An intercourse position that offers a combination of woman-on-top and sitting. This position allows for G-spot stimulation, as well as easy stimulation of a woman's breasts, thighs, abdomen and vulva, particularly the clitoris.

A group of STIs caused by bacteria, including: chlamydia, chancroid, gonorrhea, shigella, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Depending on the specific type of infection, bacterial STIs may be transmitted through sexual activity, including: oral sex, vaginal intercourse, anal sex, anal stimulation and, in some cases, skin-to-skin contact or petting. Symptoms of a bacterial STI may include: genital burning; burning in the urethra or during urination; changes to vaginal discharge; and, if left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease, a leading cause of infertility in women. Many STIs produce no symptoms and a person can be a carrier without realizing they are infected. (see viral STIs)

One of the most common vaginal conditions diagnosed among women, associated with an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginitis. Although it is associated with sexual activity, it is unclear what role sexual activity plays in bacterial vaginosis. Other risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include: douching, multiple sex partners and using an IUD. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: genital burning in or around the vagina; burning during urination; and changes to vaginal discharge, including an unpleasant or fishy odor, especially after vaginal intercourse. However, many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of contracting a STI, developing pelvic inflammatory disease and complications during pregnancy.

A type of birth control used during sexual activity to prevent sperm from entering the uterus, including: a condom, dental dam, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and spermicide. An advantage of barrier methods is that they offer non-hormonal protection against pregnancy and are used only at the time of sexual activity. The disadvantages include: no protection against STIs, except for latex condoms and polyurethane condoms, and a higher failure rate than hormonal methods of birth control, such as the birth control pill, IUD and Depo-Provera, because of improper use or slipping out of place.

Two glands located on the inner parts of the labia minora, near the introitus. The Bartholin's glands play an important role in lubrication, secreting a lubricating fluid during sexual arousal. Also called the greater vestibular glands, the Bartholin's glands are the equivalent of the Cowper's glands in the male reproductive anatomy.

(x-present) A British sex researcher who suggested a modification of the sexual response cycle developed by Masters and Johnson and added to by Helen Singer Kaplan. Basson proposed that women may experience sexual desire after sexual arousal, rather than before.

An umbrella term for any of the following sexual behaviors: bondage and discipline; domination and submission; and sadism and masochism. BDSM activities are engaged in with the consent of both participants and may include: sexual activity; role playing; spanking; whipping; being tied up, handcuffed or otherwise restrained; blindfolding; infliction of pain; servitude; humiliation; and a variety of other practices. BDSM may be a form of fantasy play or a fetish, and many couples engage in mild forms of BDSM.

A sex toy consisting of two small metal balls designed to be inserted into the vagina for pleasure and/or to strengthen the pelvic floor. Ben Wa balls may be used during a wide range of sex play, including intercourse, masturbation or foreplay.

A type of HRT derived from natural plant or animal sources to replace estrogen, progesterone and/or testosterone for the management of menopause. There is a lack of research about whether bio-identical hormones carry the same risks as traditional HRT, which may include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and breast cancer for some women. Bio-identical hormones are available as capsules or as topical and vaginal creams and gels, which are mixed at compounding pharmacies, not currently regulated by the FDA. The only FDA-approved bio-identical hormone products are the estrogen patches Climara® and Vivelle-Dot®, and progesterone cream.

The ability of the body to innately know when to eat, sleep and take care of other important bodily functions and abilities. Often, it refers to the time period that a woman is fertile.

(a.k.a., contraception) Any method used to prevent pregnancy. Barrier methods of birth control work by preventing sperm from entering the uterus, and include: the condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, and spermicide. Hormonal methods of birth control work by preventing ovulation or by making the uterus inhospitable for a fertilized ovum, and include: the birth control pill, mini-pill, NuvaRing®, Mirena®, Depo-Provera® and the patch. Other forms of birth control include: ParaGard®, the rhythm method, FAM, withdrawal and abstinence. Emergency contraception is a type of birth control that is taken after sex.

(a.k.a., the pill) A hormonal method of pregnancy prevention taken as a daily pill. Most formulas use synthetic estrogen and progesterone (called "combination" pills) to prevent ovulation and, therefore, pregnancy. Dozens of formulas of the birth control pill exist, each with different potential side effects depending on a woman's individual chemistry. Benefits of the birth control pill include: convenience; lighter and more regular periods; improvement of endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms; and a reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. Side effects may include: breast tenderness; headaches; nausea; and an increased risk of cervical cancer, breast cancer, high blood pressure and blood clots. The birth control pill also increases levels of SHBG, which may decrease libido in some women. Research suggests that women on the pill are not any more likely to gain weight than women who are not on the pill, in contrast to a long-held belief that weight gain was a common side effect. The birth control pill provides no protection against STIs. The mini-pill is a progesterone-only version of the the birth control pill. (see also NuvaRing® and the patch)

A sexual orientation in which a person is attracted to men and women. Some people identify as homosexual or heterosexual, but are attracted to or engage in sexual activity with both genders. Dr. Alfred Kinsey suggested that the majority of women and men might be bisexually attracted. (see Kinsey scale, gay and lesbian)

Prevents urine from flowing backwards into the kidneys.

The stage when a zygote becomes an embryo. A blastocyst travels through the fallopian tube and implants itself in the uterus at around five days after conception.

