Abstinence

the fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol.

Amniotic sac

the fluid-filled sac that contains and protects a fetus in the uterus.

Blastocysts

a mammalian blastula in which some differentiation of cells has occurred.

Chromosomes

a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

Consent

permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.

Contraceptive

(of a method or device) serving to prevent pregnancy.

Dating Violence

any type of verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse that occurs between two people identified as being in a dating relationship

Estrogen

a group of key hormones, mainly made in the ovaries, vital for female reproductive and sexual development, regulating the menstrual cycle, and maintaining secondary sexual traits like breasts.

Fertilization

the fusion of a male sperm cell and a female egg cell to create a new, genetically unique cell called a zygote, marking the start of pregnancy or a new organism in sexual reproduction.

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

aggressive pressure or intimidation.

Healthy Relationships

one built on trust, respect, and open communication, where both partners feel safe, supported, and valued.

Menstruation

the process of discharging blood and other material from the lining of the uterus,

Ovaries

a female reproductive organ in which ova or eggs are produced, present in humans and other vertebrates as a pair.

Puberty

the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction.

Semen

the male reproductive fluid, containing spermatozoa in suspension

Sexual abuse

any unwanted sexual act or contact,

Sexually Transmitted Disease or Infection

an infection passed through sexual contact (oral, anal, vaginal) or other bodily fluids, caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, often with few or no symptoms but potentially leading to severe health issues like infertility, cancer, or HIV, and requiring testing and treatment

Sperm

male reproductive cells that carry genetic material, consisting of a head (containing the nucleus with 23 chromosomes) and a tail for motility, allowing them to fertilize an egg

Testosterone

a steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.

Zygote

a diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum.