Abstinence
Abstinence is the voluntary decision to refrain from certain activities, most commonly sexual intercourse, to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
Amniotic sac
The amniotic sac, or "bag of waters," is a thin, tough, transparent pair of membranes (the amnion and chorion) that surrounds a developing fetus during pregnancy.
Blastocysts
A blastocyst is an early-stage embryo, 5 to 6 days after fertilization, consisting of a fluid-filled cavity and 100-200 cells divided into an inner cell mass (which becomes the fetus) and an outer layer (which becomes the placenta).
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells, made of protein and a single molecule of DNA.
Consent
Consent is a clear, voluntary, and revocable agreement to engage in an activity, emphasizing mutual respect and active communication. It must be given freely without coercion, manipulation, or fear, and can be withdrawn at any time. True consent is informed, enthusiastic, and specific to each act. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Contraceptive
Contraception (birth control) refers to methods, devices, or medications used to prevent pregnancy, ranging from highly effective, long-acting reversible options (IUDs, implants) to barrier methods (condoms) and daily/monthly medication.
Dating Violence
Dating violence is physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a romantic or sexual partner.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a primary sex hormone essential for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
Fertilization
Fertilization is the biological process where male and female gametes (sperm and egg) fuse to form a zygote, initiating the development of a new organism.
Fetus
A fetus is the unborn offspring of a viviparous animal that develops from an embryo, specifically in humans from the ninth week after fertilization until birth.
Harassment
Harassment is unwelcome, offensive, or intimidating behavior that demeans a person, often based on protected characteristics like race, sex, or religion.
Healthy Relationships
A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, honesty, and open communication, where both partners feel safe, supported, and equal.
Menstruation
Menstruation, or a period, is the normal, monthly shedding of the uterine lining (blood and tissue) through the vagina, signaling that pregnancy has not occurred.
Ovaries
Ovaries are a pair of small, oval-shaped glands in the female reproductive system, located on either side of the uterus in the lower abdomen.
Puberty
Puberty is the natural, hormonal process where a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction, typically occurring between ages 8–13 for girls and 9–14 for boys. It involves significant physical changes, such as growth spurts, body hair, and voice deepening, alongside emotional shifts, usually spanning about five years.
Semen
Semen (seminal fluid) is a whitish-gray, alkaline fluid ejaculated from the male penis during orgasm, consisting of sperm and secretions from the prostate and other glands. It acts as a nutrient-rich transport medium for sperm, with an average volume of 1.5 to 5 mL per ejaculation
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
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) are viruses, bacteria, or parasites passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, affecting over 1 million people daily. While some are curable, others are manageable but lifelong. Common STIs include HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Many STIs show no symptoms, making regular testing crucial. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Sperm
Sperm are the male reproductive cells (gametes) produced in the testes, with a primary function of fertilizing a female egg to create an embryo. They are highly motile, featuring a tail for movement, and carry paternal DNA. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days
Testosterone
Testosterone is a vital androgen hormone primarily produced in the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women), crucial for sexual development, muscle mass, bone health, and libido. Normal levels are essential, and deficiencies, often occurring with age, are treated with testosterone therapy, though this carries potential side effects.
Zygote
A zygote is the initial, single diploid cell formed by the union of a female gamete (egg) and a male gamete (sperm) during fertilization. I