Sex education definitions
Sex education glossary: sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, biological sex, orgasm, erogenous zones and more, explained clearly and with sources.
This glossary brings together the basic concepts for understanding human sexuality: what sexuality means according to the WHO, how sex, gender and orientation differ, how sexual response and orgasm work, and what comprehensive sexuality education is. Each definition is based on official sources and links to the health guides where the topic is covered in more depth.
Biological sexWhat biological sex is: chromosomes, gonads, hormones and anatomy, how it develops before birth, how it differs from gender, and what intersex variations are.Read →
Comprehensive sexuality educationWhat comprehensive sexuality education is, according to UNESCO and WHO: the 8 key concepts, what children learn at each age, the evidence and common myths.Read →
Erogenous zonesWhat erogenous zones are: why some areas are more sensitive, what a 2016 body-mapping study found, the types, common myths and when to get advice.Read →
GenderWhat gender means according to WHO, how it differs from biological sex, gender identity, expression and roles, how gender affects health, and common myths.Read →
Human reproductionHow human reproduction works: reproductive systems, gametes, the menstrual cycle, the fertile window, fertilisation, pregnancy by trimester and birth.Read →
OrgasmWhat an orgasm is, what happens in the body, what research says about the orgasm gap, common causes of difficulties, myths and when to see a doctor.Read →
Sexual orientationWhat sexual orientation is according to WHO and the APA: types, how it develops, how it differs from gender identity, current figures, myths and health.Read →
Sexual practicesWhat sexual practices are and what makes them healthy: consent, STI prevention with WHO figures, communication, common myths and when to seek help.Read →
SexualityWhat sexuality is according to the WHO: its definition, how it differs from sex and sexual health, its dimensions, sexual rights and what makes it healthy.Read →