Glossary of terms

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Vagina — The canal that forms the passageway from the uterus to the outside of a woman's body. This is where menstrual blood, vaginal fluids and babies leave the body and where a penis could be inserted during sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.

Vaginal Contraceptive Film (VCF) — A spermicide that is a paper-thin sheet of film that is placed on or near the cervix and dissolves with body heat.

Vasocongestion — The filling of tissues and organs with blood. Happens to the penis, labia and clitoris during sexual arousal, causing erections or swelling in these areas.

Vaginal Sex — When a man puts his penis inside the woman’s vagina.

Virgin — A person who has never had sex.

Virus — The smallest and simplest form of a germ.

Vulva — The genital organs outside the female’s body, including the labia, the clitoris, opening of the urethra, and the opening of the vagina.

Water-Based Lubricant — Lubricant in which the main ingredient is water.

Wet Dreams — When a man or a boy ejaculates while sleeping and having dreams about sex.

Withdrawal — Taking out the penis from the vagina, mouth, or anus before ejaculation. This is an unreliable method of contraception or STD prevention.

Womb — Uterus.

Yeast Infection — An infection in a woman’s vagina when small amounts of yeast already existing there spread out of control. This is not considered an STD, Some causes of a yeast infection may include stress, illness, medication, clothing that is too tight, and a diet high in sugar, change in menstrual cycle, birth control.

Zygote — Formed when a man’s sperm fertilizes a woman’s egg.