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C-section: Abbreviation for cesarean section.
calendar method: A contraceptive method based on calculating "safe" days based on a formula involving a woman's longest and shortest periods.
call girl: A high-priced prostitute who usually works outcall from a home or office as opposed to getting customers on the street or at a brothel.
candida albicans: The fungus that causes candidiasis, otherwise known as a yeast infection.
candidiasis: A yeast infection caused by the fungus candida albicans.
cannula: A tube inserted into the body through which fluids and tissue can be removed. These are often used during abortions and other gynecological procedures.
carpopedal spasm: A contraction of the hands or feet which occurs during orgasm.
castration: The removal of the testes or ovaries. In popular use, also refers to the amputation of the penis.
celibate: Unmarried, or as more popularly used, someone who does not engage in sexual activity.
cervical cap: A small, rubber, contraceptive barrier device that fits over the cervix. It is smaller than the diaphragm and is held in place by suction.
cervical dysplasia: A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A disease of the membrane that covers the cervix. It is often considered to be pre-cancerous and should be treated.
cervix: The tapered, lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
cesarean section: Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall. Also known as C-section.
chancre: A red, painless sore that is an early symptom of syphilis.
chancroid: A painful sore on the penis that is caused by the STD bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi.
chastity: Sexual abstinence.
chemical castration: Using drugs to reduce or eliminate a man's sexual impulses.
cherry: Slang expression for the hymen.
child-free marriage: A marriage in which the couple have chosen not to have children.
chlamydia: An infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Despite being one of the most common STDs in women, it is often asymptomatic.
chorionic-villi sampling: A medical procedure in which embryonic cells are removed from the tissue surrounding the fetus and then analyzed for evidence of genetic defects.
cilia: Tiny hairlike fibers that line the fallopian tubes and help move the oocyte along.
circle jerk: Slang term for male group masturbation (usually referring to a practice of adolescent males).
circumcision: The surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, or, in some cultures, the clitoral hood, clitoris and/or labia.
clap: A slang term for gonorrhea.
climacteric: An older term for menopause.
climax: Orgasm.
clit: Slang expression for the clitoris.
clitoral hood: The fold of skin covering the clitoris.
clitoridectomy: The surgical removal of the clitoris and all or part of the labia. Also known as female circumcision.
clitoris: A small, highly sensitive sexual organ in the female, located above and in front of the vaginal entrance.
cock: Slang term for penis.
cohabitation: Living together; usually referring to an unmarried couple.
coitus: Sexual intercourse.
colostrum: A thin, yellow fluid containing nutrients and antibodies that is secreted by the breasts after a woman gives birth for 2 or 3 days prior to actual milk production.
coming out: The process of acknowledging that one is gay, lesbian or bisexual.
conceive: To become pregnant.
conceptus: The product of conception; a medical catch-all term for the zygote, fetus, or embryo.
condom: A sheath that is placed over the erect penis to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A genetic condition in which a female is born with genitals that look like a male's due to an abnormally functioning adrenal gland.
congestive prostatitis: An inflammation of the prostate gland thought to be caused by infrequent ejaculation.
contraception: The prevention of conception by the use of birth control devices or agents.
contraceptive film: A small square of spermicide that is inserted into the vagina where it dissolves and helps protect against pregnancy.
contraceptive foam: A spermicidal foam that is inserted into the vagina with an applicator prior to intercourse where it helps protect against pregnancy.
contraceptive sponge: A polyurethane sponge inserted inside the vagina that blocks the opening of the cervix and releases a spermicide thereby helping to protect against unintentional pregnancy.
contraceptive suppository: A small capsule of spermicide that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse where it dissolves and helps protect against pregnancy.
contraceptive: Any method, drug, or device that helps prevent conception.
coprophilia: A sexual variation in which arousal is associated with activities involving feces.
copulation: Vaginal intercourse.
corona: The sensitive rim of tissue between the glans and the shaft of the penis.
corpora cavernosa: The hollow chambers in the shaft of the penis or clitoris that fill with blood during sexual arousal, causing erection.
corpus luteum: The cell mass that remains after a follicle has released an egg. After releasing the egg, it secretes both progesterone and estrogen.
corpus spongiosum: A column of erectile tissue that runs the length of the penis and encloses the urethra.
couvade: The experiencing of the symptoms of pregnancy and labor by a male. A form of sympathetic pregnancy practiced in some cultures.
covert sensitization: A form of aversion therapy in which negative thoughts are used to punish and therefore rid someone of unacceptable thoughts or behaviors.
Cowper's glands: A pair of structures below the prostate gland that secrete a clear alkaline fluid into the urethra prior to ejaculation. Also known as bulbourethral glands.
crabs: Slang term for Pediculosis pubis or pubic lice.
cramps: Painful menstruation known clinically as dysmenorrhea.
cremaster: A muscle within the scrotal sac that causes the testes to descend and/or elevate based on temperature.
cross-dressing: Wearing the clothing of the opposite sex.
crura: The internal branches of the clitoral or penile shaft.
cryptorchidism: A medical condition in which one or both testes have not descended properly.
culdoscopy: A form of female sterilization/tubal ligation in which the incision is made through the back of the vagina thereby avoiding an external scar.
cultural relativity: The perspective that the appropriateness of any behavior must be evaluated based on the time and culture it occurs in.
cum: Slang term for semen.
cunnilingus: Oral stimulation of the female genitals for sexual purposes.
cunt: Slang term for vagina.
curette: A scooplike medical instrument used for scraping body tissues; often used during abortions or other gynecological procedures.
cybersex: Using a computer in some way to enhance sexual stimulation.
cystitis: A bladder infection marked by pain as well as frequent, painful urination.
cytomegalovirus (CMV): One of a group of viruses related to herpes that cause cell enlargement in various internal organs.