Although teens are biologically ready for sex, parents often view them as too cognitively, emotionally, or socially immature to be sexually active. Issues are complicated by a sex-saturated media. Parents, educators, and society at large focus on puberty and sexual health. Four main developmental tasks are:

1. Adapt to the physical and emotional changes of puberty

2. Accept yourself as a sexual being

3. Explore romantic and sexual relationships

4. Learn to protect sexual health

1894 - 1956

With colleagues, conducted the first large-scale modern sex survey from 1939 to 1949 with 5,300 male and 5,940 female respondents. The first to statistically document the sexual behaviour of American people. Asked questions about a wide array of sexual behaviours. Adopted a group sampling approach. Results were likely not generalizable. Interviewers were trained to encourage honest responses.

"Male menopause"

The scientific jury is still out. Gradual decline in testosterone levels as men age, starting after age 30. The drop may be connected to a variety of age-related symptoms. Some experts believe that testosterone replacement can help avert problems.

1884 - 1942

Studied the Trobriand Islanders in 1929.

1809 - 1882

Showed that current species of animals and plants evolved from other lifeforms through natural selection.

"Critical period"

A long-term process that includes menopause, and involves the gradual decline in the reproductive capacity of the ovaries. Generally lasts for 15 years, from ages 45 to 60.

From Greek for "hill"

A component of the vulva. Consists of a shaft and a glans, located above the urethral opening. The shaft is about 2.5 cm long, and 0.5 cm wide, consisting of erectile tissue, two corpora cavernosa which stiffen when aroused. The glans is a smooth, round knob or lump of tissue. Covered by the prepuce. The most sensitive female sex organ to sexual stimulation. Homologous to the penis.

"Living in sin"

"Shacking up"

The state whereby two people live together as a couple, but are not legally married. Attitudes towards it have changed dramatically during the last half of the century, becoming socially acceptable. Many believe it will help a couple work out the kinks before marriage. Canadian couples who cohabit before marriage are twice as likely to get divorced. Cohabitators tend to be more committed to personal independence, and are less traditional and religious; less committed to values and interests traditionally associated with the institution of marriage.

Sexual intercourse

Approximately one third of youth experience intercourse before age 17. The proportion of younger adolescents who have had intercourse has remained stable in recent years. The proportion of older adolescents who have had intercourse has declined over the years. Two thirds of Canadians have had intercourse before age 20. Most sexually active youth aged 15 to 17 have one intercourse partner at a time. Various factors predict intercourse at a young age, including poor school attachment, poor relationships with parents, and sexually permissive peers.

Infidelity

"Cheating"

Extramarital sex that is kept hidden from one's spouse. May refer to a one-night stand, or an affair that persists for years.

Coronal ridge

The ridge that separates the glans from the body of the penis. An area of the penis which men tend to find most sensitive.

"Cavernous bodies"

Two masses of spongy tissue in the clitoral shaft (in the crura) and penis. Become engorged with blood and stiffen in response to sexual stimulation.

Songy body

The spongy body that runs along the bottom of the penis. Contains the penile urethra which conducts urine to the urinary opening. Enlarges at the tip of the penis to form the glans.

Singular: Crus

Anatomical structures resembling legs that attach the clitoris and the root of the penis to the pubic bone. In the clitoris, contains corpora cavernosa.

From Italian for "shower bath"

Application of a jet of liquid to the vagina as a rinse. Women who douche may remove or mask substances which may arouse sex partners. Can alter the chemical balance of the vagina, increasing risk of infections.

Ages 2 to 5

Children may show curiosity about anatomy, and play "doctor". Hugging, kissing, and climbing on others is not a cause for concern. Rough-and-tuble play, including touching of the genitals, is common. Children should be taught the basic rules of privacy, that they have basic autonomy over their bodies, and the distinction between a good touch (non-sexual touch by trusted adult) and a bad touch (non-consensual touch by a peer or sexual touch by an older person).

