Abstinence: Abstinence means staying away from certain activities, in this case, sexual activity. Some people believe that remaining abstinent means engaging in no sexual activity, but others think it only refers to sexual intercourse.

Abortifacient: A drug, herb, or device that can cause an abortion.

Active pills: When you take the Pill, there are generally 21 pills that work to prevent your getting pregnant. These contain hormones and are therefore "active." You begin menstruating when you take the placebo (or "reminder pills"). These contain no hormones and there are generally seven of those pills.

Age of Consent: The legal age when a person can voluntarily consent to sexual activity.

Anal Intercourse: Anal sex is when a finger, mouth, penis or sex toy is used to stimulate the delicate nerve endings in the anus.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Methods that prevent sperm from entering the uterus, such as the male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and spermicide.

Calendar Method: The calendar method helps you estimate the time of ovulation by tracking your menstrual cycle. This method helps uncover a span of days in which to avoid sexual intercourse.

Celibacy: See Abstinence.

Cervical Cap: A cervical cap is a thimble-size cup that is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix. The cap is personally fitted to the woman at a clinic or doctor's office. Before insertion, the cap is filled with spermicide, which kills the sperm as it enters the woman's body. After having sex, the cap should be left in place for about 8 hours before being removed.

Cervix: The cervix is a part in the female body that connects the uterus and the vagina.

Condom: A thin latex or plastic barrier that fits over the penis during sex, preventing sperm from entering the vagina.

Dental Dam: A thin sheet of latex plastic that is used as a method of protection during oral sex. It acts a barrier between the mouth/tongue and genitals to prevent the spreading of STDs.

Depo Provera: Depo is a shot, administered by your doctor, that is typically given in the arm or the butt. The shot is effective for three months at a time. Depo essentially stops the ovaries from producing eggs, so women using this method do not get a regular period.

Diaphragm: A diaphragm is a soft rubber dome with a flexible rim that is inserted into the vagina with spermicide. It covers the cervix and stops sperm from joining with an egg.

Dry Humping: Also known as outercourse, dry humping is sexual activity that does not include inserting the penis into the vagina or anus.

Egg: The reproductive cell in women that also happens to be the largest cell in the human body.

Estrogen: Estrogen is the main female sex hormone (the male counterpart is testosterone). It is important in the development of breasts, the menstrual cycle and sexual urges.

Female Condom: The female condom is a thin plastic pouch that keeps sperm from entering the vagina. The closed end is inserted into the vagina, while the open end remains outside of the body.

Hymen: A thin layer of tissue that stretches across part of the opening to the vagina.

Intercourse: While definitions vary, intercourse is usually defined through the insertion of a penis into a vagina or anus.

IUD: An Intrauterine Device is a small, T-shaped plastic device that contains either copper (ParaGard) or hormones (Mirena). An IUD works by thickening the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a sperm to reach the egg effectively.

Lubricant: Lubricant (lube) is a smooth and silky liquid that can be used when having sex to make intercourse a little easier and more comfortable. It can be rubbed onto the penis, vagina, or condom for a little extra help gliding during contact.

Masturbation: Personally initiating pleasure by stimulating one's own sex organs.

Morning-After Pill: Emergency contraception that is a high dose of the birth control pill and can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It works by surrounding the egg and not letting any sperm connect with it. The morning-after pill cannot be bought over the counter, but can only be given to you by a doctor or a clinic.