The World Health Organisation (WHO) deems sexual and reproductive health as a fundamental human right. However, with so much misinformation and stigma doing the rounds, as well as a lack of resources, it’s nearly impossible for many to make informed choices. To help bridge this gap, our friends at Lovehoney created a no-judgment glossary to keep you in the know about the most basic sexual health, safety and well-being matters.
Whether you’re trying to get to know your body better, navigating the dating scene or making informed sexual health choices, sexual health is the very foundation for well-being and equality. Feeling confident and informed about your sexual health means living your best life!
A is for Anal Sex
Anal sex is a type of sex which stimulates the anus. Most people have anal sex by inserting a penis, finger, or sex toy into the anal canal, but it can also be experienced orally. For those wanting to give anal sex a try, it’s handy to start with basic anal play. This could be anything from using your mouth on your partner’s bottom to inserting your fingers. The anus is a delicate part of your body, so try not to rush into anal sex. Foreplay with a trusted partner is a good way to discover what your boundaries and desires are.
How to lower the risk of injury during anal sex
Injuries like anal fissures, infections and colon perforations are rare, but can happen when the right safety measures aren’t taken. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to have safe (and fun) anal sex:
Lubricant. Using a good quality anal lube will make it easier to slide inside the anus without damaging it.
Enema. An enema prior to sex offers a deep clean of the anus, which lowers the chance of both making a mess and spreading infections. You should learn how to safely do an enema first, and make sure to leave a few hours between doing one and having sex.
Nails. It’s polite (and more hygienic) to clean and trim your nails before any kind of anal play that involves your hands. This protects your partner’s anus and stops anything unwanted getting stuck underneath your nails.
Condom – Condoms stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The latex used to make condoms can also make it easier to enter your partner – if combined with latex-safe lube.
Position. There are plenty of anal sex positions you can try to make sure you’re both enjoying yourselves. Communicate with your partner and double check that the receiver is comfortable with the angles and depth of penetration.
Speed. This isn’t a race. Start slow with anal sex and work up the pace. This lets the receiver’s anus gradually open up to fit a penis or toy without becoming torn.
Can you have an orgasm with anal sex?
Yes! It’s totally possible for some people to orgasm during anal sex. For men and people with penises, this can happen as a direct result of stimulating the P-spot inside the anus. Although they don’t have a P-spot, women and people with vulvas can enjoy and even orgasm during anal sex. Either way, orgasms are often more likely to happen during anal sex if you’re also stimulating the penis, clitoris, or G-spot at the same time.
READ MORE: 5 Things You ALWAYS Need To Do After Anal Sex
B is for Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a type of infection which increases the risk of picking up an STI like chlamydia. It can cause unusual or smelly discharge. BV is not an STI itself – although it can be passed between women who have sex with each other. Men can also pass on BV if they have sex with an infected woman, even though they won’t get the infection themselves.
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Sometimes BV can be symptomless. In fact, half of the people who have it will get no symptoms at all. However, if you do notice any of the following, it could be as a sign of BV:
A vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, usually after sex.
A change to the colour of your regular discharge (usually becoming grey-ish white, thin, and watery).
Soreness and itchiness don’t tend to be related to BV, so if you do have these, something else might be at play. Visit your doctor if you’re concerned.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
BV is caused by an unbalance of bacteria inside the vagina. The exact causes are not fully known yet by medical science, but women can develop BV if:
They’re sexually active
They change sexual partners
They have an IUD (contraception device)
They use perfumed products around the vagina
How to prevent bacterial vaginosis
Because the exact cause of BV is still unknown, it’s difficult to give clear guidance on how to definitely avoid it. However, two steps you can take are to avoid using any kind of chemical soap or detergent in your vagina, as well as not smoking.
C is for Cervical Cap
A cervical cap is a silicone cap that you place over your cervix before you have sex. This stops sperm from reaching an egg. This method of contraception works best when used with spermicide.
How effective is the cervical cap?
The cervical cap is 86% effective if you’ve never given birth. If you’ve given birth, the effectiveness is 71%.
Does the cervical cap have any side effects?
No, the cervical cap doesn’t contain any hormones, so there are no side effects. That said, spermicide can cause irritation, so you might prefer other birth control methods if you have sex a lot.
READ MORE: Why It’s Important To Talk About Your Periods + How To Do It
D is for Discharge
Vaginal discharge is the body’s way of cleaning and lubricating the vagina. It also happens to help fight off bad bacteria and infection. The amount of discharge people have will vary, so only worry about yours if you notice it suddenly changes.
