Glossary of terms

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7/11 — Slang term for a brief, fast act of intercourse.

Abortion — A medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. There are two types of abortions: surgical and medical. Surgical abortions are the most common in the United States and utilize a procedure called vacuum aspiration. Medical abortions, also called drug-induced abortions, involve taking medication that cause a miscarriage.

Abstinence — Not engaging in sexual activities. To be effective in preventing pregnancy or STDs, abstinence is not engaging in anal, vaginal or oral sex. Which sexual activities this refers to are defined by each person.

Acquaintance Rape — When a person uses force or threat of force to have intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone he or she knows. Also known as date rape.

Adhesion — A condition when the foreskin of a man's penis becomes stuck to the head of the penis. Adhesions often make it painful for uncircumcised men to roll back the foreskin. This is usually preventable by pulling back the foreskin and washing the head of penis regularly. When they are formed, adhesions are easily treated by a health care professional.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) — Is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS is a collection of infections that results from a weakened immune system.

Anal Intercourse — When a penis or other object is inserted into the anus of another person for sexual pleasure.

Androgynous — Person who deliberately adopts characteristics of both genders or strives to attain a gender neutral or non-gendered status.

Anonymous HIV Test — Refers to a way that results from an HIV test are reported to a health department. "Anonymous" test reporting means that your results are reported to the health department by using a code, not your real name.

Anus — Opening from the rectum in which waste leaves the body.

Areola — The darker area of the skin surrounding the nipples on both male and female breasts.

Asymptomatic Infection — Having a disease but not showing any signs/symptoms of it.