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 early-stage embryo (around day 5-6 post-fertilization) with about 200 cells, featuring an inner cell mass (will become the baby) and an outer layer (trophectoderm, forms the placenta) surrounding a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel)

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 to participate in an activity, meaning a clear "yes" without pressure, coercion, or being impaired, and it can be withdrawn anytime, essential in daily life, legal matters, and especially for sexual activity where it signifies voluntary, informed permission for specific actions. It requires clear communication and capacity, with the absence of resistance not implying consent.

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 sex hormone vital for female reproductive health, bone strength, heart health, and cognitive function

Fertilization

the crucial moment when a sperm and an egg (ovum) fuse, combining their genetic material to form a single cell called a zygote, marking the beginning of a new individual and pregnancy

Fetus

an offspring of a human or other mammal in the stages of prenatal development that follow the embryo stage (in humans taken as beginning eight weeks after conception).

Harassment

unwanted, offensive, or intimidating behavior, often repeated, that targets an individual or group, causing distress, humiliation, or fear

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, located on either side of the uterus, responsible for producing eggs (ova) and female hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which control menstruation, fertility, and female characteristics

Puberty

the natural process of physical, hormonal, and emotional changes from childhood to adulthood

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

involves any unwanted sexual act or contact, including penetration or touching, committed through force, threats, coercion, manipulation, or by taking advantage of someone's incapacity (due to age, unconsciousness, disability, or intoxication) to consent, making it a crime where consent is absent or invalid. Definitions vary slightly by state and federal law, but core elements focus on lack of consent, use of force/fear, or exploiting vulnerability

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