"Affair"

Sexual relationships between a married person and someone other than their spouse. Usually conducted without the spouse's knowledge or approval. Includes conventional and consensual adultery. Motivations include breaking routine, expressing hostility, seeking satisfaction, curiosity, and boosting self-esteem. Men are more likely to separate love and sex, and are more approving of extramarital sex. In a 2005 Canadian poll, 10% of married people had extramarital sex. Suggests that reported rates of infidelity may be increasing. Surveys may under-report because of social desirability. Most married couples believe monogmay is important: 41% of married Canadians believe an affair would definitely end their relatioinship, and 27% said it would probably end their relationship. When a spouse finds out about extramarital sex, emotions can include anger, jealousy, shame, inadequacy, and reduced self-esteem; there is a perceived breach of trust and intimacy. May speed relationship dissolution, or lead to renewed efforts and commitment.

A theory that focuses on the subordination of women and the unequal status of girls and women in society. Born of protest of ideas that there is an implicit right of men to hold power over women, ideas which remain with us today in many, if not most, parts of the world. Analyses the relationships between sexism, heterosexism, racism, and class oppression, and explores means of resistance. There are a variety of feminist theories and types of feminism. Can focus on objectification, potential of sexuality, acceptance of lesbianism/bisexuality, and sexual pleasure. All share the same core assumptions:

1. There are fundamental distinctions that can be made within society between male and female, men and women, and masculine and feminine.

2. These distinctions are mostly or entirely socially constructed, and are not a function of biology or an innate human nature.

3. These distinctions function to make women subordinate to men, or to disadvantage women in society.

4. Women's subordination and/or disadvantage can be effectively addressed through changes in law, social policies, and greater social awareness and acceptance of the goal of gender equality.

Prepuce

The loose skin that covers, and freely moves over the penile glans in an uncircumcised male.

Gräfenberg spot

Theorized to be part of the vagina. A bean-shaped area in the anterior wall. Believed to lie about 2.5 - 5.0 cm from the vaginal entrance. Consists of a soft mass of tissue that swells from the size of a dime to a loonie when stimulated. Stimulation may lead to female ejaculation. Some researchers challenge its existence, however it is commonly agreed that the anterior wall of the vagina has many nerve endings and may be sensitive to stimulation.

Ages 0 to 2

Infants engage in a variety of "sexual" behaviours. Boys have erections in the first few weeks of life. There is evidence of vaginal lubrication and genital swelling in infant girls. Masturbation is typical and may start as early as 5 months of age. Should not be interpreted using adult concepts of sexuality; the reflexes of lubrication and erection do not signify any interest in sex. Children should learn proper names for body parts.

1878 - 1958; 1904 - 1990

Behaviourists who emphasized the importance of rewards and punishments in the learning process.

Major lips

A component of the vulva. Large folds of skin that run downwards from the mons veneris along the sides of the vulva. Shield the labia minora and the urethral and vaginal openings. Outer surfaces are covered with pubic hair.

Minor lips

A component of the vulva. Hairless, light-coloured membranes located between the labia majora. Surrounds the vestibule, with urethral and vaginal openings. Outer surfaces merge with labia majora. Join at the top with the prepuce of the clitoris.

Voice box

A structure of muscle and cartilage that lies at the upper end of the trachea and contains the vocal cords. In boys at age 14 or 15, it grows and vocal cords lengthen, deepening the voice.

1901 - 1978

Reported on the social and sexual customs of various people in New Guinea in 1935.

"Change of life"

The cessation of menstruation. A process that most commonly occurs between ages of 46 and 50, but may begin at any time between ages of 35 and 60. Lasts for about 2 years. Deficit of oestrogen may lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms, which may be treated with hormone replacement therapy.

Ages 5 to 8

Crushes and relationships that resemble dating may occur. Curiosity about genitals increases. Playing "doctor" is common between ages 6 and 10. Same-gender play is more common than play with the other gender, and may include handling other children's genitals, and oral or anal contact. Same-sex play does not foreshadow adult sexual orientation. Experiences are not overtly sexual in terms of desire or sexual gratification, and are more to satisfy a curiosity. They may ask "Where do babies come from?", and may have some awareness that not all people are heterosexual. Parents should discuss these issues with factual information.