What is considered normal vaginal discharge?
While every vagina is different, there are some telltale signs that what’s being secreted is normal:
Colour. Clear, milky-white, or off-white discharges are usually healthy. Yellow, brown, green, or grey may mean something is wrong.
Smell. While some discharge has a slight odour, it should never smell fishy or unpleasant.
Texture. It can be either very thin and watery or thicker and clumpy and still be normal. Your discharge will also change during your cycle or pregnancy. It’s nothing to worry about.
Amount. Again, there’s no right amount which a person will produce. It’s only worth taking note if this changes.
While it’s normal for your discharge to change consistency throughout your cycle, sudden changes in the smell or colour might mean you have an underlying health condition. Talk to a healthcare provider if anything is concerning you about your discharge.
E is for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic health condition where cells similar to the ones in the womb lining grow in other parts of the body. There’s no cure, but it can be managed with treatment, including pain medication, hormonal birth control, and surgery. One of the symptoms of endometriosis is pain during or after sex. That’s because it can put pressure on parts of the pelvis where endometriosis is found.
It’s important not to ignore the pain. Instead, talk to your partner outside of the bedroom. Explain how endometriosis impacts your feelings about sex, and let them know which positions are painful. Together, you can find other ways to make the experience fun, from more comfortable positions (shallow penetration tends to be better) to non-penetrative activities like oral sex and massages.
READ MORE: The Best Sex Toys For Those With Endometriosis
F is for Fallopian Tube
The fallopian tubes are a passageway through which a fertilised egg will travel to your uterus. It’s in your fallopian tubes where the fertilisation process actually takes place, with the egg then moving down to your uterus to begin growing into a baby.
What is the purpose of the fallopian tubes?
The fallopian tubes have a number of purposes, all related to getting pregnant:
The location where fertilisation happens
The holding place of a mature egg, which is released at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle
The passageway which sees an egg move to your uterus
What kind of medical conditions are associated with fallopian tubes?
Fallopian tubes are vulnerable to medical conditions like:
Ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis
Fallopian tube cancer
Fibroids
Hydrosalpinx
Paratubal cysts
Salpingitis/Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What can you do to keep your fallopian tubes healthy?
One of the best ways to do your part in keeping your fallopian tubes safe is to practice safe sex. STIs can damage your fallopian tubes, so lowering the risks of getting one helps to protect them.
READ MORE: Here’s How Contraception Can Impact Your Oral Health
G is for Genital Warts
Genital warts are small lumps on the genitals, perineum or anus. They’re the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common STI. There are different types of HPV, with 40 types that affect the genitals. HPV often goes away by itself. If it doesn’t, it can cause genital warts and more serious health conditions, like cancer. The type of HPV that causes genital warts isn’t the same as the type that can cause cancer.
Who can develop genital warts?
Anyone who’s sexually active can get HPV and develop genital warts, although lots of people with HPV never get symptoms.
What are the symptoms of genital warts?
Genital warts can be white, red, the colour of your skin, or darker than your skin, and may be soft or firm, raised or flat. They don’t cause any symptoms, but they might be itchy or painful.
How can I protect myself from genital warts?
If you’re sexually active, you can protect yourself from HPV and genital warts by using condoms every time you have sex. If you’re in a mutually monogamous relationship, you can both get an STI test before you stop using condoms. That said, condoms might not cover every area affected by HPV. If you or your partner have an outbreak of genital warts, you can stop it spreading by avoiding all sexual contact until all the warts are gone. You can also protect yourself from HPV by getting vaccinated against it and attending screening for cervical cancer (sometimes known as a pap smear).
Testing for genital warts
Healthcare providers can diagnose genital warts on sight.
Treatment for genital warts
Genital warts can be treated with solutions applied directly to the skin, or removed through surgery.
Long-term effects of genital warts
Genital warts can grow and spread if left untreated.
H is for Hepatitis (A-E)
Hepatitis is the name given to certain viruses which can attack the liver. All of them, other than Hepatitis E, are transmissible through sexual contact with an infected person. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Hepatitis A
A less severe variant, people tend to recover from Hepatitis A within a few months. It can be spread through food, as well as any water supply that’s contaminated by the faecal matter of an infected person.
Hepatitis B
95% of people who get Hepatitis B do not have it chronically, but for a few it will stay for life. It’s commonly spread by infected blood, sharing dirty needles, or touching an infected person’s bodily fluid. If a pregnant woman is infected, it may spread to the foetus.
