Abstinence - to refrain from something; to not engage in something; the choice not to do drugs or alcohol; the choice not to have sexual intercourse.

Abuse- Using something wrongly; misuse; overdo.

Alcohol and Drugs- Impairs thought process and decision making skills; suppresses the immune system; increases the risk of HIV/HCV infection.

Anal Intercourse- Inserting the penis into the anus of the sexual partner.

Denial- A refusal to believe or accept what has been proven to be true; not admitting to having participated in risky behaviors.

Genitals - The sexual organs; vagina or penis.

Intercourse- Verbal exchange; Social interaction; penetrative sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia.

Masturbation - self stimulation of one’s own genitals; a natural response to the human sex drive.

Monogamous- long term (years) sexual relationship in which both partners are faithful and committed to their sexual health and well being.

Multiple Sexual Partners - more than one sexual partner in a lifetime.

Oral Sex- using the mouth on the penis, vagina or anus of a sexual partner.

Risk Behavior- an act or action that can harm a person’s health or cause an HIV/HCV infection.

STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) - any disease or infection that is transferred from one person to another during sexual activity. HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HCV and Herpes are all examples.  Although there is treatment and cures for Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, HIV, and Herpes are not curable.

Semen- clear or whitish fluid seeped or ejaculated from the penis that contains sperm, white blood cells and HIV/HCV in an infected male.

Vaginal Fluid – Daily discharge; fluid produced by the female genitals that provides protective moisture for sexual intercourse; orgasmic fluid and contains HIV/HCV in an infected female.

Vaginal Sex - inserting the penis into the vagina; vagina to vagina contact.

Virginity- Having never engaged in oral, anal or vaginal sex.