Sexual Health Glossary (NY/NJ/CT) | Maze Women’s Health

Anorgasmia	The medical term for regular difficulty reaching orgasm after ample sexual stimulation, causing personal distress.
Arousal	Getting “turned on”: characterized by vaginal wetness; vulvar swelling; a tingling sensation; nipple erection. Objective arousal is arousal that we can measure whereas subjective arousal is based on how a woman feels.
Bioidentical hormones	The chemical makeup of the hormones exactly matches the chemical makeup of the same hormones in your body.
DHEA	A hormone that comes from the adrenal gland and is also made in the brain. It leads to the production of male (androgens) and female (estrogens) hormones.
Estrogen	“The woman’s hormone” primarily responsible for the growth and development of the sexual characteristics of a woman as well as the well-being of the woman’s overall functioning.
Estrogen Therapy	Referred to as HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) can be an effective treatment for women suffering from severe menopausal symptoms.
G-Spot	Named after Dr. Gafenberg, it is an area of potential sensation on the roof toward the front of the vagina.
Hormones	Regulate our growth, brain functioning, metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, and moods.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) (AKA Low Desire; Low Libido)	A deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Not wanting to have sex.
Hysterectomy	Term for a surgical operation to remove all or part of the uterus.
Libido	Term for sex drive, a person’s overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity.
Local Estrogen Therapy	This form of estrogen is used only in the vulvar and vaginal area when a woman starts to experience pain or severe vaginal dryness.
Low Hormones	Hormonal shifts may influence our sexual functions and desire, and affect our food, temperature, appetite, sleep patterns, memory, and general mental health.
Menopause	A normal condition that all women experience as they age, and may be characterized by a wide range of symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, memory loss, low sex drive, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and depression. Some women experience transient and mild symptoms whereas others suffer severe symptoms which interfere with quality of life.
Orgasm	The word used to describe the intense sensation experienced at the peak of sexual excitement. The feeling has been likened to “a sneeze”. 70% of women do not have orgasms from vaginal penetration alone. Orgasms vary in intensity and the amount of stimulation needed to trigger one. They often change with age, and medical issues, and are also affected by certain medications.
Progesterone	The hormone that protects the uterine lining from estrogen-induced overgrowth.
Sexual Dysfunction	Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem occurring during any phase of the sexual response cycle preventing the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. Types of sexual dysfunction include desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasm disorders, and pain disorders.
Systemic Estrogen	Estrogen taken in a dose which affects a woman’s entire body – usually referred to as HRT.
Testosterone	Hormone typically thought of as a male hormone but lower levels may also be critical to a woman’s health and well-being.

Looking for More Resources?