Sexual Health Glossary

Consent

A clear, freely-given, enthusiastic and ongoing yes to sexual activity. It can be withdrawn at any time and is specific to what was agreed. Silence, pressure or being drunk is never consent.

STI

Sexually transmitted infection, an infection passed through sexual contact. Many have no symptoms, so testing matters even when you feel well.

HPV

Human papillomavirus, a very common virus spread by skin and sexual contact. Some types can cause cervical cancer; a vaccine offers strong protection.

Contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy, such as the pill, implant, IUD, injection or condoms.

Emergency contraception

A backup option after unprotected sex, pills (best within 72 hours, some up to 120) or a copper IUD (up to 5 days). Not for regular use.

IUD

Intrauterine device, a small device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Comes in copper (hormone-free) and hormonal types; lasts several years.

Implant

A small hormonal rod placed under the skin of the arm that prevents pregnancy for 3–5 years.

Condom

A barrier worn on the penis or inside the vagina. The only method that prevents both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV.

PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, medicine taken before possible exposure to prevent HIV. Highly effective when taken as prescribed.

PEP

Post-exposure prophylaxis, medicine started within 72 hours after possible HIV exposure to prevent infection. The sooner the better.

U=U

Undetectable = Untransmittable. A person living with HIV who takes treatment and keeps the virus undetectable cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners.

Fertility window

The days in a menstrual cycle when pregnancy is most likely, around ovulation, roughly five days before through one day after.

Menstrual cycle

The monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the body for possible pregnancy, from the first day of one period to the first day of the next.

Cervical screening

A test (HPV, VIA or Pap smear) that finds early changes on the cervix before they could become cancer.

SRHR

Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights, everyone's right to make free, informed decisions about their body, sexuality and reproduction.