Hepatitis C
The most severe of all the types, Hepatitis C will develop into a chronic liver condition for 75-85% of people. It’s less common to contract Hepatitis C through sex, but it’s still possible.
Hepatitis D
In order to contract Hepatitis D, you must already be infected with B.
Hepatitis E
This version of the virus can be contracted in the same way as the others, but also through eating undercooked food like pork, venison, and shellfish. This makes it common. It’s important to be vaccinated against it, as it can have a severe effect on pregnant people.
Vaccines are currently available for Hepatitis A, B, and E.
READ MORE: The STI Tests You Need, According To Your Exact Risk Profile
I is for IUDs
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, plastic T-shape device which a doctor or nurse can put inside your uterus to prevent you from becoming pregnant.
How effective is an IUD?
An IUD is 99% effective. They’re also proven to work as emergency contraception, with results showing that 99.9% of pregnancies were avoided as a result of inserting one with 120 hours (or 5 days) of unprotected sex.
Does the IUD have any side effects?
Just as with any contraceptive, those using an IUD might get side effects. Some common examples are:
Period-like pains for a few days after
Spotting and bleeding between periods
Longer, heavier, and more painful periods
A chance of getting thrush or BV
Less common side effects may also rear their head. While rare, it’s possible to experience the following:
Pelvic infections (usually within the first three weeks)
The IUD moving or even coming out
Damage to your uterus
If you notice anything that doesn’t feel right, speak to your doctor.
READ MORE: “I Ignored My Symptoms For 10 Years. It Turned Out To Be This Life-Altering Condition.”
J is for Jism
‘Jism’ or ‘jizz’ is a colloquial term used to describe semen.
K is for Kink
Kink is an umbrella term for any sexual activity or interest which might be unconventional. That might be something like role play, or discipline and impact play, such as spanking. There’s nothing unusual about having a kink and they are, in fact, quite common. Before exploring your sexual preferences, make sure you communicate with your partner and start with consent and clear boundaries.
L is for Labia Minora
The labia minora are the two inner folds of the skin which can be found at the opening of the vagina. Some people call them “lips”. They protect the vaginal and urethral openings from dryness, damage, and infection.
When a woman gets aroused, the labia minora helps spread lubrication from nearby glands to the vaginal area and clitoris. This can make sexual intercourse more enjoyable, but it’s not that long-lasting. During sex or masturbation, lube can help keep you wet.
READ MORE: Is It Ever OK To Hold In Your Pee? Here’s What Experts Say
M is for ‘Morning After’ Pill
A form of emergency contraception, this pill needs to be taken within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy from occurring. The sooner you take it, the more likely it is to work.
Where to get emergency contraception
Sexual health clinics
Doctor’s surgeries
Select pharmacies
N is for Non-binary
Anyone who does not identify as a man or woman might be considered non-binary, also known as NB or enby. The non-binary spectrum is diverse, and can even include gender fluid people, whose identity will shift between male, female, and everything in between all throughout their lives.
Non-binary people often choose their own pronouns, and will pick gender-neutral ones like “they/them” or “xe/xem”. Instead of “Mr” or “Mrs”, a person who identifies as non-binary may ask you to write their name with “Mx” in front of it.
O is for Ovulation
Ovulation is the stage of the menstrual cycle when the ovaries release an egg to be fertilised. This will usually happen around day 14 of your cycle, but it’s different for everyone. Once an egg leaves the ovaries, it travels down into the fallopian tubes, where it waits to become fertilised by sperm. When this happens, the egg implants into the uterus.
If you want to have a baby, it’s useful to know when you ovulate. If you have a uterus, you’re most fertile for a period of about six days, with ovulation starting around the fifth day. Having regular sex over these six days will increase your chances of having a baby.
How to know when you’re ovulating
There are a few methods of ovulation tracking:
Menstrual cycle tracking. In a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation happens around day 14. Keep track of your cycle over several months to see how long your cycle is. Count day one as the first day of your period and assume you ovulate about halfway through your cycle.
Calendar method. Once you’ve observed your cycle for six months, subtract 18 days from your shortest cycle and 11 days from your longest. This will give you your fertile window.
Cervical mucus. Your discharge (also known as cervical mucus) is usually thick and creamy white. Right before ovulation, it becomes clear and slippery.
Basal temperature check. You might see your body temperature rise by (32-34℉) during ovulation. Check your temperature often, as a rise could mean you’re about to ovulate.
