sexual arousal through giving physical or psychological pain
Term
Sexually transmitted diseases (stds)
Definition
diseases that are transmitted by sexual contact
Term
Shaft
Definition
the external, pendulous portion of the penis, excluding the head
Term
Smegma
Definition
genital secretions, skin cells, and bacteria which may accumulate under the clitoral hood
Term
Sodomy
Definition
an ill-defined legal category for noncoital genital contacts such as oral-genital and anal intercourse
Term
Speculum
Definition
an instrument used to hold open the vaginal walls during a gynecological exam
Term
Sperm
Definition
male reproductive cell
Term
Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
Definition
the spontaneous expulsion of the fetus from the uterus in early pregnancy, before it can survive on its own
Term
Squeeze technique
Definition
a treatment technique for premature ejaculation, whereby pressure is applied to the frenum and top side of a man's penis until the man loses the urge to ejaculate
Term
Statutory rape
Definition
intercourse with a person under the age of legal consent
Term
Stop-start technique
Definition
a treatment technique for premature ejaculation, consisting of stimulating the man's penis to the point of impending orgasm and then stopping until the pre-ejaculatory sensations subside
Term
Suction curettage
Definition
a medical procedure for abortion that is used in the early stages of pregnancy (7--13 weeks after the last menstrual period)
Term
Syphilis
Definition
a sexually transmitted disease caused by a thin corkscrew-like bacterium called Treponema pallidum (also called a "spirochete")
Term
Testes
Definition
male gonads inside the scrotum that produce sperm and sex hormones
Term
Third-stage labor
Definition
the last stage of childbirth, in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall and comes out of the vagina
Term
Toxemia
Definition
a dangerous condition during pregnancy, an early symptom of which is high blood pressure
Term
Toxic shock syndrome
Definition
a disease caused by toxins produced by the bacterium staphylococcus aureus that may induce a person to go into shock, occurring most commonly in menstruating women
Term
Transsexual
Definition
a person whose gender identity is opposite to his or her biological sex
Term
Transvestism
Definition
deriving sexual arousal from wearing clothing of the other sex
Term
Tribadism
Definition
rubbing genitals against someone's body or genital area
Term
Trichomoniasis
Definition
a form of vaginitis caused by a one-celled protozoan calledTrichomonas vaginalis
Term
Urethra
Definition
the short tube connecting the bladder to the urinary opening, located between the clitoris and the introitus
Term
Urethra
Definition
the short tube connecting the bladder to the urinary opening, located between the clitoris and the introitus
Term
Urethral bulb
Definition
the portion of the urethra between the urethral sphincters in the male
Term
Urology
Definition
the medical specialty that focuses on male reproductive structures
Term
Uterus
Definition
a pear-shaped organ inside the female pelvis, within which the fetus develops
Term
Vagina
Definition
an expandable canal in the female that opens at the vulva and extends about four inches into the pelvis, consisting of mucous, muscle and fibrous tissue
Term
Vaginal photoplethysmograph
Definition
---- a device used in sex research to measure the increases in vaginal blood volume that occurs as a woman becomes sexually aroused
Term
Vaginal spermicides
Definition
chemical substances used in foam, suppositories, the contraceptive sponge, creams and jellies and contraceptive film that are inserted in the vagina prior to intercourse in order to kill sperm
Term
Vaginismus
Definition
a sexual difficulty in which a woman experiences involuntary spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the outer third of the vagina
Term
Vaginitis
Definition
inflammation of the vaginal walls caused by a variety of vaginal infections
Term
Vas deferens
Definition
a sperm-carrying tube that begins at the testicle and ends at the urethra
Term
Vasectomy
Definition
male sterilization procedure that involves removing a section from each vas deferens
Term
Vasocongestion
Definition
the engorgement of blood vessels in particular body parts in response to sexual arousal
Term
Vasovasostomy
Definition
surgical reconstruction of the vas deferens after vasectomy
Term
Vestibule
Definition
the area of the vulva inside the labia minora where both the urinary and vaginal openings are located
Term
Viability
Definition
the fetus' ability to survive independently of the woman's body
Term
Voyeurism
Definition
the act of obtaining sexual gratification by observing people who are undressed or engaged in sexual interaction without their consent
Term
Vulva
Definition
all external female genital structures
Term
Zoophilia (bestiality)
Definition
a paraphilia in which a person has sexual contact with animals
Term
Zygote
Definition
the single cell resulting from the union of sperm and egg cells
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