Sexual practices and behaviors aimed at reducing the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs). This is a more realistic term than "safe sex," as it acknowledges that risk can never be completely eliminated, only minimized. Methods include using condoms, dental dams, regular STI testing, and discussing sexual health with partners.
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A term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth and who often desire or have undergone medical interventions (such as hormone therapy and/or sex reassignment surgery) to align their body with their gender identity. While historically used, the term "transsexual" is considered dated by some, and transgender is now often used as a more inclusive umbrella term. However, some individuals still identify specifically with "transsexual."
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An abbreviation for Male-to-Female. It describes a transgender or transsexual individual who was assigned male at birth but whose gender identity is female. Many MtF individuals undergo social and/or medical transition to align their physical appearance and social role with their female gender identity. The term "trans woman" is often preferred.
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An abbreviation for Female-to-Male. It describes a transgender or transsexual individual who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is male. Many FtM individuals undergo social (e.g., changing name and pronouns) and/or medical (e.g., hormone therapy, surgery) transition to align their physical appearance and social role with their male gender identity. The term "trans man" is often preferred.
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Stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease (also commonly known as STI - Sexually Transmitted Infection). This is an infection that is spread primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause STDs. Examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV.
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Stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks and gradually weakens the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), making the person more vulnerable to other infections and certain cancers. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
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An abbreviation for Sadomasochism. It describes consensual sexual practices that involve the exchange of power and the experience of sensations ranging from mild to intense. It typically combines two elements:
- Sadism: Deriving pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from inflicting pain, humiliation, or control on another person.
- Masochism: Deriving pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from experiencing pain, humiliation, or being controlled. It is a core part of what is often referred to as BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, Masochism).
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Engaging in sexual intercourse, especially anal or vaginal sex, without the use of a condom. The term is often used in contexts where there is a conscious decision to forgo protection, which significantly increases the risk of transmitting or acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs).
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BDSM is an acronym for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism. It refers to a range of consensual sexual and non-sexual activities and preferences that involve physical and psychological control, power exchange, and/or pain. Key components include role-playing, restraints, and giving or receiving pain for pleasure.
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