Ovulation kits. Similar to taking a pregnancy test, you just need to pee on an indicator strip. Then, the kit will tell you whether or not you’re likely to be ovulating (based on the hormone levels in your pee).
No method is foolproof, so think about combining some of them. The most important thing is that sex remains fun and pleasurable for you and your partner, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself when you’re trying to conceive.
What does it mean if I’m not ovulating?
There are several reasons why you might not be ovulating:
You’re breastfeeding
You’re on the contraceptive pill
You’re menopausal
You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant or have another reason to believe you might not be ovulating, make sure to reach out to your doctor.
READ MORE: At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home
P is for Pre-cum
Also called pre-ejaculate, pre-cum is the small amount of fluid which comes out of your penis right before you have an orgasm. It’s almost always involuntary to release this fluid, and it usually doesn’t contain sperm. However, it can happen. It’s possible for pre-cum to contain enough sperm to impregnate a woman if it gets into her vagina. That’s why you can’t rely on the pullout method as contraception.
Q is for Questioning
Some people are lucky enough to know their sexual orientation is from an early age, but that’s not always the case. It’s not unheard of for people to question their sexuality for years, as they try to come to terms with this complex emotional dynamic. The process of reconsidering your own sexual preferences is known as questioning.
R is for the Rhythm Method
Also known as the calendar method, this involves tracking your natural menstrual cycle to predict when you’ll ovulate. Doing this makes it easier for couples to understand when they’re most likely to conceive successfully.
Your chances of getting pregnant are much higher if you have unprotected sex for a few days before ovulation, during ovulation, and the day after. You’ll need to track your cycle for a few months to get a good idea of when you ovulate.
S is for STI Screening
An STI screening is a quick and relatively painless way to see if you have one of the four most common infections – chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, or syphilis. You can give a urine and blood sample to find out if you have any of these conditions. The test can be done in a clinic, or using an at-home kit if you feel more comfortable doing it in private.
While opinions are mixed, a good rule of thumb is to test for an STI every few months, or soon after you’ve been with a new sexual partner. If you notice any unusual symptoms, particularly around your genitals, mouth, or anus, it’s worth getting checked – even if you’re not sexually active.
READ MORE: A New Study Shows Sex Before Bed Is Linked With Better Sleep. Here’s Why
T is for Thrush
Vaginal thrush is a yeast infection, which as many as 75% of women will experience at some time in their life. It’s caused when natural levels of yeast bacteria, which normally live in the bowel, become inflated. Thrush isn’t considered an STI, but something called balanitis of the penis can be caused by having unprotected sex with a woman who has the condition.
Symptoms of thrush
The symptoms of thrush are usually quite easy to spot, which makes it one of the easier infections to notice and treat. Look out for:
Itching or burning in the vagina or vulva
A thick white discharge from the vagina
Redness or swelling
Splits and cracks in the skin around the genitals
A stinging or burning sensation when peeing
Treatment of thrush
The most important part of thrush treatment is to reduce the amount of yeast in the infected area. This can normally be done with the help of treatments from a pharmacist. You may not even need a prescription. The most effective are:
Anti-fungal creams or vaginal suppositories (pessaries) – These are rubbed inside the vagina and used for up to seven days. You may need to repeat the treatment for the best results. Also, be aware that using this cream can weaken and damage condoms.
A single 150 mg dose tablet (called Fluconazole) – While less admin, these types of pills tend to be a bit more expensive. It’s also not recommended to take them if you’re pregnant.
How to prevent thrush
To prevent vaginal thrush from affecting you, keep the following in mind:
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
Avoid scented hygiene products
Wash your vulva using a mild, unscented soap and avoid douching
Don’t use perfumed toilet papers
Don’t wear tight-fitting underwear (comfy cotton is always best)
U is for UTI
A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria and other microbes infect any part of the urinary tract. Depending on exactly where the infection is, the name given to a UTI will be different:
Cystitis – If it’s in the bladder
Urethritis – If it’s in the urethra
Pyelonephritis – If it’s in the kidneys
Anyone can get a UTI, but it’s a lot more common in people with vaginas. That’s partly because the urethra is shorter and more vulnerable to bacteria.
Symptoms of a UTI
UTIs usually have pretty uncomfortable symptoms. Not ideal, but it does at least mean you’ll spot the signs and get treatment quickly. Some of the most common are:
The urge to frequently go to the toilet
A pain or burning sensation when peeing
A sudden urge to pee out of nowhere
Cloudy pee that is strong-smelling
Blood in your pee
A feeling like the bladder is not fully empty after going to the washroom
Feeling unwell and tired
How to treat a UTI
A simple course of antibiotics should cure a UTI. If you’re still feeling unwell after taking them, go back to your doctor.
