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So do you know your ABC of physical loving?

"Let's talk about sex, baby, Let's talk about you and me; Let's talk about the good things; And the bad things that may be"... lyrics of pop star Salt-N-Pepa encourages openness about our sexual relationships.

In our discussions related to human sexuality we use a wide range of colloquialisms and nicknames to describe sexual organs and activities.

As we seek to learn more about sexuality at different stages of the life cycle, it is important that we have an understanding of what the correct terminology means so we can use correct names in discussions with partners or during the sex education of children.

Knowledge of the terminology will help us to better understand the explanations given by doctors and other health professionals on sexual matters. The ABC of some of the common human sexuality terms are below:

Ambisexual: A person who feels sexually attracted to or has sexual contact with both males and females. Same as bisexual.

Amniocentesis: A procedure in which amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus of a mother. The fluid is tested to determine if the fetus has genetic disorders or other abnormalities.

Anal intercourse: The insertion of one person's penis into the anus of another.

Anal stage: In psychoanalytic theory, it is the stage of psychosexual development in which the child receives sexual gratification from the anal region.

Anilingus: The oral stimulation of the anus, sometimes referred to as rimming.

Anorgasmia: A female sexual dysfunction characterised by a person's inability to reach orgasm. Also called inhibited female orgasm.

Artificial insemination: The placement of semen into a woman's vagina or uterus by means other than sexual intercourse so as to induce pregnancy.

Autoeroticism: A general term used to describe all forms of sexual self-stimulation or arousal such as masturbation.

Bartholin's glands: Two small glands located on either side of the vaginal opening which are thought to secrete fluid to lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal.

Bestiality: Also called zoophilia, this is engaging in sexual activity with an animal.

Billings method: A birth control method in which a woman monitors changes in the amount and consistency of mucus in her cervix to identify when she ovulates.

Bonding: A process by which parent and child become emotionally attached to each other. Breast feeding has great potential for bonding.

Call boy: A high-priced male prostitute who works through match-making agencies. Call girls are high-priced female prostitutes.

Candidiasis: A vaginal infection that is caused by the excessive growth of yeast-like fungus that occurs normally in the body.

Castration: The surgical removal of the testes.

Celibacy: Currently, the voluntary abstention from sexual activity. Historically, it is the state of remaining unmarried as members of some religious orders.

Cervical cap: A plastic or rubber contraceptive device that fits over the mouth of the cervix and acts as a barrier to sperm.

Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Chancre: A hard, raised sore, usually painless, that indicates the first stage of syphilis.

Chancroid: A bacterial, sexually transmitted disease that causes soft, painful ulcers to appear on the genitals.

Chlamydia: A bacterial sexually transmitted disease that causes painful urination, itching and discharge in men, but may only cause a slight vaginal discharge in women.

Climacteric: A mid-life period for both men and women during which physiological changes take place during the transition from fertility to infertility. Also treated as menopause.

Clitoris: A small highly sensitive genital organ in females. It provides erotic pleasure when stimulated.

Cohabitation: Couples romantically involved with each other, live together without being married. Also referred to as common-law marriage.

Coitus: The technical term for the insertion of the penis into the vagina, also referred to as sexual intercourse.

Coitus interruptus: A birth control method in which the male removes his penis from a woman's vagina before ejaculation. Also called 'withdrawal'.

Published: 06 June 2006
Issue: 1221

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