PMS? Vaginal ring? Vaginal discharge? HELP! Below is a brief dictionary explaining all these new concepts.
Acne is a skin disease that occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands produce excess amounts of oil. This prevents the oil from secreting from the oil gland and the gland becomes infected and produces a pimple. Typically, acne starts during puberty and primarily affects the face, shoulders, chest and back. Therefore, teenagers should regularly clean their skin and take care of their hygiene.
Birth control or contraceptive pills are a form of contraceptive that prevents ovulation and therefore also pregnancy, but does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. You must always consult your physician before starting to use birth control pills and you need a prescription for them.
A bra is an undergarment that protects and supports the breasts. You usually buy your first bra once the breasts have grown large enough to need support.
The clitoris is located above the opening of the urethra. Only a small part of the clitoris is visible. The clitoris is a highly sensitive zone that reacts to touch. Rubbing and touching the clitoris feels very pleasurable.
Condoms are the only method of contraception that protect against both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Condoms are manufactured either from latex or plastics and are available from nearly all supermarkets and corner shops. The condom is rolled onto an erect penis before intercourse, and it must stay on until the end of the intercourse.
An erection is a physiological phenomenon in which the penis stiffens due to sexual arousal, for example. During an erection, the corpora cavernosa of the penis fill with blood, causing the penis to become firmer as well as engorged and enlarged.
A gynaecologist is a physician who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs and who everyone with such reproductive organs should visit regularly. The gynaecologist can help you with birth control- and menstruation-related issues.
The hymen is a membrane that surrounds the external vaginal opening. In puberty, hormones make the hymen stretch in order to enable intercourse. Using tampons can also stretch the hymen.
Labia are the visible part of the female genitalia. There are two parts to the labia: the inner labia and the outer labia. In puberty, pubic hair begins to grow on the outer labia.
Masturbation means the sexual stimulation of one’s own genitals. Everyone has the right to practice masturbation. Take time to explore your own body and find out what type of touching feels pleasurable to you.
Pantyliners are intimate hygiene products suitable for days with lighter bleeding. You can also use pantyliners to protect your underwear against staining.
The pelvic floor is composed of the muscles that surround the vagina, urethra, and colon. These muscles enable you to control the need to urinate or defecate. You can train your pelvic muscles by contracting and relaxing them repeatedly.
Penis refers to the male sexual organ. It is also referred to as the willy, cock or dick, to name just a few.
PMS or premenstrual syndrome refers to the time before a period, i.e. the end of the menstrual cycle, when you may experience irritation or anxiety. Symptoms also include headache and pain in the lower abdomen.
Puberty or adolescence means the process through which people physically mature into an adult capable of sexual reproduction.
A sanitary towel or pad is a menstrual hygiene product that is placed in the underwear. One side of the sanitary pad is made from an absorbent material that effectively protects the clothing from staining. The other side has an adhesive strip that keeps the pad attached to the underwear. Different types of pad are available. You can only find the most suitable type foryou by trying them out.
Sexual intercourse is principally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into the vagina. You should not rush to have intercourse for the first time. Take your time to get to know your partner and only start your sex life once you are both ready for it.
Tampons are a menstrual hygiene product placed inside the vagina.
The uterus is a pear-shaped muscle that is approximately the size of a fist. Each month, it prepares itself for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the extra lining of the uterus is shed through menstrual bleeding.
The vagina extends from the vulva to the cervix. The vagina is a muscular and tubular part of the body that stretches during intercourse and childbirth, but returns to its normal size over time.
Vaginal discharge is light-coloured and odourless discharge that keeps the vagina clean and moist and prevents infection.
A vaginal ring is a birth control method that operates according to the same principle as the pill, i.e. it is designed to prevent ovulation from occurring. The vaginal ring is inserted in the vagina, where it releases a continuous dose of hormones in the body. To use this birth control method, you need a prescription from your physician.
