Catherine Toyooka's Ginormous Sex Term Glossary (sm)

Welcome to My Ginormous Sex Term Glossary

**This is just a teaser for what I am currently working on. I will try to put up a new batch of words each week**

So I've had this idea running around in my pretty little head for quite some time.....my entry into sex education could have been so much easier if there was one central place to get quick, accurate information on sex terms. 

There is a TON of inaccurate and downright shitty information on the web. In fact, it is kind of a pet peeve of mine. I figure that I should put my money where my pervy mouth is (instead of just bitching about it) and produce a fabulous and glorious sex term glossary just for you.

Since the glossary I envision creating is a ginormous task, consider it to be a work in progress. I will make every attempt to make sure the content is correct, but I am definitely not perfect. If you see a term that is not up to date, wrong, or want me to include a sex term you don't see listed, please email me at catherine@catherinecoaches.com.

As a woman and a sex educator, I happen to find some sexual terms to be completely offensive, and have made the conscience choice to not promote them.

Before you bombard me with emails, please give it some time because, like I said, this is a huge list and it takes both time and love to create. I'm putting up terms in mostly alphabetical order.

But hold on to your hats because I haven't got to the best part yet!

In addition to the definition of the sex term, I will give you an example of its common usage. You will be able to get a good understanding of the word by reading how I use the terms as a professional. In some instances, I might even include a video snippet or picture. This is some pretty awesome stuff!

Right about now, you might be thinking to yourself, "Who in the hell is this person?"

My name is Catherine Toyooka and I am the founder of Catherine Coaches. I'm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I have been providing some pretty amazing sexuality education since 2002. You may know me as an award winning sex blogger, sexuality speaker and educator, dating and sex coach, or media consultant. 

I hope you find this glossary to be educational, informative, and entertaining. My goal is to make the directory as accessible and accurate as possible without it being too dry, researchy, or medical like.

***A note about language***

Gender is much more than the traditional binary of male/female. Most of my writing defaults towards using male/female, however, I will often use or switch between different terms.

Men = male, male bodied, penis owner, male identified, biologically born male

Women = female, female bodied, vulva/vagina owner, female identified, biologically born female

My professional and personal disclosure is that I am very connected to the homosexual/gay community. This glossary will include a lot of gay terminology and how it is commonly used in the community.

My one request is that you DO NOT STEAL my content. I'm serious about this! I have a team of lawyers who take very good care of me and are vigilant in helping me put the kibosh on content thieves. If you would like to use my content in the work that you do, then please do me a solid and give me credit. Better yet, link back to me. 

 

Labia Minora

Part of the female pleasure anatomy that are thin folds of skin that are located on the sides of the vaginal opening. Also known as the inner lips.

As a sex educator I usually refer to the labia minora as the "inner lips" as vulvas come in all shapes and sizes and some women's labia minora is larger than their labia majora, and this is perfectly natural. 

The completely unnecessary surgical procedure called a labiaplasty is, unfortunately, a growing business. Genital shame over ones labia minora is quite common, and some women chose to have the surgical procedure to obtain symmetry of their labia. 

(medical drawing of the labia minora)

(medical drawing of the labia minora)

Labia Majora

Part of the female pleasure physiology and are rounded pads of tissue (or lips) that are located on either side of the vaginal opening. Also known as the outer lips. 

As a sex educator I usually refer to the labia majora as the "outer lips" as vulvas come in all shapes and sizes. For some women, their outer lips are smaller in appearance than their inner lips and this is perfectly normal.

A lot of genital shame in women can be attributed to the look, feel, size, and smell of their labia majora. 

(medical drawing of the labia majora)

(medical drawing of the labia majora)

Interfemoral Sex

Non penetrative sexual activity when a man thrusts his penis between his partner's thighs repeatedly. 

As far as HIV/STI risk is concerned, engaging in interfemoral sex is considered to be low risk. 

Many youths engage in interfemoral sex as a way of preserving their virginity. 

IUD

A small contraceptive device (usually made from plastic, silicone, or metal and shaped like a "T") that gets inserted into the uterus as a long term pregnancy prevention. Also known as Intrauterine Device.

