Sex Education A-Z : Letter A

Here are definitions of some terms beginning with letter “A” :

Abortion -Medical or surgical termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is sufficiently developed to survive outside the uterus.

Abstinence – Refraining from sexual intercourse for a period of time.

Acquaintance rape -Sexual assault, or forced sex, that is committed by someone who was known to the victim prior to the assault.

Acyclovir – A drug used to treat herpes infections.

Adoption – A legal process in which a child becomes part of a family to which he or she was not born.

Adult store – A euphemism for a store that sells sexually explicit books, magazines, videos, or sex toys.

Adultery – Sexual intercourse of a married person with someone other than his or her spouse. Some people may define adultery as any type of intimacy with someone other than the spouse, without the spouse’s consent.

Afterplay – The affectionate time that occurs after intercourse or orgasm, usually consisting of caressing, cuddling, talking, laughing, eating, cleaning up, getting ready to make love again, or falling asleep.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – A life-threatening disease caused by the HIV virus which lowers a body’s T-cell count, and thus lowers immunity. Transmitted when infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk comes in contact with a person’s bloodstream. AIDS is characterized by the appearance of certain diseases, such as a respiratory disorder called pneumocystitis carnii pneumonia and a type of skin cancer called Karposi’s sarcoma.

Anal sex – Sexual contact with the anus. Usually this term specifically refers to a penis penetrating an anus in anal intercourse. But some people may consider it any sexual contact with the anus, such as digital or oral contact.

Annilingus – Oral stimulation of the anus. Sometimes referred to as rimming. Aphrodisiac A substance that is alleged to stimulate or increase sexual desire, although in actuality it may not have a physical effect on the person.

Areola – Pigmented area that surrounds the nipple on the breasts. Depending on the person’s skin coloring, it could be pink, brown, black, or any skin tone that is a darker shade than the color of the person’s breast.

Arousal – Stimulation of sexual interest. Also, the second stage of the sexual response cycle.