(a.k.a., vaginal orgasm; pelvic floor orgasm) An orgasm that results from stimulation of the vagina. Compared to a clitoral orgasm, a blended orgasm is the result of penetration, whether during intercourse, manual stimulation or oral sex, with prior or simultaneous clitoral stimulation, since it is believed that most orgasms directly or indirectly result from stimulation of the clitoris. Many women describe blended orgasms as being fuller or more intense than orgasms that result exclusively from direct stimulation of the clitoris. However, not all sex researchers and educators find it useful to distinguish between these types of orgasm.

Movement of blood between the heart and the body's tissues and organs. Blood flow plays an important role in sexual function, contributing to erections in men, vaginal lubrication in women and genital sensation in both sexes. Sexual dysfunction, such as FSAD and erectile dysfunction, may be the result of disrupted blood flow to the genitals due to health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes; menopause; and medications such as anti-hypertensives.

See fellatio

A condition marked by sexual frustration among men in which the scrotum may take on a bluish tinge due to an increased volume of trapped blood in a man's genitals. Blue balls may result when a man experiences arousal without ejaculation or orgasm. Blue balls may cause discomfort or pain, but the condition is not dangerous and resolves upon orgasm or a decrease in arousal. Women may experience similar feelings of genital heaviness and discomfort during high levels of arousal.

Nonverbal, often unconscious communication through facial expressions or body movements, postures and positions. Body language plays an important role in flirting, foreplay, attraction and other forms of sexual activity.

A person's subjective perception of his or her appearance, based on self-observation, the reactions of others and cultural standards. Poor body-image is a common cause of performance anxiety and spectatoring during sex, which may cause sexual dysfunction in men and women. Body-image plays an especially important role in sexual function for women, including libido, arousal and orgasm ability. Cancer, cancer treatments and pregnancy may affect body-image. (see also genital self-image)

An erection.

A phone call, text message or other form of communication made with the intent of having (typically casual) sex later that day or evening.

Cancer caused by an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women; less frequently, men may be diagnosed with breast cancer. Common side effects of breast cancer treatment include: problems with libido, arousal or orgasm; genital pain; skin sensitivity; premature menopause; increased stress, on both the patient and the partner; and body-image concerns. Among women, pregnancy has been associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer. (see BSE)

A benign, fluid-filled sac in the breast. Breast cysts are particularly common among women between the ages of 30 and 50, though they can occur at any age. A breast cyst is not always detectable, but may increase in size and sensitivity as a woman approaches her menstrual period. Benign breast lumps do not increase a woman's risk of breast cancer.

See BSE

The process of providing human milk directly to the baby from the breasts. This milk is produced by the mother after giving birth and nourishes and supplies the baby with various antibodies. To receive the milk the baby suckles the nipple. Over time this can cause the nipple to become sore and/or chafe. Mothers need to be aware of what they are ingesting when they are breastfeeding as alcohol, certain foods, medications and other drugs, can become part of the milk and cause discomfort or other problems for the infant. Certain viruses like HIV can be passed to the baby during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a bonding experience for many mothers and their babies. While many women feel comfortable breastfeeding in public some people are uncomfortable or find it offensive. Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother including the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions helping the organ return to its pre-pregnancy size. This release of oxytocin can also cause the mother to experience sexual arousal and lead to orgasm during breastfeeding. Additionally, breastfeeding can be a natural form of birth control as it can suppress ovulation. For this to be effective, the Lactational Amenorrhea Method needs to be followed continuously and correctly.

Two glandular organs located on the chest. Women's breasts are designed to secrete milk after pregnancy and are a common erogenous zone, especially the nipples, though not all women enjoy having their breasts stimulated. Some men enjoy having their breasts or nipples stimulated. Women's breasts play an important role in body-image, since the appearance of breasts can vary widely, and typically changes as a result of weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and aging.

(short for breast self-exam) A monthly self-examination of the breasts so that any variation from the “norm” can be identified. BSE is primarily to detect early stages of cancer. Both men and women can be diagnosed with breast cancer. Concerns can include dimpling, pain, one or more lumps, as well as discharge from the nipple. If any of these or other symptoms are experienced, it is important to call the doctor for further examination and diagnosis. For women, it’s often recommended to do the BSE a few days after the last day of your period each month, since the breasts are least tender and swollen after menstruation. Or, for men, and women who don’t menstruate monthly, BSE can be done on the same day each month for consistency. When doing a monthly BSE, it is important to look and feel the breast tissue, as well as squeeze the nipple. For detailed steps on how to do the exam go to http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp145.cfm

A type of vibrator with a smooth, small shape similar to that of a bullet. Bullet vibrators are occasionally remote-controlled and designed to be used alone or with a variety of sheaths or other sex toys. A bullet vibrator may be used by men or women during a wide range of sex play, including foreplay, intercourse, oral sex or masturbation. Bullet vibrators are commonly used to provide direct stimulation to a woman's clitoris, though they may be used to stimulate any part of the vulva, as well as the penis, perineum, testes and anus. Some bullet vibrators can be used with a penis ring to stimulate the clitoris during intercourse.

A playful, sensual form of striptease that usually stops short of nudity. Burlesque may be used to explore fantasy, improve foreplay and boost body-image. Contemporary burlesque is often political in nature and is sometimes seen as a means of female empowerment.

See anal plug