A-Z of sex word meaning

This might involve having a one night stand. This is sometimes referred to as being friends with benefits/having a fuck buddy. Generally this is someone who you might not go on to have a relationship with. 

Cancer of the cervix is a life-threatening disease, but it can be treated and cured if it is discovered in the early stages. Cervical cancer is most common in people with a cervix who are over 50, although it can affect people with a cervix of any age.

Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test to detect cancer, by checking the health of your cervix. Cells are taken from people with a cervix, using a speculum (a small metal or plastic instrument), which goes inside the vagina. This opens the cervix so a healthcare professional can take a sample using a swab. The test shouldn't be painful, but it might be a little uncomfortable. Women and people with a cervix should have a test every 3 years between 25 and 50, and every 5 years between 50-64. You will be invited by letter from your GP via the NHS.

The neck of the womb consisting of a narrow passage leading to the vagina.

When someone in a closed or committed relationship has romantic or sexual activity with someone else without their partner's agreement. This usually happens when the relationship is meant to be exclusive (monogamous). 

Some gay and bisexual men are using drugs with sex ('chemsex') to enhance sexual intensity and boost confidence during sex. Read more about chemsex.

A very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) which, if untreated, can cause infertility in girls, and is slightly more common in those with vulvas. Find out more about STIs here.

Refers to someone that someone thinks is not good looking. This would be considered a rude/hurtful term.

Circumcision is when the foreskin on a penis is removed by a doctor during a surgery. The operation can be done on babies for religious reasons, but it can happen at any time in someone's life if there is a problem with the foreskin. It's a safe operation and makes no difference to someone's sex life.

A word to describe someone whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. Some people may shorten this to 'cis'.

The clitoris is an organ, of which the only purpose is for sexual pleasure. This is underneath the vulva, with the bulb visible. When the clitoris is stimulated this can produce feelings of intense sexual pleasure. There are no nerve endings in the vagina; roughly 3/4 of people cannot orgasm from penis in vagina/penetrative sex alone. There are nearly double the nerve endings in the clitoris than the penis, at roughly 8000. This can also mean that people with vulvas need more time to reach an orgasm.

A small device, made of plastic or copper which is used to prevent pregnancy. It also known as an IUD or Long Acting Reversible Contraception. It is inserted into the womb and stops fertilised eggs from settling and growing. See our Contraception page for more information.

A contraceptive pill that stops pregnancy by making someone with ovaries stop making eggs. Visit our Contraception page for more information. This medication combines man-made oestrogen and progesterone.

A slang term for sperm, or when anyone is having an orgasm. May also be referred to as jizz or nutting.

The process by which someone shares their sexual or gender identity with their friends and families or another person. See our page on being LGBTQ+.

A cover made out of latex (almost like rubber) worn over the penis. This is the best contraception that protects against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms can also be ribbed, bobbled to enhance pleasure or different colours for novelty. Condoms are also a type of barrier method. Always make sure you use a condom that is in date. Find out where to get free condoms near you.

The age when someone can legally agree to have sex. In the UK it's 16, and in Northern Ireland it's 17. This means that someone has the freedom and capacity to make a choice about having sex. It's important for young people to get support from trusted adults or sexual health services if they need help or advice. See our page on consent here.

A contraceptive pill that stops pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from making eggs. Visit our Contraception page for more info. This pill combines man made oestrogen and progesterone.

Lice that live in the pubic hair and can be spread from person to person during sex or close contact.