How to prevent a UTI
If you want to reduce the chances of getting a UTI, follow these simple steps:
Drink water regularly throughout the day — if your pee is a pale yellow colour, that’s a good sign you’re hydrated
Make sure the bladder is always completely empty when peeing
Pee as soon as you can after sex
Wear loose-fitting underwear
Keep your genitals and the surrounding area clean
Avoid using perfumed products on your intimate areas
READ MORE: Your Burning UTI Treatment Questions, Answered
V is for Vaginal Health
Practicing good vaginal health is an important part of protecting your body. But knowing how to do that can be a challenge. Here are some of the best ways to take care of your vagina:
Cleaning. While the vagina is self-cleaning internally, you’ll still need to clean the outside (the vulva) daily. Using warm water and a gentle, natural soap is best for this. Try not to use perfumed products here, because they might trigger yeast infections or BV. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, as this reduces the chance of getting a UTI.
Practising hygienic sex. Only use body-safe products, like water-based lube, during sex. If you like the idea of food play (hello whipped cream), avoid getting any on your vulva. After sex, always use the toilet and wash yourself.
What to wear. The underwear you have on can play a big role in vaginal health. Cotton is best, and try to avoid anything that grips too tightly. Change your underwear twice a day if you have heavy discharge. If your underwear becomes damp for any other reason, it’s best to change it right away.
Pubic hair. How you want to style your pubic hair is totally up to you. If you want to keep some or all of it, just make sure to regularly wash it. If you shave it completely, watch out for razor burn and irritation. Cuts when shaving can also spread bacteria to the vaginal area, so be careful. Using hair removal cream isn’t advised, because this can damage the sensitive skin around your vulva.
General vaginal hygiene. Change your tampon or pad regularly (up to five times a day if needed) when on your period. Staying hydrated will also help to fight bacterial overgrowth and stop any stress-related sweat.
W is Well-Woman Visits
Well-woman visits are diagnostic tests with a specialist consultant, specifically for women. They’re an important part of preventative care for most conditions and diseases, as they help to spot any warning signs early. They may also uncover conditions which haven’t been diagnosed yet, making it easier to create an action plan that will help to treat them. During a visit, your doctor might ask you questions about things like:
Age
Weight
Height
Pre-existing medical conditions
Medication
Medical history
History of illness in the family
Dietary habits
Lifestyle and exercise habits
Relationship status
A physical exam is also normal. These usually involve:
A skin, nail, and hair inspection
A breast exam
A joint inspection
A pelvic exam
A rectal exam
An abdominal exam
An ear exam
An eye exam
If the doctor notices anything slightly odd, they may tell you to get more tests for specific conditions. These will change depending on what they’ve spotted.
READ MORE: 9 Quick Health Tests You Can Do At Home Yourself
X is for X-rated
This colloquial term is used for anything which might be considered risque or “not safe for work” (NSFW). You may have heard this term used in relation to pornography. It can also be used to describe a movie which contains extreme adult themes or images.
Y is Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes discomfort in the vagina and vulva. An intense itchiness, as well as a thick discharge, are the most common issues associated with this kind of condition. While not an STI itself, yeast infections can be triggered, or become worse, when you’re having sex a lot.
Symptoms of a yeast infection
How bad your infection is will determine how severe your symptoms are. Here’s what to look out for:
Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
A burning sensation during sex
A burning sensation when peeing
Redness and swelling of the vulva
A vaginal rash
A thick, white vaginal discharge (which might smell like cottage cheese)
Watery vaginal discharge
Causes of a yeast infection
Yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. When this bacteria builds up or travels deeper into the vagina, it’ll cause an infection. This might happen as a result of:
Antibiotic use
Pregnancy
Diabetes which hasn’t been controlled
A poor immune system
Hormone therapies that increase estrogen levels
How to prevent a yeast infection
Yeast infections aren’t always controllable, but there are steps you can take to lower the chances of getting one.
Don’t wear tight-fitting underwear and pantyhose
Try not to douche, because this can remove normal bacteria from the vagina
Avoid hot tubs and overly hot baths
Wearing wet clothes for too long can trigger bacterial growth
Some scented feminine products can cause yeast to grow
READ MORE: Vaginal Infections 101 — What You Need To Know About That Itch More