Mons

Mons pubis

A component of the vulva. A mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone, the joining of the pelvic bones at the front of the body, below the abdomen and above the clitoris. At puberty, becomes covered with pubic hair. Cushions a woman's body during sexual intercourse.

"Survival of the fittest"

The evolutionary process by which adaptive traits enable members of a species to survive to reproductive age and transmit these traits to future generations. Better-adapted members are more likely to survive, reproduce, and transmit traits. Postulated by Charles Darwin.

Field study

A study method in which organisms are observed in their natural environments.

"Wet dream"

Involuntary ejaculation of seminal fluid while asleep. May begin about a year after the first ejaculation. Usually accompanied with erotic dreams. Begins at age 14 to 15.

Estrogen

A generic term for female sex hormones or synthetic compounds that promote the development of female sex characteristics, and regulate the menstrual cycle. Part of the endocrine system. Includes estradiol, estrone, and others. Produced by the ovaries during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Produced in males in relatively small amounts. 

Ovulatory phase

The second stage of the menstrual cycle. The process by which a Graafian follicle ruptures and releases an ovum. Ten to twenty ova ripen, but normally only one ovum reaches maturity and is released by the ovary, and the others are harmlessly reabsorbed by the body. Desire for sex has been found to peak around this phase.

Plural: Ova

Egg cell

The female germ cell. Contained in the ovary within follicles. During ovulation it ripens and is released by rupturing the follicle, for possible fertilization. A fertilized ovum implants in the uterus and develops until birth.

Ages 9 to 12

Gender-sergregating groups and friendships are common. Increasing preoccupation and self-consciousness with bodies. Feel pressure to conform with peers. It is critical for children at this age to be educated about the physical and emotional changes they will experience in puberty; if they are better informed they will be better able to accept changes in a positive way. Masturbation is the primary means of achieving orgasm. Sex play with others is common, and doesn't appear to affect future sexual adjustment; most activities are single episodes or short-lived experiences. Interest in the other sex develops in heterosexuals.

"Before a swelling"

The fold of skin covering the glans of the clitoris or penis.

Follicular phase

Pre-ovulatory phase

The first phase of the menstrual cycle. Begins with the end of menstruation. Last 9 to 10 days. The endomerium proliferates.

In July 2002, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered governments to redefine the term "marriage" to include same-sex couples. In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. The number of same-sex marriages jumped from 7,500 in 2006 to 21,00 in 2011. In same sex-couples, 54.5% are male, and 45.5% are female. Not everyone in the LGBTQ community supports same-sex marriage, criticizing it as a patriarchal and heterosexual institution. Benefits include:

1. Greater acceptance of relationship by friends and family

2. Equality with heterosexual couples in decisions for ill partners, caring for children, and receiving inheritance and insurance benefits

3. Greater relationship satisfaction and security, including feeling closer to partners

4. Decreased feelings of internalized homophobia

5. More openness to the idea of having children

A systematic way of gathering scientific evidence and testing assumptions through research. Has a number of elements:

1. Formulating a research question

2. Framing the research question in the form of a hypothesis

3. Testing the hypothesis

4. Drawing conclusions

"Shred"

The pouch of loose skin with two compartments that contains the testes. The name refers to the long furrows on the scrotal sac. Becomes lightly covered with hair at puberty, and grows and hangs more loosely from the body.

Luteal phase

Post-ovulatory phase

The third phase of the menstrual cycle. The corpus luteum begins to secrete large amounts of progesterone and oestrogen following ovulation.

Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of the population. Beliefs about sexuality include that seniors are sexless, with no sexual urges. Research does not support that individuals inevitably lose sexuality as they age. Physical ability to function sexually diminishes somewhat. Psychological and social factors including attitude, sexual history, and partners, are as important as physical factors in determining sexual behaviour and satisfaction among seniors. Having a partner affects sexual frequency. Having accurate expectations about physical changes can help seniors lead some of the most sexually fulfilling years of their lives. Years of sexual experience may more than compensate for decreased physical responsiveness. Many seniors engage in sexual activities as least as often as when they were younger. In women aged 33 to 55, body image is an important influence on sexual functioning and satisfaction, more so than menopause. Americans aged 57 to 85 have a decline in sexual relations with age, though many had sexual partners during the previous year. Average sexual frequency was 2 to 3 times a month. Half of sexually active experienced sexual problems. 14% of men used Viagra or other supplements. Few felt that sex was "not at all important". Women are less likely to have sexual relations. People in good health are more likely to be sexually active. Couples may respond to physical changes of aging by broadening sexual repertoires. Limited research has been carried out on the effects of aging on LGBTQ. Developmental tasks include:

1. Maintaining self-perception as a sexual being, while living in a culture that tends to equate sexuality with youth

2. Adapting to reduced frequency of sexual desire

3. Adapting to reduced intensity of genital sexual response

4. Adapting to the death of a partner

5. Adapting to entry into long-term care facilities such as nursing homes

6. Using protection against STIs and HIV

Petting

Most adolescents experiment with sexual touching. A primary activity for those who don't feel ready for oral sex or intercourse, or who want to avoid pregnancy or STIs.

1856 - 1939

A Viennese physician who formulated psychoanalysis, and introduced the concept of erogenous zones. Believed we are all born with biologically based sex drives that are channeled through socially approved outlets, if family and social life are to carry on without undue conflict.

A theory that examines sexuality within relationships in terms of rewards and costs. Has been used to study a variety of aspects of the sexual component of the couple relationship, including extradyadic sex, partner selection, and frequency of sexual activity. Includes the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction. Consists of three assumptions:

1. Social behaviour is a series of exchanges

2. Individuals attempt to maximize their rewards and minimize their costs

3. When individuals receive rewards from others, they feel obligated to reciprocate

Spermatozoon (Plural: Spermatozoa)

The male germ cell. Fertilizes the ovum. It is 0.0005 cm long.

Comarital sex

Mate swapping

A form of consenual adultery in which both spouses share extramarital sexual experiences. Most swingers seek to avoid emotional entangelements with partners, which can be more threatening to the primary relationship than sexual intimacy. In 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that swinging is not illegal, using the criteria of harm to society rather than community standards of morality.

From French for "plug".

A cylindrical plug of cotton that is inserted into the vagina and left in place to absorb menstrual fluid. Introduced in 1933, altering the habits of million of women. Can cause toxic shock syndrome.

Singular: Testis

Testicles

From Latin for "testify".

The male gonads, or sex glands. An endocrine gland. Produce male sex hormone, testosterone, and sperm cells. Suspended in the scrotum. Divided into many lobes filled with seminiferous tubules. Range from 2.5 to 4.5 cm in length. The left testis usually hangs lower than the right. Can develop testicular cancer. Growth during puberty accelerates testosterone production and pubertal changes.

Vaginal inflammation

May be caused by infection, birth control pills, antibiotics that alter natural body chemistry, allergic reaction, chemical irritation, or lowered resistance due to fatigue or poor diet. Changes in body chemistry or lowered resistance may permit normal microorganisms to multiply to dangerous levels.

Plural: Vas deferentia

A cylindrical tube that conducts sperm from the testicle epididymis to the ejaculatory duct of the penis. Found in the spermatic cord. The upper part is the ampulla. About 40 cm long. It is severed in a vasectomy.

1915 - 2001; 1925 - 2013

Published Human Sexual Response (1966) and became some of the first scientists to report direct laboratory observations of individuals and couples engaged in sexual acts. In 1966, called the feeling of the urethral bulb ballooning during the emissions stage of ejaculation a "sense of ejaculatory inevitability".