A to Z of Word Meanings
Don't know what a word means? Then use our glossary to find out!
Abortion
The medical term for end of a pregnancy. This can be natural which is known as a miscarriage, or it can be an operation to end a pregnancy by removing the foetus from the womb. The type of abortion depends on the stage of the pregnancy - it can vary from taking a pill to having an operation. The earlier the abortion is performed, the more straightforward it is. Abortion is allowed in the UK up to 24th week of a pregnancy.
Adolescence
The period between puberty and adulthood.
Adultery
When a husband or wife has sex with someone outside their marriage.
Age of Consent
The age when the law says it's legal for you to have sex. In the UK the legal age is 16, in Northern Ireland it's 17.
AIDS
AIDS is a serious condition in which the body's defences against some illnesses stop working properly. The virus that causes AIDS is HIV, which can be sexually transmitted. You can protect yourself from HIV by using a condom every time you have sex.
Amniocentesis
A medical test done on pregnant women to check for abnormalities in the foetus.
Amoebiasis
An infection that can be caught through sexual contact.
Anal Sex
When there's penetration or stimulation of another person's anus. See also 'rimming'.
Anti-abortion
People who believe that abortion is wrong.
Antibiotics
Medicine that is designed to kill harmful bacteria, the tiny organisms that live in your body.
Antibodies
Proteins produced by your body to fight off foreign bacteria and viruses in your blood.
Anus
Often called the bum, arse or bottom, the anus is the hole at the end of the digestive system where solid waste (poo, shit) comes out of the body.
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