A type of white blood cell that plays an important role in keeping the immune system strong. When someone with HIV has a T-cell count that is less than 200, they are diagnosed with AIDS.

An ancient Eastern practice that considers sex a spiritual experience. The practice of Tantra is designed to deepen emotional intimacy and sexual pleasure. Tantra is sometimes associated with multiple orgasms.

An intercourse position that is a variation on sitting, in which one partner sits cross-legged and the other sits on top. This position maximizes eye contact and closeness, and may target the G-spot.

One of the five senses, which plays a key role in oral sex, genital taste and genital self-image.

The act of placing the scrotum into the mouth of a partner, usually one testicle at a time, which may occur during fellatio.

During the heightened state of sexual arousal and orgasm, the uterus elevates, expanding the vaginal canal and forming an area near the cervix known as the seminal pool. If a couple has unprotected sex, the seminal pool is an area where the semen collects after ejaculation, helping sperm increase their likelihood of reaching an ovum.

Two egg-shaped organs that are part of the male reproductive anatomy. The testes, or testicles, produce all of a man's sperm and most of his testosterone. The testes are covered by the scrotum. It is common for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other. (see undescended testicle)

One of two male reproductive glands (IAN--DO YOU WANT TO REFER TO AS GLANDS OR ORGANS AS ABOVE?) known as the testes that contain the seminiferous tubules where sperm develop. The testes also produce hormones.

Cancer caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells in one or both testes. Symptoms of testicular cancer may include pain, swelling or lumps in the genitals. Treatment for testicular cancer includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to remove the testicle(s), which may cause infertility. Men who are under age 40 or have a history of an undescended testicle have a higher risk of testicular cancer. Similar symptoms may be the result of a varicoceles or infection, not cancer. (see TSE)

See TSE

A testosterone gel prescribed to men suffering from low testosterone or andropause. Other testosterone-replacement options include: Androderm®,Striant®, Androderm® and Testoderm®.

A testosterone skin patch prescribed to men suffering from low testosterone or andropause. Other testosterone-replacement options include: AndroGel®, Striant®, Testim® and Androderm®.

A sex hormone that is important to both men and women, and plays an important role in libido, secondary sex characteristics, muscle mass, energy and mood. Among men, testosterone is primarily produced by the testes as well as the adrenal glands. Men's testosterone levels gradually decline with age. Some men may experience a significant drop in testosterone as they age, known as andropause. Treatment options for andropause may include testosterone replacement and healthy lifestyle changes. Testosterone also plays an important role in women's health and sexual function, and is produced in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Around the time of menopause, testosterone levels decrease, and this may be associated with problems with libido, genital sensation, depression and anxiety. Testosterone replacement is sometimes prescribed off-label to women or as part of HRT or bio-identical HRT, though this remains controversial.

A cream that delivers testosterone to the skin. Testosterone cream may be prescribed to treat symptoms of andropause or menopause, caused by declining testosterone levels, such as: low libido; decreased genital sensation; or fatigue and mood problems; and for other conditions, as well. Testosterone cream is available by prescription, as or as a bio-identical preparation.

Testosterone that is prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of andropause in men or as part of HRT to alleviate symptoms of menopause in women. Testosterone replacement may include:Androderm®, AndroGel®, Striant®, Testim®, and Testoderm®; and other bio-identical HRT preparations. Testosterone replacement has risks, particularly for men who have had prostate cancer or heart disease. Too much testosterone can lead to increased hair growth, voice deepening, weight gain and acne; and raise cholesterol levels, compromise liver function.

One of the five senses, which plays a key role in arousal and attraction. Touch is often an indicator of romantic interest and may trigger the release of oxytocin.

A person who lives as a different gender than the one associated with his or her anatomical sex. Transgender people may include: transsexuals; people who practice cross-dressing; people with gender identity disorder; people with intersexuality; and people who do not identify with traditional gender roles.

A person who has had or hopes to have a sex change operation to surgically alter the genitals to become the opposite sex. Unlike a transgender person, a transsexual wants to change both their gender and their sex. A transsexual usually has gender identity disorder.

Passage of fluid through a membrane. During sexual arousal, transudation occurs in the vagina and contributes to lubrication. As blood flow rushes to the area and the tissues swell, called vasocongestion, tiny droplets of fluid are pushed through the vaginal wall. These droplets, along with cervical fluid and fluid from the Bartholin's glands, help to lubricate the vagina.

A sexual act in which two women lie on top of each other with their genitals touching, and stimulate each other by rubbing their genitals together.

A bacterial STI that can infect the vagina, penis and urethra. Trichomoniasis is spread through unprotected vaginal intercourse and often produces no symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms in women may include: yellow, green or gray vaginal discharge, that may be foamy; pain during or after intercourse or during urination; post-sex bleeding; and itching or irritation in the genitals. Symptoms in men may include: itching in the urethra; discharge from the urethra; burning after urination or ejaculation; and inflammation of the prostate or scrotum. If left untreated, trichomoniasis increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. Having one STI increases a person's chances of contracting another STI, including HIV, from an infected partner. (see vaginitis)

(short for testicular self-exam) A monthly self-examination of the testicles so that any variation from the “norm” can be identified. TSE is primarily to detect early stages of cancer. It is done by cradling each testicle and rolling the tissue between the thumb and fingers. Concerns can include swelling, lumps, or other changes in consistency, shape, size or texture. If any of these and other symptoms are experienced, it is important to call the doctor for further examination and diagnosis. TSE can be done on the same day each month for consistency after a warm shower or bath since heat relaxes the scrotum.

A permanent method of birth control in which the fallopian tubes are surgically sealed to prevent fertilization. Tubal ligation prevents an ovum and sperm from meeting. (see vasectomy)

Swelling of tissues, often as a result of increased blood flow. Tumescence occurs in the penis and the clitoris during sexual arousal as a result of vasocongestion.

A white membrane. A tunica albuginea surrounds the corpora cavernosa in the penis to trap blood flow during arousal and sustain an erection. The testes and the ovaries also are surrounded by a tunica albuginea. (see Peyronie's disease)

A condition in which a girl is born with a missing or incomplete X chromosome. Turner syndrome is linked to growth problems, a variety of health problems and infertility because of a lack of ovarian development.