Sex Education Glossary

VACCINE

A weak mixture of VIRUSES (a kind of germ) that a scientist makes. Since the VIRUS is either killed or weakened, the body can easily defeat it. After the body defeats the VIRUS, it can make ANTIBODIES that kill and easily recognize the VIRUS. The next time the VIRUS infects the person, the body's IMMUNE SYSTEM is already prepared. Only VIRUSES are affected by VACCINES. VACCINES only work if they are injected BEFORE someone gets a virus.

VAGINA

The place in a female that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. It is like a tunnel. It is also called a birth canal because when a woman has a baby it comes out through here. The VAGINA is also the place where an erect penis goes during VAGINAL SEX. The walls of the VAGINA can stretch bigger or smaller to help the PENIS fit. MUCUOUS MEMBRANES line the VAGINA, like a plastic bag lines a garbage can. This makes it easy for germs that cause STDs or other germs to get inside the body of a female. This could happen even if the penis doesn't get inside but is near the VAGINA. Semen or pre-seminal fluid from the penis could have germs that can cause STDs in it and then get near/touch the opening to the VAGINA. Some STDs are transmitted without any fluids getting inside someone else's body. Slang terms: Box, cunt, muff, pussy, slit.

VAGINAL LIPS

See "labia."

VAGINAL SECRETIONS

A clear and slippery fluid that comes from the walls of the vagina. It is a natural lubricant that comes out before and during sex. This helps the penis get inside the vagina easier. It also protects the lining of the vagina and the skin on a man's penis. It is also a fluid that can give STDs to another person. Slang terms: Pussy juice, honey.

VAGINAL SEX

Sometimes called "regular" sex or intercourse. It happens when a man puts his penis into the vagina of a woman. This can make a woman PREGNANT if they don't use birth control. A person can also get STDs this way if their partner has the germ. A LATEX CONDOM can prevent PREGNANCY and transmission of a STD.

VIRUS

A kind of germ that is so small it can't be seen when it gets inside a person's body. Some VIRUSES can be prevented by VACCINES. VIRUSES are the smallest and simplest of all germs, but they are also some of the deadliest. A STD caused by a VIRUS can not be cured, but it can be treated to help make the symptoms disappear. Herpes and HIV are two STDs that are caused by VIRUSES. Viruses also cause the flu, chicken pox, and malaria.

VIRGIN

A person who has never had sex. Some people think it means someone who has not had oral, anal or vaginal sex. Other people feel that a virgin is someone who has had oral sex but nothing else. The word VIRGIN means many different things to many different people. Sometimes it is good to ask a boyfriend or girlfriend what they mean when they say that they are a VIRGIN. Depending on what their definition of a VIRGIN is, they might have already contracted a STD.

VULVA

The sex organs outside of a female's body. They include the LABIA and the CLITORIS. It is possible that just touching the VULVA with the penis can cause pregnancy because sperm could swim up into the vagina and uterus.