Many ob/gyns prefer this method of long term pregnancy prevention because it can be effective for up to 10 years, mothers can continue to breast feed, can be removed at any time, and carries fewer side effects of other birth control methods. 

IUDs don't work well with everyone. I had to have my IUD removed due to persistent cramping and spotting. 

(medical drawing of IUD placement in the uterus--the strings can be cut short so that they can't be felt)

(picture of the variations of what IUDs look like)

KY Jelly

Originally produced in the early 1900s as a surgical lubricant but later acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Many people only know of it as a personal lubricant. The K & Y are not specific to any one word or meaning. 

KY Jelly is not a popular lubricant amongst many in the sex educator community. It is a thick colorless and odorless water based lube, but it tends to dry out fairly quickly and also contains glycerin (which is known to be problematic for those prone to yeast infections.)

More recently, KY has expanded their personal lubricant offerings which you can find in most pharmacies and grocery stores. 

(picture of a tube and box of the original formula of KY Jelly)

(picture of a newer lube offering by KY Jelly called "Yours" & "Mine")

Kink

Has many interpretations and meanings, but it usually refers to sexual activity that goes beyond that is considered conventional. It is often considered the opposite of having a "vanilla" sex life. Also known as kinky.

One definition I have seen is that is refers to range of sexual practices that can include activities like spanking, dominance and submission, bondage, sadomasochism, etc. 

Many people are drawn to kink sexual activities because it can result in a heightened and more profound intimacy between the partners. 

(picture of a computer mousepad that reads "think kink")

(picture of a woman's mouth where the word "kinky" has been tattooed inside her lower lip)

Kegels

Exercises that help strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles. Often instructed to be done after childbirth to aid with incontinence. Can be done by both men and women. Also known as kegel exercises and pelvic floor exercises.  

People who have strong pelvic floor muscles say they experience more robust orgasms. 

Kegels are perhaps best describes as isolating those muscles used for urination. Stopping the flow of urination can be learned by both men and women. 

(drawing of a woman doing kegels while lying on her back)

(drawing of the pelvic floor muscles of a woman)

(medical drawing of the pelvic floor muscles of a man)

 

Jockstrap

Originally designed in the late 1800s, it is an undergarment made specifically for men to support and defend genitals from being knocked around while bicycle riding.

Now it is commonly used during contact sports. The basic design is a pouch in the front to shield the genitals and held in place by straps that pass through the legs (like a harness). The variety of jockstraps is quite astonishing--some have soft cups and some have hard cups. Also known as an athletic supporter. 

In the gay community, the jockstrap remains a highly popular garment. It can be a huge sexual turn on both for those who wear them and for those who admire them. 

Many manufacturers have gotten into the "fashion" jockstrap industry. Jockstraps come in an array of colors and materials.

(picture of a hard cup jockstrap)

(picture of a soft cup jockstrap)

Joni's Butterfly

Wearable vibrator that is meant to be worn like a harness under clothing or panties and provides direct clitoral stimulation. Because of the way it is constructed (some are wireless), it is also suitable for penetrative intercourse. Named after the founder of Good Vibrations, Joni Blank. 

Even though the Joni's Butterfly has garnered cult status, as a sex educator I have yet to find someone who enjoys this toy. 

Most of the reviews of Joni's Butterfly have mentioned that the toy is poorly made, does not sit properly for full clitoral stimulation, and are often made out of cheap materials like jelly. 

(picture of the "Joni's Butterfly" vibrator that can be purchased online)

(picture of what is included in a Joni's Butterfly kit)

J Lube

A white and orderless lubricant that comes in a concentrated powered form, and made by Jorgensen Laboratories in Loveland, Colorado.

Made from 25% polyethylene polymer and 75% dispersing agent like sucrose. When you mix it with water, it results in a clear colored, thick, and slippery lubricant. It has been traditionally used by farmer and veterinarians for large livestock. 

J Lube is particularly popular amongst the fisting community.

Some people completely over look J Lube when it is part of a sex toy lubricant display because it is made out of powder. 

(photo of a bottle of J Lube)