Sex Education Glossary

LABIA

The inner and outer folds of flesh, sometimes called the vaginal "lips," that cover and protect a female's vaginal opening.

LABOR

The work or effort involved in childbirth.

LAMB-SKIN CONDOM

The same thing as a natural membrane condom. They are good at preventing pregnancy, but are not recommended for preventing the spread of STDs. These condoms have holes in them, called pores, which are too small to see, but are large enough for germs to get through.

LATEX

A thin type of rubber used to make condoms, medical gloves, and other products.

LATEX CONDOM

A condom made of latex rubber that can be used to prevent pregnancy and teh spread of STDs. Vaseline should not be used with latex condoms because it is made with an oil that can cause the condom to break. It is safe to use water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly with latex condoms.

LESBIAN

A female who is sexually attracted to other women (homosexual).

LOVE

A feeling that shows strong caring for someone else. It comes in many forms, like love for close friends, for parents or for children. Love is not the same as sexual desire. Sexual contact can be a way to express this feeling to another person, but it is not the only way to show love.

LUBRICANT

A substance that feels slippery and is used to help make sex comfortable. During sex a person can put lubricant on the outside of a condom or inside a woman's vagina or person's anus before and during sex. This can keep a condom from getting dry and breaking during vaginal sex or anal sex. There are two kinds of lubricants: water-based and oil-based. A water-based lubricant is the best because it won't cause a latex condom to break.

LUBRICATED CONDOM

A latex or natural membrane condom that has lubricant put on it before it is sealed in a package. The condom might feel wet when it comes out of the package. People sometimes buy a tube of lubricant if what is already on the condom isn't enough. By using a lubricated latex condom for vaginal sex or anal sex, a person can stop STDs from getting into their body.

LUST

Having a very strong sexual desire for someone, sometimes without love being involved.

LYMPH NODES

Small bean-shaped parts of the body that help protect against infections and other health problems. Common places for them are the neck, armpits, and groin. If the nodes are swollen, then it means the person's immune system is working to kill whatever is infecting the body.