Afterplay Term used to refer to intimacies and sexual interactions that take place after the climax of sexual activity. See Foreplay. Anillingus Applying the mouth or tongue to a partner’s anus to give it erotic stimulation. Also known as rimming. See Rimming, Dental dam. Areola Area of pigmented skin surrounding the human nipple that swells a little during sexual arousal. Auto-eroticism Term for masturbation. Climax The height of arousal during sexual activity, usually the point at which orgasm is reached. It is characterised by involuntary muscle spasms and waves of intense pleasure through the body. See Orgasm Cock ring Ring fastened around the base of the penis to help produce and maintain a man’s erection. It should be an easily removable device made from rubber or leather, never metal or hard plastic. Cunnilingus Oral sex in which the mouth or tongue is used to stimulate the vulva and clitoris of a woman. Deep-throat A form of fellatio that involves accomodating the whole length of the penis in the mouth and throat. In order to do that, the person performing fellatio needs to overcome the ‘gagging’ reflex. Fellatio Oral sex, involving the tongue or mouth in the stimulation of the penis. Foreplay Term used to describe sexual activity that takes place in the early stages of arousal G-spot A specific area that is particularly and intensely responsive to sexual stimulation in some men and women. Also known as the Grafenberg spot, after Dr Ernst Grafenberg, who first described it. The male G-spot has been identified as the prostate gland, the female as a small area on the front wall of the vagina, although opinions still vary with regard to the nature of the G-spot and - in the case of the female - even its existence. For some people stimulation of the G-spot is the key to reaching orgasm, for others it serves to intensify the sensations of orgasm, while for others it has little or no effect. Hymen A thin membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina in young girls. It may be broken by physical exercise, by using tampons or at first intercourse. Kama Sutra Possibly the world’s first sex manual, also seen by many as a literary classic. It describes the sensual pleasure to be derived from music and poetry as well as giving a great variety of advice and information on the enjoyment of sex. It was written by Vatsyana in the fourth to fifth centuries AD, but was based on earlier sources. Multiple orgasm Several orgasms experienced in rapid succession, without any refractory period between each one. Usually, only women are physically capable of having multiple orgasms, but, by practising and developing ejaculatory control, some men may also be able to have more than one orgasmic peak in quick succession. In most cases, not all will involve ejaculation. See Refractory period. Nymphomania A neurotic condition experienced by women who feel a compulsion to have sex with as many men as possible. Orgasm The climax of sexual excitement, usually involving rhythmic contractions of the pelvis and genital muscles, which produces highly pleasurable sensations throughout the body. In the male it is usually accompanied by ejaculation as well. These contractions occur at intervals of 0.8 seconds in both male and female and usually last less that one minute. Blood pressure, pulse and breathing rates all increase. Sixty-nine Form of oral sex in which two people perform oral sex on each other at the same time. It is so-called because the positions adopted by the couple while performing this practice resemble the figure 69 when viewed from the side. The French translation, soixante-neuf, is also used. Swinging Partner-swapping and sharing within groups of friends or associates. Swinging may involve singles or couples having sex play in pairs or groups, in front of each other or in private, with mutual consent and usually at the same venue. It may be arranged through swinging clubs or parties, through friends or through advertisements in specialized magazines. Vibrator Sex aid, powered by mains electricity or batteries, that vibrates rhythmically to produce sensual pleasure. Vibrators are made in a great variety of shapes but the most common are those shaped as erect penises. Some have attachments for simultaneous stimulation of the clitoris, others for use in the anus; anal vibrators are also available. Vibrators are also made in the shape of vaginas. Vibrating devices are most frequently used for masturbation on or around the genitals but they may be used to stimulate any part of the body. Voyeur A person who enjoys and becomes sexually aroused by watching others undress or engage in sexual activities.