human sexuality

The feelings, thoughts, and behaviors of humans who have learned a set of cues that evoke a sexual or an erotic response.

sexual double standard

Differing sets of norms based on gender

sexual scripts

Societal or cultural guidelines for defining and engaging in sexual behaviors.

significant others

People who play an important role in a person's life, such as parents, friends, relatives, and religious figures.

generalized others

The viewpoints of society at large- widespread cultural norms and values that individuals use as a reference when evaluating themselves.

sexual orientation

The ways in which people understand and identify themselves sexually.

heterosexism

The notion that heterosexuality is the only right, natural, and acceptable sexual orientation.

heterosexuality

Both identity and behavior; includes a preference for sexual activities with a person of the other sex.

sexual identity

Refers to how a person describes her or his sexuality and how that person expressed that self to others.

homophobia

An extreme and irrational fear or hatred of homosexuals.

homosexuality

Both identity and behavior; includes preference for sexual activities with a person of the same sex.

transgendered

Refers to living life as the opposite sex.

bisexuality

A person who has partners of both sexes either simultaneously or at different times.

orgasm

A human sexual response that occurs at the height of sexual arousal. It is characterized by the involuntary release of sexual tension through rhythmic contractions in the genitals and is accompanied in most males by ejaculation.

ejaculation

expulsion of semen from the penis.

autoeroticism

sexual activities involving only the self, for example, masturbation, sexual fantasy, and erotic dreams.

masturbation

Erotic stimulation of self through caressing or otherwise stimulating the genitals for the purpose of sexual pleasure.

nocturnal emissions

Erotic dreams that lead to orgasm during sleep.

pleasuring

Engaging in activities during a sexual encounter that feel good; giving and receiving pleasurable feelings without the necessity of intercourse.

cunnilingus

Oral stimulation of the female genitals

fellatio

Oral stimulation of the male genitals.

coitus

penile-vaginal intercourse.

menopause

A period in the female life cycle (typically between ages 45 and 50) characterized by the cessation of ovulation, the menstrual cycle and fertility.

sexual dysfunction

A psychological or physical condition in which a person is unable to engage in or enjoy sexual activities.

sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Diseases acquired primarily through sexual contact.

sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Infections acquired primarily through sexual contact.

acquired immunodefiency syndrome (AIDS)

A viral syndrome that destroys the body's immune system.

safe sex

Protection from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases through abstinence or use of protective methods such as condoms.