Abstinence
the practice of refraining from a specific action or substance
Amniotic sac
- the fluid-filled sac that contains and protects a fetus in the uterus.
Blastocysts
a crucial stage of early embryonic development (around day 5-6 post-fertilization) in mammals, characterized by a hollow ball of about 200 cells with an inner cell mass (which becomes the fetus) and an outer layer (trophectoderm, which forms the placenta)
Chromosomes
thread-like structures in the nucleus of cells that carry genetic information (DNA) organized into genes
Consent
Consent is freely given, enthusiastic, ongoing agreement or permission for something, crucial in all aspects of life, especially sex, meaning it must be clear, voluntary, and can be revoked anytime, with the absence of "no" or silence not implying "yes," and incapacity
Contraceptive
the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy.
Dating Violence
violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim
Estrogen
a key female hormone primarily made by ovaries, controlling sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and bone/heart health
Fertilization
the crucial process where a male sperm and a female egg (oocyte) fuse, combining their genetic material to form a single cell called a zygote
Fetus
an offspring of a human or other mammal in the stages of prenatal development that follow the embryo stage
Harassment
unwanted, aggressive, and often repeated behavior that threatens, intimidates, or demeans someone, causing distress and creating a hostile environment
Healthy Relationships
built on mutual respect, trust, open communication, and support
Menstruation
the monthly shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) through the vagina
Ovaries
two small, almond-shaped glands in the female reproductive system that produce eggs (ova) and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone)
Puberty
the natural process of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes as a child develops into an adult
Semen
the whitish fluid ejaculated from the penis, primarily composed of sperm from the testes and fluids from glands like the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse takes place when a person knowingly causes another person to engage in a sex act by threatening or placing the other person in fear, or if someone engages in a sexual act with a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the act or unable to give consent
Sexually Transmitted Disease or Infection
chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV
Sperm
male reproductive cells, tiny, tadpole-shaped cells produced in the testes, carrying genetic material (DNA) in their head, powered by mitochondria in the midpiece, and propelled by a tail (flagellum) to swim towards and fertilize an egg for reproduction, forming a crucial part of semen, the fluid ejaculated during sex
Testosterone
primary male sex hormone
Zygote
the first single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg