Definitions of Terms Relating to Men's Health and Sexual Health
Provided by Ontario Men's Health Inc, located in Toronto
Definitions from A - G H - N O - R S - Z
Definition of Scrotum:
The loose pouch of skin below the penis which contains the testicles and epididymi.
Definition of Semen:
The fluid, made mostly by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, which transports and nourishes sperm.
Definition of Seminal Vesicles:
Paired tubular glands that sit behind the prostate gland. The seminal vesicles produce the majority of the semen which is important for the transportation and health of the sperm made in the testicles.
Definition of Sex:
Refers to the biological characteristics that usually define humans as female or male. This term also commonly refers to sexual activity as in "to have sex".
Definition of Sexual dysfunction:
The persistent or recurrent inability to react emotionally or physically to sexual stimulation in a way expected of the average healthy person or according to one's own standards of acceptable sexual response. Sexual Dysfunction refers to any problem or condition which does not allow for a satisfactory sex life.
Definition of Sexual Health:
The healthy state of the many factors that impact sexual function and reproduction, including a variety of physical, mental, and emotional issues. Disorders that affect any of these factors can negatively impact a person's physical and emotional health, interpersonal relationships, and self-image.
Definition of Sexual intercourse:
Sexual activity that involves vaginal, anal, or oral penetration.
Definition of Sexual response:
The psychological and physical reaction to sexual stimulation.
Definition of the Sexual Response Cycle:
The sequence of physical and emotional changes, as described by Masters and Johnson, that occur as a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating behaviour, including intercourse and masturbation. The sexual response cycle has
four phases: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
Definition of Sperm:
The male reproductive cells manufactured by the testicles. When a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, growth of a fetus may begin.
Definition of STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease:
A medical illness typically from a bacteria or virus, passed on through sexual contact. Also referred to as STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection.
Definition of STI or Sexually Transmitted Infections:
Disease resulting from a bacteria or virus, often acquired through sexual contact. Some illnesses acquired as STI's can also be acquired in other ways, such as blood transfusions, intravenous drug use, non sterile surgical utensils or tattoo equipment, or mother-to-child transmission.
Definition of Straight:
Referring to individuals who are attracted to people of the opposite sex. Also referred to by the more technical term Heterosexual.
Definition of Stroke:
Damage to the brain caused by either a blocked artery to the brain or by bleeding in the brain. This can result in permanent symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, trouble speaking or understanding, and loss of vision.
Definition of Testicles (testes):
Part of the male reproductive system, the paired testicles manufacture the male hormone testosterone, and produce sperm, the male reproductive cells. The testicles are located inside the scrotum, the loose sac of skin that hangs below the penis. The function of the testicles is modulated by hormones from the brain.
Definition of Testicular Self Examinations (TSE):
An examination done at home by the individual man to detect changes in the testicles that could indicate a tumour. Testicular Self Examination is performed by rolling the scrotal contents on each side, including each testicle, between the fingers and thumbs to check for any abnormal lumps.
Definition of Testosterone:
The primary male sex hormone, produced by the testicles, that is essential for sperm production and for the development of male traits, including muscle mass and strength, bone mass, and sexual drive and function.
Definition of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):
Often referred to as a "mini-stroke". This involves symptoms, such as loss of vision or brief weakness or trouble speaking, resulting from a partially blocked artery to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA resolve on their own. However TIA's are a warning sign of a possible stroke that may occur soon.
Definition of Urethra:
The tube that carries urine from the bladder, and semen from the prostate and seminal vesicles, through the penis and out of the body.
Definition of Vacuum Erection Device:
A tubular device to treat Erectile Dysfunction, which is placed over the penis and creates a vacuum, drawing and trapping blood within the penis to produce an erection.
Definition of Vagina:
The lower part of the female reproductive tract. This is the female organ for sexual intercourse, where sperm are deposited, as well as the birth canal for delivering babies from the womb.
Definition of Vascular Disease:
Poor function, or blockages of the arteries to various parts of the body. This includes Ischemic Heart Disease (poor blood flow to the heart), Peripheral Vascular Disease (poor blood flow to the arms or legs), and Cerebrovascular Disease (poor blood flow to the brain).
Definition of Vasectomy:
A permanent sterilization procedure for men. This minor operation, involves cutting and sealing the tubes on both sides of the male reproductive tract (the vas deferens), which carry sperm produced in the testicles.
Definition of Vulva:
The external female genitalia that surround the opening of the vagina, the clitoris, and the urethra. These are the Labia Majora and Labia Minora.
Definition of Wet Dream:
Ejaculation occurring during sleep, usually in association with erotic dreams.