When the fertilized ovum implants somewhere other than the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes. This is usually due to the fertilized egg not being able to pass through the fallopian tube due to damage from smoking, an STI or a condition like endometriosis. While rare, the fertilized egg can also implant in the ovary, cervix or abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy can be detected within the first one to two months of pregnancy. Symptoms can include vaginal spotting or bleeding, shoulder pain, and/or sharp pain or cramping on one side near the lower abdomen. Ectopic pregnancy results in the loss of the fetus. However, if detected early the mother’s health should be not be at risk.

See erectile dysfunction

A fertile woman who donates her ova to an individual or couple in an effort to help them conceive a child. Egg donors take fertility drugs to increase the amount of mature ova in their ovaries. These ova are then retrieved from the donor’s ovaries and often placed in a culture dish to prepare for the fertilization process. In many cases, the age range for the women who donate ova are 21-35 years of age, there are qualifications donors need to meet, they remain anonymous and receive monetary compensation.

(1932 - x) A sexologist and principal researcher of CAT.

see semen

Discharge of semen from the penis. Ejaculation is a complex process that involves many organs in the male reproductive anatomy, including: the Cowper's glands, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, urethra and vas deferens. Ejaculation usually occurs after sexual arousal and stimulation, or during a nocturnal emission. Ejaculation and orgasm generally occur together, but one can occur without the other. After ejaculation, most men experience a refractory period. Some men learn to experience multiple orgasms without ejaculation by mastering the techniques of Tantra. (see PE, delayed ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation and female ejaculation)

The period of time during the plateau and climax phases of the sexual response cycle when a man realizes he is going to climax. At this point, he no longer has control over his arousal, as ejaculation becomes an automatic response.

A theory based on the work of Sigmund Freud that theorizes a young girl is unconsciously attached to her father and hostile towards her mother, who she believes castrated her, resulting in "penis-envy." According to this theory, the healthy resolution of these feelings can influence a girl's capacity for future healthy sexual relationships. The Electra Complex is the female equivalent of the Oedipus complex.

A fertilized ovum from the second to the eighth weeks of pregnancy. The embryo stage starts two weeks after fertilization, after the zygote and blastocyst stages. An embryo becomes a fetus at eight weeks.

A type of emergency birth control that prevents pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual encounter. Emergency contraception uses synthetic progesterone to prevent a sperm and ovum from joining by preventing ovulation or, in some cases, prevents a zygote from implanting in the uterus. Two types of emergency contraception are available: Plan B® and Previn. (see RU-486)

A type of abuse, past or present, that can affect a person's capacity for emotional intimacy and their sexual function, regardless of when the abuse occurred. Emotional abuse may be characterized by: criticism, humiliation, isolation, threats of abandonment, threats of harm, or invasion of personal space that persist(ed) despite a person's distress. Victims of emotional abuse often alter their feelings, needs and behavior because they fear the response of another. Emotional abuse may occur with or without physical abuse, verbal abuse or sexual abuse. Treatment for any kind of abuse may include individual therapy, couples therapy and sex therapy.

A relationship in which two people, one or both of whom are in a committed relationship with someone else, share emotional intimacy and sexual attraction, but have not consummated the relationship with physical intimacy. Emotional affairs are considered a form of infidelity by many couples, and commonly occur at work or as in conjunction with cybersex.

The dimension of a relationship with another person that is based on a feeling of closeness, understanding and shared experience. Emotional intimacy may fluctuate in a relationship, whether with a friend, romantic partner or family member.

A condition in which tissue from the uterus grows in other parts of the body, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder or intestines. Over time, this tissue may scar the organs and lead to problems with infertility. Symptoms of endometriosis include: dysmenorrhea, heavy periods, chronic lower back or abdominal pain, spotting, and constipation or regular gastrointestinal problems. Treatment options include hormone-regulating options, like the birth control pill, the patch, NuvaRing® and the mini-pill.

The inner lining of the uterus made up of cells. When a woman regularly gets her period, the uterine lining thickens from hormones to prepare for a possible pregnancy. If a woman does not become pregnant, this lining sheds during menstruation. This process continues monthly during a woman’s reproductive years.

A part of the male reproductive anatomy located in the scrotum and attached to the testes. The epididymis is a coiled structure that stores and matures sperm, then transports it to the vas deferens for ejaculation.

An incision made in the perineum during childbirth to expand the opening of the vagina (the introitus), to accommodate a baby. An episiotomy may cause pain during vaginal intercourse because of increased vaginal tightness, changes to genital sensation and/or scar tissue. An episiotomy also cuts through the fourchette, which may affect orgasm ability. In some cases, an episiotomy extends to the anus.

(abbreviated ED) (a.k.a., impotence) A type of sexual dysfunction in which, over a period of time, a man has difficulty getting or sustaining an erection during intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is a common part of aging, but may happen at any age due to: poor blood flow, as a result of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease; anatomical issues (such as large veins); nerve damage from diabetes; surgery for prostate cancer; certain medications, such as anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives and sedatives; and psychological issues like stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, or a lack of attraction or unresolved hostility in a relationship. Treatment options for erectile dysfunction include: Viagra®, Levitra® and Cialis®; alprostadil; vacuum devices; sex therapy; and penile implants.

Tissue that engorge with blood and swells during sexual arousal. Erectile tissue is found in the clitoris, penis, labia minora and nipples.

A physical state in which the penis becomes enlarged and rigid, or hard, due to blood flow, specifically, more blood flowing into the penis than out of the penis. An erection may occur in response to physical stimulation, psychological stimulation or both. Upon arousal, the brain signals the genitals to release nitric oxide, relaxing the muscles of the penis and allowing the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum to fill with blood. The tunica albuginea traps the blood in the penis to maintain tumescence. An erection depends on nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord, and good blood flow and muscle control in the genital area. Health problems that interfere with any of these may cause erectile problems or erectile dysfunction. Women may also experience erections of the clitoris and nipples during sexual arousal.

Sensitive spots on the body that are often rich in nerve endings and contribute to sexual arousal when stimulated. The most obvious erogenous zones are the genitals, but virtually any part of the body may be pleasurable to touch during all types of sex play and intercourse. Massage and sex toys are often used to explore and stimulate erogenous zones.

Sexual love or desire.

The only FDA-approved prescription to treat female sexual dysfunction. The Eros-CTD is a clitoral pump that that uses suction to stimulate the clitoris, by increasing blood flow to the area. The device may be used during foreplay, masturbation or any type of sex play to improve arousal, lubrication, genital sensation and orgasm ability.

Literature or art that intends to arouse sexual desire. Erotica may include softcore sexually explicit images that are more tastefully or artistically done than traditional pornography. Popular genres include female-friendly erotica, collections of erotica writing and fetish erotica. Many women and men who do not enjoy hardcore pornography may enjoy erotica for fantasy and/or foreplay to boost libido and/or arousal.

A prescription ring designed to be inserted into the vagina to replace estrogen lost as a result of menopause, perimenopause or surgical menopause. Common symptoms treated with Estring include: vaginal dryness, genital burning, atrophic vaginitis, and pain during or after vaginal intercourse. Estring improves blood flow to vaginal tissues, supporting lubrication and tissue health. Estring may pose fewer health risks than traditional HRT, since it does not circulate through the body. Estring is inserted once every 90 days and may offer more convenience than estrogen cream. Two similar prescriptions options include Femring® and Vagifem®.

The primary female sex hormone, produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands, that plays an important role in ovulation, menstruation, pregnacy, lubrication, bone health, mood, memory and energy levels. Estrogen begins gradually declining around age 40 as a woman approaches menopause, a time known as perimenopause. Women who go through surgical menopause or premature menopause experience a sharp decline in estrogen. Low estrogen levels may produce symptoms such as: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, atrophic vaginitis, pain during vaginal intercourse, and increase a woman's risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Treatment options for low estrogen include: HRT, bio-identical HRT, estrogen cream, Estring®, Femring®, and Vagifem®, depending on symptoms and health history. Too much estrogen can be equally harmful. Symptoms include: weight gain, breast tenderness, moodiness and a heightened risk of certain cancers. Progesterone and testosterone are two other hormones that play an important role in women's wellness and sexual health.

A cream that delivers estrogen, typically directly to the tissues of the vagina or vulva, to improve tissue health and lubrication. Estrogen cream generally treats symptoms of menopause caused by declining estrogen levels, such as: vaginal dryness, atrophic vaginitis, and pain during vaginal intercourse. These symptoms also may be the result of surgical menopause, premature menopause or perimenopause. Estrogen cream is available by prescription, Premarin®, or as a bio-identical preparation, Estrace®.

The first phase of the sexual response cycle, developed by Masters and Johnson, in which arousal begins in response to physical stimulation, psychological stimulation or both. The excitement phase may last for minutes or hours. Signs include increased heart rate, breathing and blood flow, especially to the genitals. As vasocongestion continues, men may get an erection, and women may experience lubrication (unless if for mental, emotional or physical reasons a person does not wish to experience erection or arousal, or if sexual dysfunction is present). The excitement phase is followed by the plateau phase, climax phase and resolution phase. There are conflicting theories about the sexual response cycle. Researcher Helen Singer Kaplan proposed Kaplan's triphasic model starting with sexual desire, while researcher Rosemary Basson proposed that women may experience sexual desire after sexual arousal, rather than before.

A fetish in which a person derives sexual pleasure from exposing themselves or performing sex acts in front of others. When done between consenting adults, exhibitionism is a form of fantasy play that can be highly arousing, especially if coupled with voyeurism. Exhibitionism that interferes with daily functioning or involves coercion or criminal behavior may be diagnosed as a psychiatric disorder.