Glossary of terms

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Canker Sore — Open sores located near around the mouth and lips; NOT the same as herpes sores.

Carrier — A person who has a germ or virus and can transmit it to another person through several means including unprotected sex.

Celibacy — Abstinence from sexual intercourse, especially for reason of religious vows.

Celibate — Choosing to not to have any kind of sex; abstaining.

Cervical Cap — A small, plastic or rubber cup that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. Also known as a barrier method, it is used with spermicide. It is 80-91% effective at preventing pregnancy and must be prescribed by a health care provider.  It does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Cervix — The lower part of the uterus with an opening to the vagina that lets blood pass during a period, lets sperm enter the uterus, and expands to allow a baby to pass during childbirth.

Cesarean Section (C-Section) — A surgical procedure that removes a baby from a woman's uterus by cutting open her abdomen. 

Chancre — A sore in the location of the syphilis infection.

Chlamydia — A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that often has no symptoms.  When symptoms occur, they can include burning during urination, discharge and bleeding during intercourse for girls. For guys, pain during urination and a watery discharge are common symptoms. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the United States. Because chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Circumcision — The surgical removal of the foreskin from the male penis. This is usually done for religious or cosmetic reasons.

Clitoris — A small, highly sensitive female organ located above the opening of the vagina whose only function is to provide sexual pleasure.

Coitus Interruptus — Oral, vaginal or anal intercourse that stops before ejaculation inside the receptive partner. It is not effective as a means of preventing pregnancy or the transmission of STDs. Also known as pulling out or withdrawal.

Communicable — Something that can be spread from one carrier to another.

Conception — The process of an egg and a sperm joining together. Also called fertilization.

Condom — Typically refers to the latex or polyurethane sheath rolled over a male's penis to prevent including semen and pre-cum from entering another's body. "Condom" can also mean the female condom, which is a polyurethane pouch that has two flexible rings on either end. One ring is inserted into the vagina and the other ring stays outside the vagina.

Confidential Testing — When no one except for you and the doctor can see the results of a test without your permission.

Contraception — Methods to stop pregnancy from occurring.

Crabs — A parasite that lives in a person’s pubic hair causing intense itching. Can be sexually transmitted and cured with anti-lice medicated shampoo and body wash such as Kwell, which can be purchased in a drug store.