Bodies & function glossary

Explore each term in this topic, then open its full explanation for context, sources and related reading.

Anorgasmia
Persistent or recurrent absence, marked delay, infrequency or reduced intensity of orgasm despite wanting orgasm and receiving stimulation the person considers adequate, assessed in context and especially where it causes distress.
Disability and sexuality
The intersection of sexuality with physical, sensory, intellectual, learning, cognitive or other disability, including autonomy, access, communication, support, pleasure, health and protection from abuse.
Ejaculation difficulties
Ejaculation occurring sooner, later, less predictably, backwards into the bladder or not at all compared with what the person wants. Clinical relevance depends on pattern, cause, impact and distress.
Erectile difficulties
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for the activity a person wants. Occasional difficulty is common; recurrent erectile dysfunction can have physical, psychological, medication-related and relational contributors.
Medication and sexual function
Ways prescribed, pharmacy and recreational drugs may affect desire, arousal, erection, lubrication, sensation, orgasm, ejaculation, comfort or fertility. Effects vary by medicine, dose, person and health context.
Menopause and sexuality
Ways perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause may interact with desire, arousal, genital and urinary comfort, sleep, mood, body image, relationships and sexual choices. Experiences vary widely.
Neurodivergence and sexuality
Ways neurological differences such as autism or ADHD may interact with sensory experience, attention, communication, identity, relationships, sexual learning and healthcare. There is no single neurodivergent sexual profile.
Orgasm
A subjective peak, release or marked shift in sexual sensation that may include rhythmic pelvic contractions, changes in breathing, pleasure or other experiences. Intensity and bodily signs vary.
Painful sex
Pain before, during or after sexual activity. Dyspareunia commonly refers to pain associated with intercourse, but sexual pain can involve any anatomy and many forms of contact.
Pelvic-floor health
The health and coordination of muscles and connective tissues supporting pelvic organs and contributing to bladder, bowel and sexual function. Problems may involve weakness, overactivity, pain, injury or poor coordination.
Sexual response
The changing combination of attention, desire, physical arousal, pleasure, orgasm and recovery that may occur during sexual experience. These elements do not have to appear in one order or all occur together.
Vaginismus
An involuntary tightening or guarding response around the vagina when penetration is attempted or anticipated. It may cause burning, stinging, pain, fear or inability to insert something, and is not under simple voluntary control.
Vulvodynia
Vulval pain lasting at least three months without a clear identifiable cause, after appropriate assessment. It may feel like burning, stinging, rawness, soreness or irritation and may be provoked or spontaneous.