Sex Glossary: V

vagina: Part of the female genitals; a hollow, muscular tube that extends from the external opening to the cervix.

vaginismus: A condition in which a woman’s vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten up to the point where penetration by the man’s penis is painful or sometimes even impossible.

vaginitis: Sexually transmitted disease; curable with medication.

vas deferens: Part of the male sexual organs; the tubes that carry sperm.

vasectomy: Contraceptive method in which a man undergoes sterilization via surgery of the vas deferens.

vibrator: Sexual device that provides clitoral stimulation for a woman.

vulva: The part of the female genitals that one can see; lies between the mons pubis and the anus. The outer lips are called the labia majora; the inner lips are called the labia minora.